Security forces vs security patrol officer

The differences between security forces and security patrol officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a security forces has an average salary of $37,155, which is higher than the $31,673 average annual salary of a security patrol officer.

The top three skills for a security forces include patrol, law enforcement and public safety. The most important skills for a security patrol officer are patrol, customer service, and security services.

Security forces vs security patrol officer overview

	Security Forces	Security Patrol Officer
Yearly salary	$37,155	$31,673
Hourly rate	$17.86	$15.23
Growth rate	3%	3%
Number of jobs	84,298	131,574
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	-	-

Security forces vs security patrol officer salary

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

	Security Forces	Security Patrol Officer
Average salary	$37,155	$31,673
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $46,000	Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	-	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry	-	Utilities

Differences between security forces and security patrol officer education

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

	Security Forces	Security Patrol Officer
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Security forces vs security patrol officer demographics

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

	Security Forces	Security Patrol Officer
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2%	Male, 80.6% Female, 19.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 5.7% White, 57.6% 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 forces and security patrol officer duties and responsibilities

Security forces example responsibilities.

Apply first aid, life saving procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as first responder to accident and disaster scenes.
Train on performing lifesaving procedures including cardiopulmonary resuscitation in disaster scenes.
Ensure combat capability through the functions of installation security for nuclear and conventional weapon systems.
Instruct first aid and CPR classes.
Certify in use of M249, M9, M4, M203.
Enforce security measures while safeguarding USAF air craft and personal.

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 forces vs security patrol officer skills

Common security forces skills

Patrol, 20%
Law Enforcement, 14%
Public Safety, 11%
Emergency Situations, 6%
Combat, 5%
Crime Scenes, 4%

Common security patrol officer skills

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

Security Forces vs. similar jobs

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What similar roles do

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Protective Service Industry
Security Forces
Security Forces vs Security Patrol Officer

Updated January 8, 2025

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