Personnel security specialist vs information technology security manager

The differences between personnel security specialists and information technology security managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a personnel security specialist and an information technology security manager. Additionally, an information technology security manager has an average salary of $124,792, which is higher than the $78,967 average annual salary of a personnel security specialist.

The top three skills for a personnel security specialist include SCI, JPAS and E-QIP. The most important skills for an information technology security manager are NIST, risk management, and project management.

Personnel security specialist vs information technology security manager overview

	Personnel Security Specialist	Information Technology Security Manager
Yearly salary	$78,967	$124,792
Hourly rate	$37.96	$60.00
Growth rate	32%	32%
Number of jobs	52,507	120,463
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	6	6

What does a personnel security specialist do?

A personnel security specialist is responsible for conducting background checks and collecting requirements for security clearance. Personnel security specialists write background check reports, coordinate with other institutions for further investigations, and determining the eligibility of candidates for clearance. They must have excellent communication and researching skills to identify and gather data suitable for employment purposes. A personnel security specialist verifies and processes information according to security procedures and protocols, providing accurate information and managing data disputes.

What does an information technology security manager do?

An information technology security manager is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the organization's network systems to prevent unauthorized access and illegal dissemination of information from the database. Information technology security managers resolve technical issues, configure network updates, and upgrade system infrastructures to enhance optimal performance and navigation. They also install applications, inspect security breaches, and fix faulty servers to avoid system downtimes and operational delays. An information technology security manager must have excellent technical and communication skills, especially in writing reports for system findings and design networks according to business requirements.

Personnel security specialist vs information technology security manager salary

Personnel security specialists and information technology security managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Personnel Security Specialist	Information Technology Security Manager
Average salary	$78,967	$124,792
Salary range	Between $49,000 And $124,000	Between $91,000 And $170,000
Highest paying City	Palo Alto, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Connecticut	California
Best paying company	Palantir	PayPal
Best paying industry	Technology	Hospitality

Differences between personnel security specialist and information technology security manager education

There are a few differences between a personnel security specialist and an information technology security manager in terms of educational background:

	Personnel Security Specialist	Information Technology Security Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Computer Science
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	Stanford University

Personnel security specialist vs information technology security manager demographics

Here are the differences between personnel security specialists' and information technology security managers' demographics:

	Personnel Security Specialist	Information Technology Security Manager
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 39.7% Female, 60.3%	Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between personnel security specialist and information technology security manager duties and responsibilities

Personnel security specialist example responsibilities.

Implement group policies to manage domain / PC / user security.
Manage servers to include Cisco ACS (access control server), and external DNS server.
Manage multiple security programs and systems in accordance with NISPOM, DCID, M1 and JAFAN guidance.
Support all the applications deploy through the F5 LTM along with the configuration and the managing role.
Develop and manage covert CCTV program to support corporate investigations.
Develop expert working knowledge of personnel security administration activities using JPAS and E-QIP.

Information technology security manager example responsibilities.

Manage and represent RMFMC when dealing with patients and employees regarding matters of breach of privacy and / or HIPAA violations.
Manage CoBIT compliance and control self-assessment program to identify control deficiencies.
Manage the conversion to a hybrid NAS/disk/tape CommVault base backup environment resulting in decreasing backup windows and improving recovery objectives.
Create and implement security controls (encryption, inventory management), policies and procedures to ensure HIPAA compliance.
Maintain the operation in conformity with ITIL standards and practices.
Assist NASA in its compliance with relevant security standards, including NIST and FISMA.

Personnel security specialist vs information technology security manager skills

Common personnel security specialist skills

SCI, 7%
JPAS, 7%
E-QIP, 5%
DOD, 5%
Personnel Security, 5%
Government Agencies, 4%

Common information technology security manager skills

NIST, 7%
Risk Management, 6%
Project Management, 6%
Risk Assessments, 4%
Incident Response, 4%
ISO, 4%

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Personnel Security Specialist vs Information Technology Security Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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