How to become a Security Manager

Official title: Security Manager (Non-ICT)

Manages the security functions of an organisation to ensure the safety and security of employees and facilities.

Main tasks

• Develops and implements security policies, procedures and strategies for an organisation
• Plans, manages and coordinates security activities to safeguard employees and the assets and properties of an organisation
• Implements strategies to identify, investigate and resolve security breaches
• Analyses and evaluates security operations to identify risks and improve existing procedures
• Assesses security risks, such as bomb threats, unauthorised entry and fire, and plans incident responses to mitigate the potential consequences of those risks
• Communicates security status, updates and problems using established protocols

Ways in

• University: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Government Security (PSP50316); Certificate III in Close Protection Operations (CPP31418); Certificate III in Security Operations (CPP31318); Certificate III in Technical Security (CPP30519); Certificate IV in Security Management (CPP40719); Diploma of Security Risk Management (CPP50619)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $147,940 a year
• About 68,800 people work in this job group now, and about 82,900 are projected by 2035. (+20.4%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Security Manager?

Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees; Diploma of Government Security; Certificate III in Close Protection Operations.

How much does a Security Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $147,940 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Security Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 68,800 to about 82,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Security Manager?

Not always. 53% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees; Diploma of Government Security; Certificate III in Close Protection Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Security Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04