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The differences between safety and security officers and security guards can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a safety and security officer has an average salary of $35,427, which is higher than the $31,983 average annual salary of a security guard.
The top three skills for a safety and security officer include patrol, patients and customer service. The most important skills for a security guard are customer service, patrol, and ladders.
| Safety And Security Officer | Security Guard | |
| Yearly salary | $35,427 | $31,983 |
| Hourly rate | $17.03 | $15.38 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 133,260 | 101,728 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A safety and security officer is in charge of enforcing safety and security measures in a particular area or building. In commercial establishments, they are typically responsible for monitoring security cameras and alarm systems, patrolling areas, keeping an eye on any suspicious behavior or activity, and conducting inspections. They must also respond to distress, coordinating with law enforcement officials should the situation require. Furthermore, a safety and security officer must maintain an active communication line with fellow security officers, reporting to supervisors when complicated issues arise.
Security guards are responsible for maintaining and ensuring the peace and safety of the building they are assigned to. They ensure that everyone who enters the building has official business to be done in the building. They are also in charge of patrolling and monitoring activities within the area. Security guards are also tasked to immobilize anyone who seems to pose a threat to the peace and safety of the building. They are also responsible for preventing any untoward incidences or crimes that may happen in the area. Security guards must be observant and alert to be able to succeed in their roles.
Safety and security officers and security guards have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Safety And Security Officer | Security Guard | |
| Average salary | $35,427 | $31,983 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $52,000 | Between $25,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Lakewood, WA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Columbus College of Art & Design | Basin Electric Power Cooperative |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a safety and security officer and a security guard in terms of educational background:
| Safety And Security Officer | Security Guard | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between safety and security officers' and security guards' demographics:
| Safety And Security Officer | Security Guard | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.5% Female, 20.5% | Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 5.4% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% | Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 5.3% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |