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Computer security specialist vs security administrator

The differences between computer security specialists and security administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a computer security specialist, becoming a security administrator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer security specialist has an average salary of $100,909, which is higher than the $79,564 average annual salary of a security administrator.

The top three skills for a computer security specialist include ACAS, FISMA and DOD. The most important skills for a security administrator are customer service, troubleshoot, and security procedures.

Computer security specialist vs security administrator overview

Computer Security SpecialistSecurity Administrator
Yearly salary$100,909$79,564
Hourly rate$48.51$38.25
Growth rate32%5%
Number of jobs70,18199,222
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age4243
Years of experience62

Computer security specialist vs security administrator salary

Computer security specialists and security administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer Security SpecialistSecurity Administrator
Average salary$100,909$79,564
Salary rangeBetween $72,000 And $141,000Between $54,000 And $115,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyMicrosoftGap Inc.
Best paying industryProfessionalGovernment

Differences between computer security specialist and security administrator education

There are a few differences between a computer security specialist and a security administrator in terms of educational background:

Computer Security SpecialistSecurity Administrator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorComputer ScienceBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaCalifornia State University - Bakersfield

Computer security specialist vs security administrator demographics

Here are the differences between computer security specialists' and security administrators' demographics:

Computer Security SpecialistSecurity Administrator
Average age4243
Gender ratioMale, 75.7% Female, 24.3%Male, 58.1% Female, 41.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 8.7% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between computer security specialist and security administrator duties and responsibilities

Computer security specialist example responsibilities.

  • Review and manage the security and information assurance capabilities of database applications, database structure and architecture.
  • Perform monthly IA evaluation of systems per DISA STIG guidance using approve DoD & DISA tools.
  • Conduct audits, analyze system security incidents, and recommend remediation efforts to meet DoD standards.
  • Evaluate, implement, and maintain encryption standards.
  • Perform data encryption testing for a proprietary encryption key that encrypt data at rest on platforms.
  • Perform Nessus vulnerability scans of critical enterprise servers and devices; report results to management.
    • Show more

Security administrator example responsibilities.

  • Manage updates and creation of intranet file.
  • Create, manage, and maintain corporate LAN.
  • Manage and monitor various tools and reporting tools relating to security and encryption.
  • Manage all network objects: computers, users, TCP/IP resources, printers, copier.
  • Manage staff to implement JCL procedure modifications.
  • Utilize PowerShell scripts to automate system administrative tasks.
    • Show more

Computer security specialist vs security administrator skills

Common computer security specialist skills
  • ACAS, 13%
  • FISMA, 11%
  • DOD, 10%
  • Security Policies, 10%
  • Linux, 7%
  • Incident Response, 7%
Common security administrator skills
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Security Procedures, 6%
  • Data Entry, 5%
  • Security Policies, 5%
  • SCI, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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