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Head of security vs officer

The differences between heads of security and officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a head of security has an average salary of $154,257, which is higher than the $52,506 average annual salary of an officer.

The top three skills for a head of security include cloud security, security procedures and emergency situations. The most important skills for an officer are patrol, customer service, and public safety.

Head of security vs officer overview

Head Of SecurityOfficer
Yearly salary$154,257$52,506
Hourly rate$74.16$25.24
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs92,369114,267
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 38%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

What does a head of security do?

The head of security performs overall company security responsibilities, obligations, and duties, such as maintenance responsibilities, performance responsibilities, strategic development responsibilities, and direction responsibilities. They create protocols and policies needed to secure and protect sensitive information. Besides developing and implementing security procedures and protocols, the head of security also makes logistics to secure and protect copyrights, intellectual property, and many other related risks. Moreover, the head of security hires and recruits a professional talent that can build up the security.

What does an officer do?

An officer is responsible for managing the daily operations of the assigned area, ensuring its peace and security by monitoring and reporting unusual and suspicious activities. Officers are the ones enforcing strict safety protocols and procedures to maintain the order within the premises. They also coordinate with law enforcement agencies in conducting appropriate investigations for any violating cases. An officer must be highly-knowledgeable of the law policies, as well as possessing excellent leadership skills to manage the members under the officer's patrol.

Head of security vs officer salary

Heads of security and officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Head Of SecurityOfficer
Average salary$154,257$52,506
Salary rangeBetween $86,000 And $276,000Between $26,000 And $103,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCNew York, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutNew York
Best paying companyBitGoMeta
Best paying industry--

Differences between head of security and officer education

There are a few differences between a head of security and an officer in terms of educational background:

Head Of SecurityOfficer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 38%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeBusiness
Most common college--

Head of security vs officer demographics

Here are the differences between heads of security' and officers' demographics:

Head Of SecurityOfficer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 93.6% Female, 6.4%Male, 63.9% Female, 36.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 6.1% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%Black or African American, 15.2% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.6% White, 51.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between head of security and officer duties and responsibilities

Head of security example responsibilities.

  • Monitor CCTV systems, tracking software, and patrols for potential security risks.
  • Monitor campus building activity via CCTV, key control access systems and officer patrol.
  • Supervise the escort and security (to and from the establishment) of celebrity, high-profile and VIP clientele.
  • Provide personnel VIP security and professional athlete
  • Dispatch patrol officers, monitor security system, fill out daily security reports, supervise a small group of security officers.
  • Provide security guidance to internal and external customers utilizing DOD and IC regulations.

Officer example responsibilities.

  • Lead 50 2nd lieutenants, manage schedules, and ensure timely completion of missions.
  • Achieve highest ranking of Lt.
  • Manage social media (Facebook): upload pictures, post announcements/news, update information.
  • Manage base active duty populations' compliance with USAF instructions regarding proper balance of fitness level and body fat percentage.
  • Manage training for CBRN response operations including detection and decontamination equipment.
  • Manage environmental safety occupational health compliance program, full spectrum threat response and anti terrorism programs.
  • Show more

Head of security vs officer skills

Common head of security skills
  • Cloud Security, 34%
  • Security Procedures, 12%
  • Emergency Situations, 6%
  • IDS, 4%
  • Security Operations, 4%
  • Local Law Enforcement, 3%
Common officer skills
  • Patrol, 19%
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Public Safety, 10%
  • Emergency Situations, 6%
  • PowerPoint, 3%
  • CPR, 3%

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