Cryptologist vs personnel security specialist

The differences between cryptologists and personnel security specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a cryptologist and a personnel security specialist. Additionally, a personnel security specialist has an average salary of $78,967, which is higher than the $69,265 average annual salary of a cryptologist.

The top three skills for a cryptologist include top security clearance, national security and TS/SCI. The most important skills for a personnel security specialist are SCI, JPAS, and E-QIP.

Cryptologist vs personnel security specialist overview

	Cryptologist	Personnel Security Specialist
Yearly salary	$69,265	$78,967
Hourly rate	$33.30	$37.96
Growth rate	32%	32%
Number of jobs	1,469	52,507
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	6	6

Cryptologist vs personnel security specialist salary

Cryptologists and personnel security specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Cryptologist	Personnel Security Specialist
Average salary	$69,265	$78,967
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $143,000	Between $49,000 And $124,000
Highest paying City	-	Palo Alto, CA
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	Palantir
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between cryptologist and personnel security specialist education

There are a few differences between a cryptologist and a personnel security specialist in terms of educational background:

	Cryptologist	Personnel Security Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Computer Science	Criminal Justice
Most common college	Stanford University	California State University - Bakersfield

Cryptologist vs personnel security specialist demographics

Here are the differences between cryptologists' and personnel security specialists' demographics:

	Cryptologist	Personnel Security Specialist
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 69.5% Female, 30.5%	Male, 39.7% Female, 60.3%
Race ratio	Black 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, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between cryptologist and personnel security specialist duties and responsibilities

Cryptologist example responsibilities.

Perform signal analysis on various types of radio communications while accomplishing classify NSA assist tasks.
Sole admin for a 5 rack UNIX base signal collections system (BGPHES).
Operate UNIX base, automate message handling system, processing over 100K time sensitive messages per day.
Have been responsible for or assist with the preparation and submitting of clearance paperwork to NSA for clearance processing.
Patrol industrial and commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensuresecurity of doors, windows, and gates.
Provide support to combat operations.

Personnel security specialist example responsibilities.

Implement group policies to manage domain / PC / user security.
Manage servers to include Cisco ACS (access control server), and external DNS server.
Manage multiple security programs and systems in accordance with NISPOM, DCID, M1 and JAFAN guidance.
Support all the applications deploy through the F5 LTM along with the configuration and the managing role.
Develop and manage covert CCTV program to support corporate investigations.
Develop expert working knowledge of personnel security administration activities using JPAS and E-QIP.

Cryptologist vs personnel security specialist skills

Common cryptologist skills

Top Security Clearance, 51%
National Security, 27%
TS/SCI, 22%

Common personnel security specialist skills

SCI, 7%
JPAS, 7%
E-QIP, 5%
DOD, 5%
Personnel Security, 5%
Government Agencies, 4%

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Cryptologist vs Personnel Security Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

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