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Non-commissioned officer vs officer

The differences between non-commissioned officers and officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a non-commissioned officer has an average salary of $104,839, which is higher than the $52,506 average annual salary of an officer.

The top three skills for a non-commissioned officer include combat, logistical support and NCO. The most important skills for an officer are patrol, customer service, and public safety.

Non-commissioned officer vs officer overview

Non-Commissioned OfficerOfficer
Yearly salary$104,839$52,506
Hourly rate$50.40$25.24
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs69,414114,267
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 44%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

What does a non-commissioned officer do?

A non-commissioned officer (NCO) is responsible for maintaining peace and order during military operations and training. Non-commissioned officers' duties include leading soldiers' training for military operations, responding to the soldiers' concerns that involve their physical and mental well-being, and utilizing military equipment and tools properly while following strict regulatory procedures. An NCO is in charge of leading unit activities, performing corrective actions as needed, and coordinating closely with the troop members. A non-commissioned officer must display excellent leadership and critical-thinking skills to guide the military troop efficiently.

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.

Non-commissioned officer vs officer salary

Non-commissioned officers and officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Non-Commissioned OfficerOfficer
Average salary$104,839$52,506
Salary rangeBetween $77,000 And $142,000Between $26,000 And $103,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateAlaskaNew York
Best paying companyUBSMeta
Best paying industryFinance-

Differences between non-commissioned officer and officer education

There are a few differences between a non-commissioned officer and an officer in terms of educational background:

Non-Commissioned OfficerOfficer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 44%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Non-commissioned officer vs officer demographics

Here are the differences between non-commissioned officers' and officers' demographics:

Non-Commissioned OfficerOfficer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 83.6% Female, 16.4%Male, 63.9% Female, 36.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.5% 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 non-commissioned officer and officer duties and responsibilities

Non-commissioned officer example responsibilities.

  • Ensure assigned equipment are maintained and serviceable for accomplish all combat evacuation during OIF.
  • Provide leadership and knowledge of federal shipping and logistics regulations by managing adherence to all policies and procedures from higher headquarters.
  • Provide hazardous materials (HAZMAT) response capability for unknown or suspect CBRN incidents.
  • Ensure compliance with local state and federal EPA guidelines for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling and waste disposal.
  • Access control and CCTV monitoring.
  • Monitor CCTV system for any suspicious activities backing up the mobile unit.
  • Show more

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

Non-commissioned officer vs officer skills

Common non-commissioned officer skills
  • Combat, 14%
  • Logistical Support, 12%
  • NCO, 12%
  • Professional Development, 5%
  • Platoon, 4%
  • Training Programs, 3%
Common officer skills
  • Patrol, 19%
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Public Safety, 10%
  • Emergency Situations, 6%
  • PowerPoint, 3%
  • CPR, 3%

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