Physical security specialist vs security management specialist

The differences between physical security specialists and security management specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a physical security specialist and a security management specialist. Additionally, a security management specialist has an average salary of $84,361, which is higher than the $74,038 average annual salary of a physical security specialist.

The top three skills for a physical security specialist include law enforcement, physical security and control systems. The most important skills for a security management specialist are infrastructure, azure, and linux.

Physical security specialist vs security management specialist overview

	Physical Security Specialist	Security Management Specialist
Yearly salary	$74,038	$84,361
Hourly rate	$35.60	$40.56
Growth rate	32%	32%
Number of jobs	99,888	116,343
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	6	6

What does a physical security specialist do?

A physical security specialist focuses on implementing security measures to keep establishments and people safe. Their responsibilities include installing and monitoring security alarms and systems, conducting physical inspections according to protocols, using metal detectors and other devices, screening guests and visitors, and performing regular maintenance checks on security systems to ensure its quality and efficiency. Furthermore, as a physical security specialist, it is essential to develop strategies to secure an establishment's entry and exit points, establishing guidelines and training programs for employees.

What does a security management specialist do?

Security management specialists perform security assessments for organizations. These specialists may work in fields like banking, security engineering, and health care. Their tasks are to monitor tapes to identify the sources of losses, prepare documentation for case reports, and schedule security design work. They may interview witnesses to identify the person responsible for security breaches and pursue prosecutions. Also, they are tasked to train personnel in security procedures, respond to emergencies, and recommend an improvement for security procedures.

Physical security specialist vs security management specialist salary

Physical security specialists and security management specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Physical Security Specialist	Security Management Specialist
Average salary	$74,038	$84,361
Salary range	Between $48,000 And $114,000	Between $53,000 And $131,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	New York, NY
Highest paying state	New York	New York
Best paying company	Amazon	Booz Allen Hamilton
Best paying industry	Government	-

Differences between physical security specialist and security management specialist education

There are a few differences between a physical security specialist and a security management specialist in terms of educational background:

	Physical Security Specialist	Security Management Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	California State University - Bakersfield

Physical security specialist vs security management specialist demographics

Here are the differences between physical security specialists' and security management specialists' demographics:

	Physical Security Specialist	Security Management Specialist
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 83.7% Female, 16.3%	Male, 73.3% Female, 26.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 70.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 70.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between physical security specialist and security management specialist duties and responsibilities

Physical security specialist example responsibilities.

Manage security force training plan and review, analyze, and plan security and anti-terrorism training and drills.
Develop NIST compliant information security program.
Know how in working with technical equipment like CCTV, surveillance system etc.
Monitor alarms, motion sensors, closed-circuit television (CCTV) and other security systems, equipment and devices.
Gather and prepare necessary document need to obtain building access badge such as obtain DHS clearance and take photograph.
Create exceptions to policy to allow DoD personnel to escort more than the normally allot number of guests to DoD buildings.

Security management specialist example responsibilities.

Manage all reporting and document control, responsible for all communications security (COMSEC) administrative activities and associate security requirements.
Experience in JPAS and e-Quip.
Install database software, configure and create databases.
Brief all clear employees as required by DoD.
Conduct field checkups and patrol all company sites.
Patrol, attendee observation, and provide crowd control.

Physical security specialist vs security management specialist skills

Common physical security specialist skills

Law Enforcement, 7%
Physical Security, 7%
Control Systems, 7%
DOD, 5%
SCI, 5%
Fire Protection, 4%

Common security management specialist skills

Infrastructure, 17%
Azure, 11%
Linux, 9%
Database, 8%
Security Management, 6%
DOD, 4%

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Physical Security Specialist
Physical Security Specialist vs Security Management Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

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