Physical security specialist vs specialist

The differences between physical security specialists and specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a physical security specialist, becoming a specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a physical security specialist has an average salary of $74,038, which is higher than the $58,013 average annual salary of a specialist.

The top three skills for a physical security specialist include law enforcement, physical security and control systems. The most important skills for a specialist are patients, customer service, and work ethic.

Physical security specialist vs specialist overview

	Physical Security Specialist	Specialist
Yearly salary	$74,038	$58,013
Hourly rate	$35.60	$27.89
Growth rate	32%	10%
Number of jobs	99,888	358,433
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age	44	42
Years of experience	6	2

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 specialist do?

Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to. The actions or tasks they work on are related to their educational background or work experiences. They are usually highly skilled in specializations related to the work they are assigned to. Specialists are also highly trained on the competencies that are required of their specialty. As such, they are focused on the skills and competencies that are needed to enhance their experience in their specific field further.

Physical security specialist vs specialist salary

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

	Physical Security Specialist	Specialist
Average salary	$74,038	$58,013
Salary range	Between $48,000 And $114,000	Between $32,000 And $104,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Jersey City, NJ
Highest paying state	New York	New Jersey
Best paying company	Amazon	The Citadel
Best paying industry	Government	-

Differences between physical security specialist and specialist education

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

	Physical Security Specialist	Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	Stanford University

Physical security specialist vs specialist demographics

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

	Physical Security Specialist	Specialist
Average age	44	42
Gender ratio	Male, 83.7% Female, 16.3%	Male, 47.5% Female, 52.5%
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, 11.4% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 10.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between physical security specialist and 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.

Specialist example responsibilities.

Create, manage, and assist users with SharePoint sites.
Manage an on-site IRB and company good clinical practice (GCP) inspection.
Manage SharePoint sites by creating, editing, and customizing company sites, libraries and security.
Manage the building of accounts, assigning of static IP's, and scheduling of business class installations.
Convert servers from UNIX to Linux, all hardware diagnostics and repair including printers/plotters/desktops etc.
Follow safety procedures such as maintenance of all equipment (Telxon scanners, terminals and ladders).

Physical security specialist vs specialist skills

Common physical security specialist skills

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

Common specialist skills

Patients, 15%
Customer Service, 11%
Work Ethic, 5%
Patient Care, 4%
Exceptional Client, 4%
Troubleshoot, 4%

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Physical Security Specialist
Physical Security Specialist vs Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

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