Security agent vs unarmed security officer

The differences between security agents and unarmed security 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 $31,496 average annual salary of an unarmed security officer.

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

Security agent vs unarmed security officer overview

	Security Agent	Unarmed Security Officer
Yearly salary	$35,179	$31,496
Hourly rate	$16.91	$15.14
Growth rate	3%	3%
Number of jobs	125,019	121,723
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	High School Diploma, 42%
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 an unarmed security officer do?

An unarmed security officer is primarily responsible for securing an establishment and maintaining the safety of people within the premises. They are typically in charge of conducting patrols, monitoring surveillance cameras and alarm systems, responding to distress reports, keeping an eye on suspicious activities and behaviors, and coordinating with the law enforcement should there be any emergencies. An unarmed security officer may also assist clients and respond to inquiries, all while maintaining a safe and worry-free environment for everyone.

Security agent vs unarmed security officer salary

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

	Security Agent	Unarmed Security Officer
Average salary	$35,179	$31,496
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $52,000	Between $24,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Eagan, MN
Highest paying state	Washington	Alaska
Best paying company	Inter-Con Security Systems	Inter-Con Security Systems
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Utilities

Differences between security agent and unarmed security officer education

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

	Security Agent	Unarmed Security Officer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Security agent vs unarmed security officer demographics

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

	Security Agent	Unarmed Security Officer
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0%	Male, 65.0% Female, 35.0%
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, 16.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.8% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between security agent and unarmed security 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.

Unarmed security officer example responsibilities.

Maintain a fully stock first aid, CPR and a pack.
Check ids and contract of all rental cars going out of budget rental car.
protect client and client assets, observe and report, CPR train, first aid train ,
Patrol hospital and grounds to ensure a safe and secure environment for associates, patients and their families and visitors.
Maintain alertness during duty period.
Experience dealing effectively with de- escalating aggressive behavior in patients.

Security agent vs unarmed security officer skills

Common security agent skills

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

Common unarmed security officer skills

Patrol, 17%
Customer Service, 15%
Unarmed Security, 9%
Emergency Situations, 6%
Law Enforcement, 5%
CPR, 5%

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Security Agent
Security Agent vs Unarmed Security Officer

Updated January 8, 2025

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