Network security analyst vs personnel security specialist

The differences between network 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 a network security analyst and a personnel security specialist. Additionally, a network security analyst has an average salary of $81,623, which is higher than the $78,967 average annual salary of a personnel security specialist.

The top three skills for a network security analyst include network security, windows and incident response. The most important skills for a personnel security specialist are SCI, JPAS, and E-QIP.

Network security analyst vs personnel security specialist overview

	Network Security Analyst	Personnel Security Specialist
Yearly salary	$81,623	$78,967
Hourly rate	$39.24	$37.96
Growth rate	32%	32%
Number of jobs	82,954	52,507
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	6	6

What does a network security analyst do?

Network security analysts are information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for designing and implementing security measures to prevent suspicious or hostile activities on the computer and network systems for an organization. These analysts must install firewalls while working with the IT team to protect their systems against malicious attacks. They are required to perform forensic analysis on those malicious activities so that they can determine the source of the threats. Network security analysts must also communicate the state of information security to the stakeholders as well as suggesting ways to improve system security.

What does a personnel security specialist do?

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.

Network security analyst vs personnel security specialist salary

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

	Network Security Analyst	Personnel Security Specialist
Average salary	$81,623	$78,967
Salary range	Between $61,000 And $108,000	Between $49,000 And $124,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	Palo Alto, CA
Highest paying state	California	Connecticut
Best paying company	Bunge	Palantir
Best paying industry	Professional	Technology

Differences between network security analyst and personnel security specialist education

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

	Network Security Analyst	Personnel Security Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Computer Science	Criminal Justice
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	California State University - Bakersfield

Network security analyst vs personnel security specialist demographics

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

	Network Security Analyst	Personnel Security Specialist
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 84.9% Female, 15.1%	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%

Differences between network security analyst and personnel security specialist duties and responsibilities

Network security analyst example responsibilities.

Manage endpoint encryption, antivirus/anti-malware host IPS, process documentation, incident management.
Design and manage information systems security policy, implementation, and management for a globally distribute MPLS infrastructure.
Install and provide upkeep for Linux scanning, storage and group-relate web and network management servers.
Create shell scripts to generate list of all files directories ownership companywide on all UNIX and Linux systems.
Assist with NIST 800-171 compliance initiative.
Utilize ArcSight SIEM to create rules, filters and channels.

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.

Network security analyst vs personnel security specialist skills

Common network security analyst skills

Network Security, 11%
Windows, 5%
Incident Response, 4%
Switches, 3%
Linux, 3%
Tcp Ip, 3%

Common personnel security specialist skills

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

Network Security Analyst vs. similar jobs

Network Security Analyst related careers

Network Security Analyst related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Computer and Mathematical Industry
Network Security Analyst
Network Security Analyst vs Personnel Security Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs