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Security assistant vs facility security officer

The differences between security assistants and facility security officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a facility security officer has an average salary of $38,701, which is higher than the $38,261 average annual salary of a security assistant.

The top three skills for a security assistant include customer service, security clearance and patrol. The most important skills for a facility security officer are security program, JPAS, and patrol.

Security assistant vs facility security officer overview

Security AssistantFacility Security Officer
Yearly salary$38,261$38,701
Hourly rate$18.39$18.61
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs102,858124,890
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

What does a security assistant do?

A security assistant is in charge of performing support tasks in a company or establishment's security department. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring alarm systems and surveillance cameras, organizing equipment such as radios and flashlights, keeping an eye on the inventory of supplies, and liaising with external and internal parties. They may also perform clerical tasks such as preparing and processing documentation, arranging requests, answering calls and correspondence, maintaining records of transactions, and handling paperwork. There are also instances where they must assist clients and employees, adhering to protocols as needed.

What does a facility security officer do?

Facility security officers supervise daily security activities, enforce control, and ensure company security policies are strictly followed. They are responsible for creating a secure working environment for employees, vendors, and company visitors. They manage and monitor daily activities concerning entry and exit, video security, and other devices related to security. They also manage employee access to restricted and protected areas, review closed-circuit recordings, coordinate with management on certain security protocols and legal requirements.

Security assistant vs facility security officer salary

Security assistants and facility security officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Security AssistantFacility Security Officer
Average salary$38,261$38,701
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $59,000Between $28,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCAnchorage, AK
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyInter-Con Security SystemsSMTC
Best paying industryGovernmentTechnology

Differences between security assistant and facility security officer education

There are a few differences between a security assistant and a facility security officer in terms of educational background:

Security AssistantFacility Security Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeBusiness
Most common college--

Security assistant vs facility security officer demographics

Here are the differences between security assistants' and facility security officers' demographics:

Security AssistantFacility Security Officer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 56.4% Female, 43.6%Male, 53.4% Female, 46.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 15.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 6.1% White, 52.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%Black or African American, 16.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 5.7% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between security assistant and facility security officer duties and responsibilities

Security assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage the application for the FCL, maintain e-FCL and track clearance progress; provide CEO reports for require clearance actions.
  • Review, approve and input daily patrol logs, inspection forms, incident reports, and correspondence into the appropriate file/system.
  • Assist DHS on a contract with CBP.
  • Track employee DHS suitability status.
  • Request all supporting documents through DCII and the SMO need to properly determine access.
  • Conduct quarterly boat patrol inspections and annotates/resolve discrepancies.
  • Show more

Facility security officer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the application for the FCL, maintain e-FCL and track clearance progress; provide CEO reports for require clearance actions.
  • Act as FSO and primary facility POC while FSO are away, conduct security briefings and initiating certain security actions.
  • Inspect classified accounts for compliance with the security regulations and policies regarding protection of classify information and COMSEC material.
  • Receive AED and CPR certification.
  • Schedule and conduct orientation, first aid, CPR and alcohol training classes.
  • Act as central dispatcher and carefully monitor the premises through the campus CCTV system.
  • Show more

Security assistant vs facility security officer skills

Common security assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Security Clearance, 8%
  • Patrol, 7%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Security Procedures, 5%
  • Background Checks, 4%
Common facility security officer skills
  • Security Program, 7%
  • JPAS, 5%
  • Patrol, 5%
  • DOD, 5%
  • NISP, 5%
  • Security Procedures, 4%

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