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Close Protection Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... close protection and emergency medical support. This role combines advanced medical proficiency ... Valid driver's license and ability to be insured * Ability to legally carry a firearm and obtain ...

... close protection and emergency medical support. This role combines advanced medical proficiency ... Valid driver's license and ability to be insured * Ability to legally carry a firearm and obtain ...

... close protection and emergency medical support. This role combines advanced medical proficiency ... Valid driver's license and ability to be insured * Ability to legally carry a firearm and obtain ...

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Showing results 1-20

Close Protection Driver information

See California salary details

$12

$23

$45

How much do close protection driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for close protection driver in California is $23.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a close protection driver?

Close Protection Drivers are specialized security professionals responsible for safely transporting clients, such as VIPs, executives, or celebrities, while minimizing risk and ensuring their security. They are trained in defensive and evasive driving techniques, route planning, and threat assessment to protect clients from potential dangers like attacks, surveillance, or accidents. In addition to expert driving, they often work closely with personal security teams to coordinate logistics and maintain a high level of situational awareness during all movements.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a close protection driver?

To thrive as a Close Protection Driver, you need advanced driving skills, security awareness, and often a background in law enforcement or military, with qualifications like an SIA Close Protection license. Familiarity with armored vehicles, GPS navigation systems, and defensive driving techniques is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, discretion, and strong communication skills help you remain calm and effective under pressure. These abilities are crucial to ensuring the safety and swift evacuation of clients in high-risk or potentially hostile environments.

What are common challenges faced by close protection drivers and how are they addressed?

Close Protection Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating high-traffic areas, adapting to rapidly changing threat levels, and maintaining discretion while ensuring client safety. These challenges are addressed through rigorous route planning, ongoing risk assessment, and constant communication with the close protection team. Drivers participate in regular training to stay proficient in defensive and evasive driving techniques, and they coordinate closely with security personnel to respond swiftly to any potential threats.

What is the difference between Close Protection Driver vs Security Chauffeur?

AspectClose Protection DriverSecurity Chauffeur
CredentialsDriver's license, security clearance, defensive driving certificationDriver's license, defensive driving certification
Work EnvironmentHigh-security, client protection, often in unpredictable situationsLuxury transportation, corporate or VIP clients, routine routes
Employer & IndustrySecurity firms, private clients, government agenciesLuxury car services, corporate fleets, VIP transport

While both roles involve driving high-profile clients, a Close Protection Driver focuses on security and protection, often in unpredictable environments, whereas a Security Chauffeur primarily provides luxury transportation with an emphasis on comfort and punctuality.

Infographic showing various Close Protection Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,057 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Executive Protection Close Protection Agent

Surefox North America, Inc.

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$45.59/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Surefox North America Inc is a veteran owned company that prides ourselves on creating a diverse and unique culture of trained and talented individuals. We are currently seeking an experienced Full time Executive Protection Travel Team Member with high integrity and professionalism who can join our team here in the Bay Area.
The Executive Protection Travel Team Member is tasked with numerous functions in providing overall support and protective security and operates in a dynamic, multifaceted, and fast-paced environment. You will be working on uniquely assigned projects under the guidance of the Surefox Team Leader for our top Silicon Valley clients. The Executive Protection Travel Team Member provides observation, physical security, and overwatch to assigned clients at their residence. Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we require our Executive Protection Travel Team Member to pass a comprehensive background check and maintain an authorization within as deemed by Surefox standards. Our Executive Protection Travel Team Member are paid on an hourly basis with eligibility to earn overtime and double time pay. We are looking for someone who has exceptional observational skills and pays close attention to detail.
As we encourage veterans and candidates that are currently in the military reserve to apply, we welcome all who share the same passions for protection as we do. We are not offering visa sponsorship for this position at this time.
Base hourly $45.59
Work Schedule: 20 days on and 20 days off (HOR / CA)
Job Expectations:
Rotational scheduled - 20 days on / 20 days off
• Develop relationships with clients, facilitate collaboration, and have the ability to
influence informally across different departments within the team
• Track and report on program performance assurance and compliance requirements
within the provided guidelines
• Prepare reports on accidents, incidents, and suspicious activities
• Provide assistance to employees and create a safe and friendly environment for visitors
and clients in a professional manner
• Attend project meetings upon request to assess the security implications of proposed
changes
• Work independently and adapt to various work-paces while always maintaining a
high-level of attentiveness and energy
• Responsible for client and family safety, as well as safeguarding client assets
• Watch for unusual activity and respond immediately and safely to emergency situations
on-site
• Contact the police or fire department if and when there is an emergency
• Conduct ongoing threat, risk and vulnerability assessments
• Operate motor vehicles in a safe and legal manner
• Conduct protective advance operations
• Maintain up to date knowledge of local emergency services, routes, and points of
interest within a given area of responsibility
• Operate in a low profile, low footprint capacity
• Follow Executive Protection Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines
• Comply with Surefox Policy and Procedures
What is required:
• Must be eligible for employment within the United States
• Must be a minimum of 18 years old per state licensing guidelines
• Must be able to pass an extensive background check and drug screening
• Must live within driving distance or be willing to relocate
• Must have a current state-approved guard card or eligible to qualify for guard card
• Must have a high school degree or equivalent and meet one of the following criteria:
• A graduate of a reputable executive protection training school
• 5+ years of corporate and high net worth executive protection experience
• 2+ years of security experience in a high threat environment
• Demonstrated competence in reacting to and handling emergencies
• Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds
• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Valid CCW license or willingness and ability to obtain valid CCW and any other related
and applicable required certification within 90 days of start date
• CPR/First Aid/AED for all ages is required
• Possess a valid and current driver license
• Valid U.S Passport
• Ability to work nights and weekends as required
• Ability to work autonomously, domestically and internationally
• Advanced medical and evasive driving experience
• Have an operational understanding of today's technology across all platforms
• Strong writing and interpersonal skills
What is desired:
• Security or law enforcement related experience preferred
• Military background is a plus
• Report writing experience preferred
• Experience working with families and children in a high net worth environment
• International experience
If you share our values and are ready to build your next career, we want to hear from you!