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The differences between information security analysts 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 an information security analyst and a personnel security specialist. Additionally, an information security analyst has an average salary of $98,144, which is higher than the $78,967 average annual salary of a personnel security specialist.
The top three skills for an information security analyst include incident response, risk assessments and windows. The most important skills for a personnel security specialist are SCI, JPAS, and E-QIP.
| Information Security Analyst | Personnel Security Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $98,144 | $78,967 |
| Hourly rate | $47.18 | $37.96 |
| Growth rate | 32% | 32% |
| Number of jobs | 112,818 | 52,507 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
An information security analyst is an individual who is responsible for carrying out security measures to protect the computer network and systems of an organization. Information security analysts erect firewalls and encrypt data transmissions to protect the organization's data from being inappropriately accessed or used. They must be aware of reports on computer viruses and should share this information with the management or customer. Information security analysts are also required to conduct training for all the organization's employees regarding computer security and information safeguarding.
A personnel security specialist is responsible for conducting background checks and collecting requirements for security clearance. Personnel security specialists write background check reports, coordinate with other institutions for further investigations, and determining the eligibility of candidates for clearance. They must have excellent communication and researching skills to identify and gather data suitable for employment purposes. A personnel security specialist verifies and processes information according to security procedures and protocols, providing accurate information and managing data disputes.
Information security analysts and personnel security specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Security Analyst | Personnel Security Specialist | |
| Average salary | $98,144 | $78,967 |
| Salary range | Between $71,000 And $135,000 | Between $49,000 And $124,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | The Walt Disney Company | Palantir |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between an information security analyst and a personnel security specialist in terms of educational background:
| Information Security Analyst | Personnel Security Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Most common major | Business | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Bakersfield |
Here are the differences between information security analysts' and personnel security specialists' demographics:
| Information Security Analyst | Personnel Security Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.9% Female, 27.1% | 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% |