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Operational security specialist vs facility security officer

The differences between operational security specialists and facility security officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an operational security specialist has an average salary of $42,159, which is higher than the $38,701 average annual salary of a facility security officer.

The top three skills for an operational security specialist include customer service, security operations and patrol. The most important skills for a facility security officer are security program, JPAS, and patrol.

Operational security specialist vs facility security officer overview

Operational Security SpecialistFacility Security Officer
Yearly salary$42,159$38,701
Hourly rate$20.27$18.61
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs87,810124,890
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

What does an operational security specialist do?

An operational security specialist performs administrative and clerical duties. You will be responsible for creating, implementing, and managing a security awareness program to address security issues. Other duties include providing support on security clearance and management, ensuring that test participants and visitors have security clearance integrity, and providing recommendations on critical security policy decisions. In addition, an operational security specialist is responsible for analyzing vulnerabilities and threats to the system and operational environments and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and security procedures.

What does a facility security officer do?

Facility security officers supervise daily security activities, enforce control, and ensure company security policies are strictly followed. They are responsible for creating a secure working environment for employees, vendors, and company visitors. They manage and monitor daily activities concerning entry and exit, video security, and other devices related to security. They also manage employee access to restricted and protected areas, review closed-circuit recordings, coordinate with management on certain security protocols and legal requirements.

Operational security specialist vs facility security officer salary

Operational security specialists and facility security officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Operational Security SpecialistFacility Security Officer
Average salary$42,159$38,701
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $65,000Between $28,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCAnchorage, AK
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyU.S. BankSMTC
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between operational security specialist and facility security officer education

There are a few differences between an operational security specialist and a facility security officer in terms of educational background:

Operational Security SpecialistFacility Security Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Operational security specialist vs facility security officer demographics

Here are the differences between operational security specialists' and facility security officers' demographics:

Operational Security SpecialistFacility Security Officer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 70.7% Female, 29.3%Male, 53.4% Female, 46.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 5.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%Black or African American, 16.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 5.7% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between operational security specialist and facility security officer duties and responsibilities

Operational security specialist example responsibilities.

  • Perform administrative duties including managing PowerPoint slides used for training.
  • Perform CCTV audits and review camera recordings for investigations.
  • Monitor entire facility using CCTV while simultaneously performing dispatch duties.
  • Maintain weapons proficiency and qualification as a function of normal security patrol and protection duties.
  • Experience working directly for commanding officers and making security recommendations to ensure the security of overall DOD operations in the area.
  • Provide personal protection for dignitaries and VIP guests while maintaining confidentiality.

Facility security officer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the application for the FCL, maintain e-FCL and track clearance progress; provide CEO reports for require clearance actions.
  • Act as FSO and primary facility POC while FSO are away, conduct security briefings and initiating certain security actions.
  • Inspect classified accounts for compliance with the security regulations and policies regarding protection of classify information and COMSEC material.
  • Receive AED and CPR certification.
  • Schedule and conduct orientation, first aid, CPR and alcohol training classes.
  • Act as central dispatcher and carefully monitor the premises through the campus CCTV system.
  • Show more

Operational security specialist vs facility security officer skills

Common operational security specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Security Operations, 13%
  • Patrol, 10%
  • Emergency Situations, 6%
  • Emergency Response, 5%
  • Security Procedures, 4%
Common facility security officer skills
  • Security Program, 7%
  • JPAS, 5%
  • Patrol, 5%
  • DOD, 5%
  • NISP, 5%
  • Security Procedures, 4%

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