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Close Protection Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pinkerton

Executive Protection Agent

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 ...

Colorwave Inc

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 10, 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.

Executive Protection Agent

Surefox North America Inc

Sacramento, CA

$55/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Surefox North America Inc is a veteran owned company that strives to create a diverse and unique culture of trained and talented individuals. We are currently seeking an experienced Full time Executive Protection Agent with high integrity and professionalism.
In your day to day role as an Executive Protection Agent, you will assist in acting as a liaison between Surefox and its clients while providing close protection for C-Level executives and their family. You will perform all duties in accordance with client policies and procedures, Surefox policies and procedures, and all state & federal regulations. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to: providing safe and secure vehicle transportation for C-Level executives and their family; responding to emergency events as well as medical & non-medical issues; providing physical security, addressing staffing deficiencies, handling client requests in a timely manner, and any other tasks assigned to you by your immediate supervisor/PM.
We are looking for someone who has exceptional multitasking skills, pays close attention to detail, and who works independently on assignments. On occasion, this position requires coordination and collaboration with supporting or adjacent teams, agencies, or vendors to ensure clients security requirements are met in a timely and professional manner. The individual selected for this role must be flexible and able to respond to dynamic situations with sound judgment as well as have the ability to perform their duties on a national and international level.
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 Rate: $55.00
Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday / Wednesday thru Sunday - 8 hour shifts
Work Location: Reno, NV

What you will do:

  • 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

  • Provide safe and secure vehicle transportation to and from designated locations for C-Level executives and their family.

  • 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

  • Conducts ongoing threat, risk and vulnerability assessments

  • Operates motor vehicles in a safe and legal manner

  • Conducts 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

  • Maintain a high level of physical fitness and personal appearance

  • Follow Executive Protection Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines

  • Comply with Surefox Policy and Procedures

  • Perform other duties as assigned

What is required:

  • LEOSA / HR218

  • 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 (Surefox will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all requirements of State and local laws, regulations or codes)

  • Must live within driving distance or be willing to relocate

  • Must have a current guard card or eligible to qualify for guard card

  • Must have a high school degree or equivalent

  • 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

  • CPR/First Aid/AED for all ages is required

  • Possess a valid and current driver license

  • Valid U.S Passport

  • A graduate of a reputable executive protection training school

Or

5+ years of corporate and high net worth executive protection experience

Or

2+ years of security experience in a high threat environment

  • 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

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