Post job

Operational security specialist vs store protection specialist

The differences between operational security specialists and store protection specialists 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 $35,100 average annual salary of a store protection specialist.

The top three skills for an operational security specialist include customer service, security operations and patrol. The most important skills for a store protection specialist are customer service, sales floor, and professional appearance.

Operational security specialist vs store protection specialist overview

Operational Security SpecialistStore Protection Specialist
Yearly salary$42,159$35,100
Hourly rate$20.27$16.88
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs87,810118,281
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
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 store protection specialist do?

A store protection specialist is an individual who mitigates theft and fraud while maintaining a safe and secure environment for employees and customers in the store. Store protection specialists must provide visible command presence at the entrances and exits of the store as well as monitor for potential safety issues. They must practice safe behaviors in everything they do and assist the store manager in maintaining safety for everybody. Store protection specialists must also provide great customer service by greeting and smiling at them as well as answer their questions in a friendly and courteous manner.

Operational security specialist vs store protection specialist salary

Operational security specialists and store protection specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Operational Security SpecialistStore Protection Specialist
Average salary$42,159$35,100
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $65,000Between $24,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DC-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyU.S. Bank-
Best paying industry--

Differences between operational security specialist and store protection specialist education

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

Operational Security SpecialistStore Protection Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common majorBusinessCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Operational security specialist vs store protection specialist demographics

Here are the differences between operational security specialists' and store protection specialists' demographics:

Operational Security SpecialistStore Protection Specialist
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 70.7% Female, 29.3%Male, 67.8% Female, 32.2%
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, 14.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 25.6% Asian, 5.0% White, 48.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between operational security specialist and store protection specialist 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.

Store protection specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage safety and hazmat procedures.
  • Respond to EAS alarms and conduct bag checks
  • Perform maintenance on existing CCTV and providing assistance with installation of new surveillance hardware.
  • Implement or monitor processes via CCTV surveillance monitoring equipment to reduce property or financial losses.
  • Attend fitting rooms, sell merchandise to customers using Pos systems, cash payments, checks, etc.
  • Experience working directly for commanding officers and making security recommendations to ensure the security of overall DOD operations in the area.
  • Show more

Operational security specialist vs store protection specialist skills

Common operational security specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Security Operations, 13%
  • Patrol, 10%
  • Emergency Situations, 6%
  • Emergency Response, 5%
  • Security Procedures, 4%
Common store protection specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 25%
  • Sales Floor, 20%
  • Professional Appearance, 19%
  • Store Leadership, 14%
  • Conference Calls, 11%
  • Visible Presence, 3%

Browse protective service jobs