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Lead security officer vs head of security

The differences between lead security officers and heads of security 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 $43,560 average annual salary of a lead security officer.

The top three skills for a lead security officer include patrol, security procedures and emergency situations. The most important skills for a head of security are cloud security, security procedures, and emergency situations.

Lead security officer vs head of security overview

Lead Security OfficerHead Of Security
Yearly salary$43,560$154,257
Hourly rate$20.94$74.16
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs114,94592,369
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

What does a lead security officer do?

A lead security officer manages the members of a security team assigned to a certain shift. Lead security officers plan, organize, direct, and schedule work. They train personnel and recommend applicants for corrective action and training opportunities. It is their job to verify identification upon entry to a facility. They see to it that a secure environment for events is well-maintained. Also, they develop an execution plan and cloud strategy for the technology advisory board.

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.

Lead security officer vs head of security salary

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

Lead Security OfficerHead Of Security
Average salary$43,560$154,257
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $77,000Between $86,000 And $276,000
Highest paying CityArlington, VAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateVirginiaConnecticut
Best paying companyMicrosoftBitGo
Best paying industryStart-up-

Differences between lead security officer and head of security education

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

Lead Security OfficerHead Of Security
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Lead security officer vs head of security demographics

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

Lead Security OfficerHead Of Security
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 76.2% Female, 23.8%Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.5% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 5.5% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between lead security officer and head of security duties and responsibilities

Lead security officer example responsibilities.

  • Maintain a certificate in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Attend Supervisory/Managerial skills training, sexual harassment training, fire extinguisher training, CPR training.
  • Employ advanced police security skills and vigorous patrol techniques to observe and detect criminal activity.
  • Gather CCTV footage, employee/witness statements, and relevant documentation to support criminal proceedings against violators.
  • Maintain a standard of punctuality and dependability of attendance and retain myself cleanliness, tidiness, neatness and appropriately attire.
  • Solicit, host VIP members, clients, providing security and hospitality.
  • Show more

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.

Lead security officer vs head of security skills

Common lead security officer skills
  • Patrol, 19%
  • Security Procedures, 9%
  • Emergency Situations, 9%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Work Ethic, 7%
  • Incident Reports, 5%
Common head of security skills
  • Cloud Security, 34%
  • Security Procedures, 12%
  • Emergency Situations, 6%
  • IDS, 4%
  • Security Operations, 4%
  • Local Law Enforcement, 3%

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