Supervisors of Protective Service Workers earn $86,430 median: Pay, paths, and outlook
The median salary for Supervisors of Protective Service Workers is $86,430, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates. That translates to about $42 per hour, with the typical range running from $46,730 at the 10th percentile to $143,990 at the 90th. This is a large occupation, employing 409,310 people across the U.S., primarily in security, corrections, and fire prevention settings.
How much Supervisors of Protective Service Workers earn
The median annual wage hits $86,430, but the spread is wide. The bottom 10% earn less than $46,730, while the top 10% pull in over $143,990. The mean wage — a simple average — is $92,550. A typical hourly rate works out to $44.50 at the mean, but many supervisors are salaried and work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.
Pay depends heavily on the industry. Supervisors in federal executive branch roles earn the highest average wages, while those in local government or private security firms often land near the median. Years of experience and supervisory scope also drive variation.
- Bottom 10%: under $46,730
- Median: $86,430 ($42/hr approx.)
- Top 10%: over $143,990
- Mean: $92,550 ($44.50/hr)
Pay by state
The BLS does not publish state-level data for this occupation in its latest release. However, based on general trends, states with high costs of living and large government or security sectors — like California, New York, and Washington, D.C. — tend to pay above the national median. Lower-paying states are often in the South and rural Midwest. For the most current state rankings, consult the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tables directly.
How to become Supervisors of Protective Service Worker
Most supervisors start as line officers — police, firefighter, correctional officer, or security guard — then move up. A high school diploma is the minimum, but many employers prefer some college or an associate degree in criminal justice, fire science, or security management. Relevant certifications, such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), can boost prospects.
The path usually requires several years of experience in protective services and demonstrated leadership. Some federal and state roles demand a bachelor's degree. Licensing varies: police sergeants need peace officer certification, fire captains need Fire Officer certifications, and private security supervisors may need state security guard licensing.
- Step 1: Gain experience as a protective service worker (police, fire, corrections, security).
- Step 2: Earn certifications or an associate/bachelor's in a related field.
- Step 3: Apply for supervisory openings; internal promotion is common.
- Step 4: Complete employer-specific training and, for public safety roles, maintain state licensure.
Job outlook
The BLS projects no specific growth rate for Supervisors of Protective Service Workers from 2024 to 2034. However, overall employment of protective service workers — including first-line supervisors — is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations, driven by public safety needs and an aging population that requires more security. Competition will be strongest for openings in well-paying federal and local government agencies.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Supervisor of Protective Service Workers do?
They directly supervise and coordinate activities of protective service workers, such as police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, security guards, and parking enforcement officers. Duties include training, scheduling, evaluating performance, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Is the salary worth the stress?
The median pay of $86,430 is solid, but the job carries high stress, irregular hours, and physical risk. Many find the public service mission rewarding. For experienced supervisors in federal roles, top earnings exceed $140,000.
Do you need a degree?
A high school diploma is the minimum, but an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, fire science, or security management is common and often preferred. Certifications like CPP or CFPS strengthen your application.
Which industry pays the most?
Federal executive branch, including agencies like the TSA and federal police, pays the highest average wages. State and local government also offer competitive pay, especially in high-cost areas.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Supervisors of Protective Service Workers data.