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Head of security vs security assistant

The differences between heads of security and security assistants 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 $38,261 average annual salary of a security assistant.

The top three skills for a head of security include cloud security, security procedures and emergency situations. The most important skills for a security assistant are customer service, security clearance, and patrol.

Head of security vs security assistant overview

Head Of SecuritySecurity Assistant
Yearly salary$154,257$38,261
Hourly rate$74.16$18.39
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs92,369102,858
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 38%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
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 a security assistant do?

A security assistant is in charge of performing support tasks in a company or establishment's security department. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring alarm systems and surveillance cameras, organizing equipment such as radios and flashlights, keeping an eye on the inventory of supplies, and liaising with external and internal parties. They may also perform clerical tasks such as preparing and processing documentation, arranging requests, answering calls and correspondence, maintaining records of transactions, and handling paperwork. There are also instances where they must assist clients and employees, adhering to protocols as needed.

Head of security vs security assistant salary

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

Head Of SecuritySecurity Assistant
Average salary$154,257$38,261
Salary rangeBetween $86,000 And $276,000Between $24,000 And $59,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateConnecticutAlaska
Best paying companyBitGoInter-Con Security Systems
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between head of security and security assistant education

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

Head Of SecuritySecurity Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 38%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Head of security vs security assistant demographics

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

Head Of SecuritySecurity Assistant
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 93.6% Female, 6.4%Male, 56.4% Female, 43.6%
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, 15.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 6.1% White, 52.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between head of security and security assistant 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.

Security assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage the application for the FCL, maintain e-FCL and track clearance progress; provide CEO reports for require clearance actions.
  • Review, approve and input daily patrol logs, inspection forms, incident reports, and correspondence into the appropriate file/system.
  • Assist DHS on a contract with CBP.
  • Track employee DHS suitability status.
  • Request all supporting documents through DCII and the SMO need to properly determine access.
  • Conduct quarterly boat patrol inspections and annotates/resolve discrepancies.
  • Show more

Head of security vs security assistant 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 security assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Security Clearance, 8%
  • Patrol, 7%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Security Procedures, 5%
  • Background Checks, 4%

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