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Security vs security guard

The differences between securities and security guards can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a security guard has an average salary of $31,983, which is higher than the $31,836 average annual salary of a security.

The top three skills for a security include patrol, ladders and property damage. The most important skills for a security guard are customer service, patrol, and ladders.

Security vs security guard overview

SecuritySecurity Guard
Yearly salary$31,836$31,983
Hourly rate$15.31$15.38
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs150,586101,728
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

What does a security do?

A Security's main responsibility is to keep people or an establishment safe. This responsibility is carried out by constantly patrolling a designated area and monitoring the activity within the premises. Most of the tasks involved are inspecting buildings and equipment, monitoring entry and exit points, reporting irregularities, responding to customers in distress, and other surveillance activities. The security is basically an establishment's first line of defense, this is why one must have good communication skills, keen observation and judgment, and as well as presence of mind.

What does a security guard do?

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 vs security guard salary

Securities and security guards have different pay scales, as shown below.

SecuritySecurity Guard
Average salary$31,836$31,983
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $43,000Between $25,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WALakewood, WA
Highest paying stateHawaiiHawaii
Best paying companyMicrosoftBasin Electric Power Cooperative
Best paying industryStart-upUtilities

Differences between security and security guard education

There are a few differences between a security and a security guard in terms of educational background:

SecuritySecurity Guard
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Security vs security guard demographics

Here are the differences between securities' and security guards' demographics:

SecuritySecurity Guard
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 74.9% Female, 25.1%Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 5.7% White, 55.1% 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 Percentage6%6%

Differences between security and security guard duties and responsibilities

Security example responsibilities.

  • Administer first aide as needed and CPR.
  • Practice assertive alertness and interaction with guests and staff.
  • Job require driving, walking, and climbing stairs and ladders.
  • Gain training in CPR, first aid, and defibrillator usage.
  • Check ids and make sure no patrons allow any unauthorize entries into the building.
  • Work security for big events in deadwood check ids, check for wrist bands and watch for disruptions.
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Security guard example responsibilities.

  • Assist employees with any and all concerns regarding payroll issues, insurance and requesting time off.
  • Certify in fire safety, adult/child CPR with mask and choking, adult/child a, infant CPR w/ mask and choking.
  • Distribute payroll checks to security officers.
  • Administer CPR and transport injured personnel to local medical facilities.
  • Monitor CCTV and other various intrusion detection security equipment for security issues.
  • Provide relief to other security officers while maintaining punctuality and building moral support.
  • Show more

Security vs security guard skills

Common security skills
  • Patrol, 22%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Property Damage, 8%
  • Good Judgment, 7%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Emergency Situations, 5%
Common security guard skills
  • Customer Service, 25%
  • Patrol, 17%
  • Ladders, 16%
  • Security Services, 6%
  • Emergency Situations, 4%
  • CPR, 3%

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