Personnel security assistant vs human resources clerk

The differences between personnel security assistants and human resources clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a personnel security assistant and a human resources clerk. Additionally, a human resources clerk has an average salary of $35,149, which is higher than the $33,406 average annual salary of a personnel security assistant.

The top three skills for a personnel security assistant include pips, data entry and JPAS. The most important skills for a human resources clerk are data entry, customer service, and background checks.

Personnel security assistant vs human resources clerk overview

	Personnel Security Assistant	Human Resources Clerk
Yearly salary	$33,406	$35,149
Hourly rate	$16.06	$16.90
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	44,808	107,374
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a personnel security assistant do?

A Personnel Security Assistant supports and conducts activities related to personnel security. They update the top management when there is a need for further security documentation processing or returned for more information. After receiving the HR offer letter, personnel security assistants prepare personnel security documents and keep them. These professionals monitor clearance eligibility, processing time, investigation, and reports using the electronic case management system. Also, create, revise, disseminate, and track the cleared personnel's security awareness training.

What does a human resources clerk do?

A human resources clerk's role focuses on assisting in the hiring process within a company or organization. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around posting hiring notices on various platforms, handling job applications, arranging schedules and appointments for interviews, verifying requirements, and responding to calls and inquiries. Besides participating in the hiring process, a human resources clerk also has administrative duties such as maintaining employee information and records, producing progress reports, processing paperwork, and assisting newly hired employees. This is all done in adherence to a company's policies and regulations.

Personnel security assistant vs human resources clerk salary

Personnel security assistants and human resources clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Personnel Security Assistant	Human Resources Clerk
Average salary	$33,406	$35,149
Salary range	Between $22,000 And $50,000	Between $27,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City	-	Auburn, NY
Highest paying state	-	Oregon
Best paying company	-	University of Massachusetts Boston
Best paying industry	-	Government

Differences between personnel security assistant and human resources clerk education

There are a few differences between a personnel security assistant and a human resources clerk in terms of educational background:

	Personnel Security Assistant	Human Resources Clerk
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	Western Carolina University	University of Pennsylvania

Personnel security assistant vs human resources clerk demographics

Here are the differences between personnel security assistants' and human resources clerks' demographics:

	Personnel Security Assistant	Human Resources Clerk
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2%	Male, 15.0% Female, 85.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 17.8% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 9.1% White, 53.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	15%	15%

Differences between personnel security assistant and human resources clerk duties and responsibilities

Personnel security assistant example responsibilities.

Manage multiple security programs and systems in accordance with NISPOM, DCID, M1 and JAFAN guidance.
Prepare and transmit review personnel security packages to appropriate investigative agencies such as OPM and/or DHS headquarters.
Assist in performance of security checks with NADDIS, NCIC & NLET.
Respond to all subpoenas serve by legal offices for public records requests.
Consolidate and update the records and security's management database system using JPAS software.
Verify clearance information and access for work through JPAS system for employment of US/foreign contracts stateside and overseas.

Human resources clerk example responsibilities.

Manage mail, postage, bank deposits and FedEx runs, etc.
Manage timesheets for payroll, account for all employees, and enter information into QuickBooks.
Operate TALEO software system for managing prospective and current employee application status and procedures
Enter all payroll/timekeeping information into payroll system, including leave slips for vacations, flex time, bereavement and/or FMLA.
Utilize the Kronos system to retrieve time bank information, alter hours for correction, verify accurate processing.
Track all 2nd and 3rd shift attendance by running reports in Kronos and transferring attendance data into PeopleSoft.

Personnel security assistant vs human resources clerk skills

Common personnel security assistant skills

Pips, 12%
Data Entry, 8%
JPAS, 8%
Security Clearance, 7%
OPM, 6%
Adjudication System, 6%

Common human resources clerk skills

Data Entry, 16%
Customer Service, 14%
Background Checks, 7%
I-9, 5%
HRIS, 4%
Front Desk, 4%

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Personnel Security Assistant
Personnel Security Assistant vs Human Resources Clerk

Updated January 8, 2025

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