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The differences between security assistants and security patrol officers 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 $31,673 average annual salary of a security patrol officer.
The top three skills for a security assistant include customer service, security clearance and patrol. The most important skills for a security patrol officer are patrol, customer service, and security services.
| Security Assistant | Security Patrol Officer | |
| Yearly salary | $38,261 | $31,673 |
| Hourly rate | $18.39 | $15.23 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 102,858 | 131,574 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| 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.
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 assistants and security patrol officers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Security Assistant | Security Patrol Officer | |
| Average salary | $38,261 | $31,673 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $59,000 | Between $25,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Inter-Con Security Systems | University of California, Berkeley |
| Best paying industry | Government | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a security assistant and a security patrol officer in terms of educational background:
| Security Assistant | Security Patrol Officer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between security assistants' and security patrol officers' demographics:
| Security Assistant | Security Patrol Officer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.4% Female, 43.6% | Male, 80.6% Female, 19.4% |
| 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, 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% |