Security Professionals' Salaries Up 2 Percent in 2012

The median compensation for security professionals in the United States increased 2 percent from 2011 to $102,000, while the average annual compensation increased 14 percent to $121,000, according to the 2012 ASIS International U.S. Security Salary Survey. In addition, respondents who had a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification, administered by ASIS, for example, report a median compensation of $111,000, and an average of $130,000, 8 percent higher than the average for the survey population at large. Now in its 9th year, the survey reflects the responses of 1,438 U.S. members of ASIS International, the leading organization for security
professionals worldwide.

Other findings from the 2012 Salary Survey Results include:

* Compensation levels varied by region. Security professionals in the South Atlantic region reported the highest media compensation of $115,000 and New England posted the highest average salary of $242,000. The West North Central reported the lowest compensation with a median of $88,000 and an average of $96,000.

* Individual qualifications most closely correlated with higher compensation include (1) years in security management (44% of respondents reported more than 20 years' experience and earned a median compensation of $113,000 and an average of $134,000); (2) advanced degree (32 percent of respondent's held a master's and earned a median compensation of $116,000 and average of $138,000); and (3) certifications (57 percent of respondents held a CPP designation and
earn a median compensation of $111,000 and average of $130,000; 11 percent of respondents held a PSP and reported a median compensation of $98,000 and average of $108,000, and 5 percent hold a PCI and earned a median of $102,000 and average compensation of $117,000.

* The top three sectors in regard to average compensation are: national resources and mining at $181,000; information at $153,000; and manufacturing at $142,000. Just 10 percent of respondents work in these sectors.

* Security professionals employed by publicly traded firms reported a seven percent rise in median compensation ($117,000) over 2011 numbers, while those employed by privately held companies saw median compensation rates of $100,000. Just 15 percent of respondents worked in the public sector. Of those, the state and local levels reported the lowest median compensations-$85,000 and $88,000 respectfully, with average compensation of $88,000 and $91,000. In
contrast, those in the federal government earned a higher compensation than those in any other type of organization.

* The survey results offer salaries at the 10th percentile, median, average, and 90th percentile for each factor. All ASIS members employed in the United States were eligible to participate. The results are based on 1,438 participants who completed the survey. The survey collected data from the current and preceding years and reports out responses in
eleven industries and nine geographic regions.

* The U.S. Security Salary Survey will be available in September at the ASIS International Annual Seminar and Exhibits in Philadelphia and online at www.asisonline.org for $135 to ASIS members and $195 for nonmembers. ASIS members will have the opportunity to download a copy of the full survey at no cost in the November Digital Security Management.

Featured

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

  • Report: Cyber Attackers Continue to Turn to AI-Based Tools to Avoid Detection

    Comcast Business recently released its 2025 Cybersecurity Threat Report, a comprehensive analysis of 34.6 billion cybersecurity events detected between June 1,2024 and May 31, 2025. Now in its third year, the report offers business leaders a unique perspective into the evolving threat landscape and provides actionable insights to help organizations strengthen their defenses and align cybersecurity with business risk. Read Now

  • Axis Communications Creates AI-powered Video Surveillance Orchestra

    What if cameras could not only see the world, but interpret it—and respond like orchestra musicians reading sheet music: instantly, precisely, and in perfect harmony? That’s what global network technology leader Axis Communications set to find out. Read Now

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.