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The differences between security receptionists and security guards can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a security receptionist has an average salary of $34,748, which is higher than the $31,983 average annual salary of a security guard.
The top three skills for a security receptionist include customer service, direct visitors and ID. The most important skills for a security guard are customer service, patrol, and ladders.
| Security Receptionist | Security Guard | |
| Yearly salary | $34,748 | $31,983 |
| Hourly rate | $16.71 | $15.38 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 99,739 | 101,728 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 31% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A security receptionist is the person in charge of an entrance and is responsible for the signing in of visitors and ensuring the premises are secure. A security receptionist patrols the premises, takes phone calls, operates surveillance, and contacts the emergency departments in case of emergencies.
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 receptionists and security guards have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Security Receptionist | Security Guard | |
| Average salary | $34,748 | $31,983 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $42,000 | Between $25,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Lakewood, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Lucent | Basin Electric Power Cooperative |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a security receptionist and a security guard in terms of educational background:
| Security Receptionist | Security Guard | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 31% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Business | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between security receptionists' and security guards' demographics:
| Security Receptionist | Security Guard | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 23.8% Female, 76.2% | Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.8% Asian, 5.3% White, 53.8% 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% |