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The differences between operational security specialists and non-commissioned 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 $42,159 average annual salary of an operational security specialist.
The top three skills for an operational security specialist include customer service, security operations and patrol. The most important skills for a non-commissioned officer are combat, logistical support, and NCO.
| Operational Security Specialist | Non-Commissioned Officer | |
| Yearly salary | $42,159 | $104,839 |
| Hourly rate | $20.27 | $50.40 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 87,810 | 69,414 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 44% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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.
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.
Operational security specialists and non-commissioned officers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Operational Security Specialist | Non-Commissioned Officer | |
| Average salary | $42,159 | $104,839 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $65,000 | Between $77,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | U.S. Bank | UBS |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between an operational security specialist and a non-commissioned officer in terms of educational background:
| Operational Security Specialist | Non-Commissioned Officer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 44% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between operational security specialists' and non-commissioned officers' demographics:
| Operational Security Specialist | Non-Commissioned Officer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.7% Female, 29.3% | Male, 83.6% Female, 16.4% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 12.8% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |