Career role

Security Manager

Security Managers lead security teams and programs. You'll manage people, budgets, and initiatives while ensuring the organization's security posture. This role balances technical knowledge with management and communication skills.

AdvancedAlso known as Information Security Manager, Cybersecurity Manager, Security Program Manager

Plan my route to this role

Why choose this role?

Natural progression for technical experts who want to lead. You'll shape security strategy, develop talent, and have broader organizational impact. Strong compensation and influence on business decisions.

Work environment

Setting: Mid to large enterprises, across all industries
Schedule: Standard business hours with occasional off-hours work
Remote work: Hybrid common, with some on-site presence expected
Experience: Senior (7+ years in security)

Education requirements

Bachelor's degree required, MBA or Master's in Cybersecurity highly valued

Key responsibilities

Manage security teams and resources
Develop and implement security strategies
Manage security budget and vendor relationships
Report security metrics to leadership
Oversee security projects and initiatives
Ensure compliance with security policies and regulations

Required skills

People management and leadershipSecurity program developmentRisk management frameworksBudget and vendor managementStrong communication and presentation

Career path

Previous roles
Senior Security Engineer Security ArchitectTeam Lead
This role
Security Manager
Time to next level: 5+ years
Next roles
Director of Security CISO VP of Security

Certifications we recommend

Our editorial picks, based on what each exam covers. They don't show how often employers ask for a certification.

Advanced1

ISACA

Advanced

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control

Shows you can identify, assess and treat IT risk and design controls, with three verified years in both risk assessment and response

Exam: $760
Study: 6-12 months

Expert2

ISC2

Expert

Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Proves five years of security experience across eight broad domains, endorsed by a peer and tested on an adaptive exam of up to 150 items

Exam: $749
Study: 6-12 months

ISACA

Expert

Certified Information Security Manager

Verifies that you can run an information security program, and ISACA checks five years of security management experience before granting it

Exam: $760
Study: 6-12 months

Annual pay

10th percentile: $108k
Median: $175k
90th percentile: $298k

Computer and Information Systems Managers (SOC 11-3021)

BLS doesn't publish figures for security managers on their own. These cover all computer and information systems managers, an occupation whose duties include maintaining processes to detect, prevent and mitigate IT security threats.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Systems Managers: Occupational Outlook Handbook (Pay) (May 2025, United States). Retrieved 2026-10-18.

Occupation outlook

Projected growth (2025–35): 15.8%
Projected openings per year: 53,500

Computer and Information Systems Managers (SOC 11-3021)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Table 1.2 Occupational projections, 2025–35, and worker characteristics, 2025 (2025–35, United States). Retrieved 2026-10-18.