Security consultant
Also known as: security specialist, security manager, security supervisor, security chief, security advisor, security expert
About this occupation
Security consultants provide security services to clients and individuals that help them preventing, planning and mitigating threats such as terrorism, espionage, theft, and violence to their organisation, including the buildings, operations, and employees. The services they provide depend on their clients' security needs and requirements and may include services such as threat analysis, security risk management, security programme development.
A specialisation of security guard.
Essential skills and knowledge
- security threats
- ensure public safety and security
- consultation methods
- use consulting techniques
- identify terrorism threats
- write security reports
- identify security threats
- assess risks of clients' assets
- advise on strengthening security
- ensure law application
- maintain customer service
- liaise with security authorities
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Security Managers (O*NET 11-3013.01). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Develop budgets for security operations.
- Identify, investigate, or resolve security breaches.
- Plan, direct, or coordinate security activities to safeguard company employees, guests, or others on company property.
- Direct or participate in emergency management and contingency planning.
- Respond to medical emergencies, bomb threats, fire alarms, or intrusion alarms, following emergency response procedures.
- Analyze and evaluate security operations to identify risks or opportunities for improvement through auditing, review, or assessment.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making, Speaking, Monitoring
US median pay: US$106,660 a year (2025), 156,180 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (4.2)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.5)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.5)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Security Management Specialists
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
- Compliance Managers
- Security Guards
- Emergency Management Directors
- Management Analysts
- Business Continuity Planners
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
- Facilities Managers
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.