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Private security officer vs armed guard

The differences between private security officers and armed guards can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an armed guard has an average salary of $43,189, which is higher than the $31,059 average annual salary of a private security officer.

The top three skills for a private security officer include patrol, emergency situations and foot patrol. The most important skills for an armed guard are patrol, medical emergencies, and national security.

Private security officer vs armed guard overview

Private Security OfficerArmed Guard
Yearly salary$31,059$43,189
Hourly rate$14.93$20.76
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs114,85174,257
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 31%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

Private security officer vs armed guard salary

Private security officers and armed guards have different pay scales, as shown below.

Private Security OfficerArmed Guard
Average salary$31,059$43,189
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $40,000Between $31,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City-Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Inter-Con Security Systems
Best paying industry-Non Profits

Differences between private security officer and armed guard education

There are a few differences between a private security officer and an armed guard in terms of educational background:

Private Security OfficerArmed Guard
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 31%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Private security officer vs armed guard demographics

Here are the differences between private security officers' and armed guards' demographics:

Private Security OfficerArmed Guard
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 77.9% Female, 22.1%Male, 84.5% Female, 15.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 21.4% Asian, 5.4% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 6.1% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between private security officer and armed guard duties and responsibilities

Private security officer example responsibilities.

  • Certify security officer and CPR, a.
  • Provide emergency procedures, such as first aid, CPR, etc.
  • Monitor CCTV cameras to provide a safe and secure environment for all residents and guests.
  • Used CCTV monitoring to reinforce authorize personnel access, rotating camera shots as necessary for complete surveillance of the area.
  • Patrol assign area looking for suspicious activity and showing presence.
  • Maintain a standard of punctuality and dependability of attendance and retain myself cleanliness, tidiness, neatness and appropriately attire.
  • Show more

Armed guard example responsibilities.

  • Check for safety violations such as proper PPE and H2S monitors.
  • Certify cpr and a first aid, enforce rest area rules, conduct incident reports and crime.
  • Allow customers and deliveries in and out of Menards' yard.
  • Receive, inventory, and issuing of ammunition to bases and unit throughout the country.
  • Provide foot patrols, and CCTV monitoring of medical facilities, as well as lock up and access control.
  • Verify that everyone has the required PPE, such as hard hat, safety glasses, and steel toe boots.
  • Show more

Private security officer vs armed guard skills

Common private security officer skills
  • Patrol, 22%
  • Emergency Situations, 8%
  • Foot Patrol, 8%
  • Security Services, 7%
  • Surveillance Equipment, 6%
  • Vehicle Patrols, 5%
Common armed guard skills
  • Patrol, 22%
  • Medical Emergencies, 11%
  • National Security, 8%
  • Emergency Situations, 7%
  • Law Enforcement, 7%
  • Traffic Control, 7%

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