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The differences between security assistants and security guards can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a security assistant has an average salary of $38,261, which is higher than the $31,983 average annual salary of a security guard.
The top three skills for a security assistant include customer service, security clearance and patrol. The most important skills for a security guard are customer service, patrol, and ladders.
| Security Assistant | Security Guard | |
| Yearly salary | $38,261 | $31,983 |
| Hourly rate | $18.39 | $15.38 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 102,858 | 101,728 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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.
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.
Security assistants and security guards have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Security Assistant | Security Guard | |
| Average salary | $38,261 | $31,983 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $59,000 | Between $25,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Lakewood, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Inter-Con Security Systems | Basin Electric Power Cooperative |
| Best paying industry | Government | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a security assistant and a security guard in terms of educational background:
| Security Assistant | Security Guard | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between security assistants' and security guards' demographics:
| Security Assistant | Security Guard | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.4% Female, 43.6% | Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 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% |