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Security specialist vs security supervisor

The differences between security specialists and security supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a security specialist has an average salary of $49,892, which is higher than the $41,818 average annual salary of a security supervisor.

The top three skills for a security specialist include ladders, security incidents and physical security. The most important skills for a security supervisor are patrol, customer service, and incident reports.

Security specialist vs security supervisor overview

Security SpecialistSecurity Supervisor
Yearly salary$49,892$41,818
Hourly rate$23.99$20.10
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs96,22687,236
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

What does a security specialist do?

A security specialist is responsible for maintaining the security of an organization's database, ensuring that it's free from cyber threats and unusual activities. Security specialists' duties include upgrading hardware and software applications, configuring networks to improve optimization, addressing any unauthorized access on the database, troubleshooting system discrepancies, conducting security audits on the system, and improving automated processes. A security specialist must have a strong command of programming languages and system codes, as well as broad experience with technical expertise.

What does a security supervisor do?

A security supervisor is in charge of coordinating and overseeing the security staff in a building or within a designated area. Their responsibilities focus on devising strategies, appointing personnel, and implementing protocols that would ensure the safety of an establishment, goods, and the people inside. Furthermore, they must make sure that all security devices and equipment are working correctly, create and manage schedules, monitor and evaluate every security personnel's performance, and maintain a safe environment for everyone. Should there be any incidents, it is crucial to coordinate with the police right away.

Security specialist vs security supervisor salary

Security specialists and security supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Security SpecialistSecurity Supervisor
Average salary$49,892$41,818
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $98,000Between $29,000 And $59,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew YorkMaryland
Best paying companyOktaBP America Inc
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between security specialist and security supervisor education

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

Security SpecialistSecurity Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Security specialist vs security supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between security specialists' and security supervisors' demographics:

Security SpecialistSecurity Supervisor
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 74.0% Female, 26.0%Male, 81.6% Female, 18.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.5% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 5.8% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.3% Asian, 5.5% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between security specialist and security supervisor duties and responsibilities

Security specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage firewalls in multiple locations and enclaves.
  • Manage the application for the FCL, maintain e-FCL and track clearance progress; provide CEO reports for require clearance actions.
  • Formulate security strategies in compliance with corporate and government regulations including NISPOM, DCID and ICD.
  • Provide guidance and direction to unclear personnel base on NSA security regulations.
  • Process personnel and vehicles utilizing x-ray machines, magnetometers, and administrative search techniques when necessary.
  • Follow regulations set by the NISPOM, JAFAN and ICD's.
  • Show more

Security supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Configure and change infrastructure for compliance to PCI DSS.
  • Respond to medical emergencies to provide first aid, CPR or a support as needed until medical personnel arrive.
  • Fill in bartending shifts when need.
  • Check ids of airport personal and report any suspicious behavior.
  • Used a hand hold metal detector and check ids on any personnel boarding the plane.
  • Inspect all other assign equipment to include but not limit to metal handcuffs, CPR life mask, and flashlight.
  • Show more

Security specialist vs security supervisor skills

Common security specialist skills
  • Ladders, 15%
  • Security Incidents, 12%
  • Physical Security, 8%
  • Patrol, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Security Clearance, 4%
Common security supervisor skills
  • Patrol, 14%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Incident Reports, 7%
  • Emergency Situations, 7%
  • Security Procedures, 6%
  • CPR, 5%

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