ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Close Protection Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pinkerton

Executive Protection Agent

Milpitas, CA

$60/hr

Provide close protection and related protective support for the client and/or family members during ... Coordinate closely with the Executive Driver and local resources, as required, to support secure ...

Pinkerton

Executive Protection Agent

Milpitas, CA

$60/hr

Provide close protection and related protective support for the client and/or family members during ... Coordinate closely with the Executive Driver and local resources, as required, to support secure ...

anduril

Executive Protection Manager

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

Provide hands-on protection services as needed, including close protection and secure ... Valid driver's license and clean driving record * Ability to obtain and maintain relevant security ...

Pinkerton

Executive Protection Agent

Milpitas, CA

$60/hr

Provide close protection and related protective support for the client and/or family members during ... Coordinate closely with the Executive Driver and local resources, as required, to support secure ...

Keelson Strategic

Executive Protection Agent

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$145K/yr

Provide close protection to Principals at various venues, events, business meetings, personal trips ... A Valid United States Driver's License * Current Passport with more than six months expiration

Keelson Strategic

Executive Protection Agent

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$145K/yr

Provide close protection to Principals at various venues, events, business meetings, personal trips ... A Valid United States Driver's License * Current Passport with more than six months expiration

anduril

Executive Protection Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$160K - $211K/yr

Provide hands-on protection services as needed, including close protection and secure ... Valid driver's license and clean driving record * Ability to obtain and maintain relevant security ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsClose Protection Driver JobsClose Protection Driver Jobs in California

Close Protection Driver information

See California salary details

$12

$23

$45

How much do close protection driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 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 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 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 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 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 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:
Close Protection Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Close Protection Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,057 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Part-Time Executive Protection Agent

Global Guardian

San Jose, CA • On-site

$55 - $65/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Global Guardian protects and delivers employees and families from political, environmental, and bad actor threats worldwide. We are a leading provider of emergency medical and security solutions for corporations and individuals. Our 24/7 Operations Centers in McLean, VA, and Charlotte, NC, identify, monitor, and respond to threats and emergencies with on-the-ground teams in over 100 countries. Our world-class professionals have extensive intelligence community experience, military special operations, and federal law enforcement. Founded over ten years ago by a Delta Force Sergeant Major and an Army Special Forces Colonel, we are a values-based organization focusing on a camaraderie, service, and excellence culture. We have managed crises in the worst environments in the world, and we know how to act fast to provide unmatched service for our clients. Global Guardian is an investor-backed, high-growth company that offers employees growth opportunities within the organization. 
Position Summary and Objective
The Executive Protection Agent will provide a client with physical protection, protective transportation, security, and welfare by performing armed or unarmed executive protection missions. The position will be based in a designated geographic region. This position will support the overall security team in its client coverage and entail daily transportation for the client. Most work will entail local area advances, daily transportation, and providing protective security at events, appointments, and office environments. 
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Provide close protection and other security-related duties for the client during domestic assignments.
  • Perform local area travel advances to review departures, arrivals, movements, routes, and emergency actions and ascertain threat vulnerabilities on all movements and travel.
  • Effectively operate in various professional environments to ensure safety protocols and security precautions are managed functionally for the client and surrounding persons.
  • Effectively manage client and surrounding persons to ensure safety and security precautions are maintained.
  • Respond to emergencies and perform adequate medical first aid operations.
  • Deescalate tense situations or individuals that arise during the conduct of a mission.
  • Communicate vulnerabilities or safety concerns promptly.
  • Effectively communicate with clients and management through incident reports and other administrative tools.
  • Assist with protection schedules and team assignments.
  • Operate and maintain protective, operational, and communications equipment, including a vehicle.
  • Promptly identify and escalate deficiencies/failures.
  • Prepare mission plans and submit all required reports on time, including expense and closing reports.
  • All other duties, as assigned.

Competencies and Attributes
  • Excellent verbal and written communication; second language skills preferred.
  • Basic defensive driving tactics training and experience.
  • Demonstrated experience developing relationships on assignments.
  • Ability to maintain composure with authorities, executives, clients, staff, and the public under urgency and pressure.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
 
Qualifications and Education
  • 5+ years of executive protection experience, including advanced planning, surveillance, counter-surveillance operations; International security experience preferred.
  • A high school diploma or GED; a bachelor’s degree preferable.
  • Basic medical first aid training, AED; CPR certification preferred.
  • Must be at least 21 years old and have no criminal history.
  • A valid Driver's License in the state where the job is located required.
  • California BSIS Security Guard Permit (Required)
  • California BSIS Security Exposed Weapons Permit (Required)
  • California Concealed Weapons Permit (CCW) (Required)
  • Working knowledge of the San Jose, California area.
 
Position Type, Schedule and Salary
  • Part-Time, non-exempt position.
  • 24/7 availability to the client while on a task.
  • May require domestic and international travel.
  • Salary Range: $55.00 - $65.00 per hour.
 
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Reasonable accommodation requires the physical and mental capacity to perform all essential functions effectively. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include: 
  • Exposure to stressful situations, such as challenging individuals or approaching an unauthorized area. 
  • Rapid and effective decision-making during unusual situations or emergencies. 
  • Work in environments and under conditions that require carrying authorized weapons and ammunition, using protective gear and devices, and awareness of personal safety and the safety of others. 
  • Work with multiple people of all ages and participate in physical activities and outdoor events.
  • Exposure to sensitive and confidential information. 
  • Regular computer usage. 
  • Close and distance vision and ability to adjust focus. 
  • Frequent sitting, standing, and walking may require extended periods and involve climbing stairs and walking up inclines and on uneven terrain. 
  • On occasion, perform stressful and physical activity when needed. 
  • 24/7 availability to the client while on a task.
  • Held to professional standards to maintain a high degree of moral conduct and client safety.

As part of our commitment to maintaining professional standards for our clients, we reserve the right to review publicly available online content and public information on social media platforms to ensure alignment with our company's professional standards. We do not require, nor will we ask for, access to private, non-public social media accounts or passwords.

We reserve the right to review public-facing social media profiles and online content for compliance with company professional standards. We do not require, nor will we ask for, access to private, non-public social media accounts or passwords.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Global Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran, disabled status, or genetic information. If you need reasonable accommodation regarding the application process, do not hesitate to contact HRrecruiting@globalguardian.com.

Powered by JazzHR

S6G7EFf5xr