Security agent vs security patrol officer

The differences between security agents and security patrol officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a security agent has an average salary of $35,179, which is higher than the $31,673 average annual salary of a security patrol officer.

The top three skills for a security agent include customer service, patrol and emergency situations. The most important skills for a security patrol officer are patrol, customer service, and security services.

Security agent vs security patrol officer overview

	Security Agent	Security Patrol Officer
Yearly salary	$35,179	$31,673
Hourly rate	$16.91	$15.23
Growth rate	3%	3%
Number of jobs	125,019	131,574
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	-	-

What does a security agent do?

Security Agents guard the entrance and exit of a building, watching CCTV footage for unusual activities, and holding trespassers until authorities arrive. Being a security agent is usually a shift-based job and can sometimes last overnight. Security Agents must have first aid knowledge and basic skills with self-defense.

What does a security patrol officer do?

A Security Patrol Officer ensures the safety and security of the establishment under guard. The security officer ensures that all facility areas are secured, does regular patrols, routine inspections, and monitors the premises, and logs in daily reports for management to assess. The Security Patrol Officer's role is vital for the continued performance of an establishment as it prevents crime, stealing, and other heinous acts that may severely affect a company's operations.

Security agent vs security patrol officer salary

Security agents and security patrol officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Security Agent	Security Patrol Officer
Average salary	$35,179	$31,673
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $52,000	Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	Washington	Washington
Best paying company	Inter-Con Security Systems	University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Utilities

Differences between security agent and security patrol officer education

There are a few differences between a security agent and a security patrol officer in terms of educational background:

	Security Agent	Security Patrol Officer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Security agent vs security patrol officer demographics

Here are the differences between security agents' and security patrol officers' demographics:

	Security Agent	Security Patrol Officer
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0%	Male, 80.6% Female, 19.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 23.7% Asian, 5.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%	Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 23.6% Asian, 5.3% White, 52.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between security agent and security patrol officer duties and responsibilities

Security agent example responsibilities.

Respond to accidents, provide basic first aid and/or CPR and complete accident investigation reports.
Provide additional security patrol for numerous school events.
Monitor the facility using CCTV while simultaneously performing dispatch duties.
Establish efficient CCTV monitoring standards by distinguishing still cameras from controllable cameras.
Complete estate security using perimeter patrol and highly advance electronic surveillance and advance intrusion detection systems.
Maintain a standard of punctuality and dependability of attendance and retain myself cleanliness, tidiness, neatness and appropriately attire.

Security patrol officer example responsibilities.

Maintain alertness while on post.
Apply patient restraints as needed.
Certify CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and a (automate external defibrillator).
Remove stall vehicles from highway lanes to the side shoulder or a CHP designate safe area.
Respond to medical calls and provide basic first aid, CPR, or a use as needed.
Monitor CCTV operations, card access only doors and create identification badges for new employees/visitors at facility.

Security agent vs security patrol officer skills

Common security agent skills

Customer Service, 17%
Patrol, 17%
Emergency Situations, 10%
CPR, 9%
Loss Prevention, 3%
Safety Hazards, 3%

Common security patrol officer skills

Patrol, 51%
Customer Service, 23%
Security Services, 6%
Alertness, 3%
Emergency Situations, 2%
Public Safety, 2%

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Protective Service Industry
Security Agent
Security Agent vs Security Patrol Officer

Updated January 8, 2025

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