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Close Protection Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Close Protection Officer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$145K - $150K/yr

Valid and active driver's license * Valid U.S. Passport * Current and active HR 218 certification ... Close Protection certification from an accredited program (governmental or private sector)

... 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 ...

Provide armed and/or unarmed close protection during domestic and international assignments. * Lead ... Serve as primary driver or follow-car driver as assigned. * Operate vehicles safely and comfortably ...

Primary Duties & Responsibilities Provide armed and/or unarmed close protection during domestic and ... DRIVING RESPOSIBLITIES Serve as primary driver or follow-car driver as assigned. Operate vehicles ...

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Close Protection Driver information

See California salary details

$12

$23

$45

How much do close protection driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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 jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Close protection drivers can earn around $3,000 or more per month, especially with experience, specialized training, and security certifications. These roles often involve working for high-net-worth individuals or executives, requiring driving skills, situational awareness, and sometimes firearms or defensive driving training.

What are some common challenges faced by Close Protection Drivers and how are they addressed on the job?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Close Protection Driver, and why are they important?

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 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.

What are Close Protection Drivers?

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 are popular job titles related to Close Protection Driver jobs in California? For Close Protection Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Close Protection Driver jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Close Protection Driver jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Close Protection Driver job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,057 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Close Protection Officer

NBCUniversal

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$145K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Close Protection Officer

Comcast NBCUniversal is looking for a Close Protection Officer providing personal security support for senior executives as part of our Global Security Operations (GSO) team. This role will be based in Philadelphia, New York City, and Los Angeles and require periodic travel.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on security operations team member, have experience providing close protection, tactical/military or law enforcement training and be competent operating in a small security detail environment. The role requires a high degree of professionalism, polish, and confidentiality as well as a flexible schedule and a willingness to adapt to last minute assignments including weekend work. Above all, the role requires the ability to seamlessly blend in a business environment, evaluating risk, and providing behind the scenes bespoke security coverage for public facing C-Suite Executives.

Responsibilities include:

  • Close protection duties including being a lead CPO for senior executives
  • Develop and implement complete security and logistical plans for domestic and international travel for assigned executives
  • Make critical independent and on-scene operational decisions and interface with law enforcement when necessary
  • Conduct complex advance, risk assessments and site analysis prior to executive arrival
  • Creation of a Residential Security program
  • Coordinate driving services for executive while collaborating with designated security drivers
  • Liaise with law enforcement; venue security; executive protection peers; special event planners
  • Develop, in partnership with the broader GSO leadership team, crisis management protocols for the executive
  • Other GSO duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field
  • Valid and active driver's license
  • Valid U.S. Passport
  • Current and active HR 218 certification and the ability to become licensed to carry a firearm for security purposes in relevant states
  • Ability to complete and meet company standards for background and reference checks, drug testing
  • 10+ years of professional experience in law enforcement, military, corporate security, and/or a related role with executive level experience
  • Proven track record of sound decision making
  • A broad network of contacts throughout local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
  • Strong working knowledge of emerging trends of executive protection, corporate security and/or law enforcement
  • Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills, dealing effectively with all levels of management
  • Ability to build and sustain excellent relationships at multiple levels and across divisions
  • Self-motivated operator with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced and dynamic setting
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Operational experience and the ability to respond quickly to security concerns in real time
  • Must be willing to travel, as needed, and at times on short notice
  • Must be willing to be on call and available 24/7 for emergencies

Desired Characteristics:

  • Close Protection certification from an accredited program (governmental or private sector)
  • Tactical experience (SWAT, defensive tactics, CQB)
  • EMT or BLS certification
  • Tactical/Evasive driver training certification
  • International experience
  • Supervisory experience

Additional Information

Required On-Site: This position is required to be performed full-time from an NBCUniversal-designated worksite.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary: $145,000- $150,000

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.

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