ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Close Protection Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

3M HEALTHCARE

Asset Protection Officer

Anaheim Hills, CA · On-site

$25 - $42.50/hr

They protect profitable sales by mitigating shortage risks, preventing theft and fraud to ensure ... Support team onboarding and learning, and close knowledge and skill gaps through training and ...

3M HEALTHCARE

Asset Protection Officer

Anaheim Hills, CA · On-site

$25 - $42.50/hr

They protect profitable sales by mitigating shortage risks, preventing theft and fraud to ensure ... Support team onboarding and learning, and close knowledge and skill gaps through training and ...

Gallo

Part-Time Executive Protection Officer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$33.75 - $45.58/hr

Onsite, Application Close Date: 08/07/2026 Sponsorship: Not Available Compensation: $33.75 - $45.58 ... A Taste of What You'll Do As a part-time Executive Protection Officer, you will play a critical ...

Gallo

Part-Time Executive Protection Officer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$33.75 - $45.58/hr

Onsite, Application Close Date: 08/07/2026 Sponsorship: Not Available Compensation: $33.75 - $45.58 ... A Taste of What You'll Do As a part-time Executive Protection Officer, you will play a critical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsClose Protection Officer JobsClose Protection Officer Jobs in California

Close Protection Officer information

See California salary details

$12

$19

$26

How much do close protection officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for close protection officer in California is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Close Protection Officer, you need advanced security training, situational awareness, risk assessment abilities, and often a background in law enforcement or the military. Proficiency with communication devices, surveillance systems, and possession of relevant licenses or certifications (such as SIA Close Protection in the UK) are typically required. Discretion, quick decision-making, and strong interpersonal skills help build client trust and effectively de-escalate tense situations. These competencies ensure the safety of clients, enable rapid response to threats, and foster professional relationships in high-risk environments.

What qualifications do I need to be a close protection officer?

To become a close protection officer, candidates typically need relevant security or law enforcement experience, a valid security license, and specialized training in protective tactics, first aid, and conflict management. Many employers also require physical fitness, good communication skills, and background checks. Certifications such as Close Protection or Executive Protection training are often preferred.

How does a close protection officer collaborate with clients and other security personnel during an assignment?

A Close Protection Officer (CPO) works closely with clients to understand their specific concerns, preferences, and routines, ensuring that personalized security plans are effectively implemented. CPOs also coordinate with other members of the security team, such as surveillance operators, drivers, and venue security staff, to maintain seamless protection coverage. Regular communication and briefings are essential, especially when traveling or attending public events, to adapt to changing circumstances and potential threats. This collaborative approach helps ensure the client’s safety while maintaining discretion and professionalism.

What is a close protection officer?

A Close Protection Officer (CPO), often referred to as a bodyguard, is a security professional responsible for ensuring the safety and security of individuals who may be exposed to elevated personal risk due to their status, occupation, or public profile. CPOs assess potential threats, plan secure routes, and provide physical protection during travel and public appearances. They often work for celebrities, politicians, business executives, or other high-profile clients and may operate alone or as part of a larger security team. Close Protection Officers must have specialized training, situational awareness, and discretion to manage security risks effectively.

What is the difference between Close Protection Officer vs Security Guard?

AspectClose Protection OfficerSecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity certifications, first aid, threat assessmentBasic security training, sometimes licensed
Work EnvironmentHigh-profile clients, mobile, event securityStatic locations like buildings, malls
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, VIP protectionCommercial, retail, industrial sites
Search & Comparison IntentProtection, threat prevention, personal safetyAccess control, property security

While both roles focus on security, a Close Protection Officer specializes in safeguarding individuals, often in mobile or high-risk environments, requiring specialized training. Security Guards typically monitor premises and control access, with less emphasis on personal protection. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right security service for their needs.

What qualifications do I need for close protection officer work?

A close protection officer typically needs relevant security or law enforcement experience, a valid security license or certification, and training in first aid, conflict management, and threat assessment. Physical fitness and good communication skills are also essential, and some roles may require specialized training such as firearms or surveillance courses.

How much do close protection officers get paid?

Close protection officers typically earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the level of threat they are assigned to. Salaries can be higher for those with specialized skills, certifications, or working in high-risk environments. Many also receive additional benefits such as overtime pay and per diem allowances.
What are the most commonly searched types of Close Protection Officer jobs in California? The most popular types of Close Protection Officer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Close Protection Officer jobs in California? For Close Protection Officer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Close Protection Officer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Close Protection Officer jobs in California are:
Close Protection Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Close Protection Officer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,668 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Close Protection Officer

Southern California Edison (SCE)

Rosemead, CA • On-site

$61.54 - $92.26/hr

Full-time

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

Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
Become a Close Protection Officer at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this job, you'll ensure the safety and security of high-profile events, individuals within the organization, including executives, board members, and other key personnel. You will utilize intelligence-driven risk assessments, threat monitoring, and strategic security measures to adopt a proactive and adaptive approach to enhance safety. You will play a critical role in safeguarding the organization's leadership and maintaining business continuity through discretion and rapid response.
As a Close Protection Officer, your work will help power our planet, reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone. Are you ready to take on the challenge to help us build the future?
Responsibilities
  • Provides physical protection to executives during travel, events, and daily activities, maintaining a low profile while ensuring safety.
  • Drives or coordinates secure transportation, including route planning, vehicle inspections, and contingency planning for emergencies.
  • Monitors surroundings for suspicious activity and employs counter-surveillance techniques to detect and deter potential threats.
  • Conducts thorough risk assessments and pre-visits to venues, hotels, offices, and travel routes to identify vulnerabilities and establish secure environments.
  • Coordinates with local law enforcement and emergency services as needed.
  • Works closely with SCE Corporate Security to align executive protection protocols with broader security strategies and physical infrastructure.
  • Maintains strict confidentiality regarding the executive's personal and professional life, travel plans, and sensitive corporate information.
  • Stays current with defensive tactics, first aid, firearms proficiency, and corporate security protocols through regular training and certifications.
  • A material job duty of all positions within the Company is ensuring the protection of all its physical, financial, and cybersecurity assets, and properly accessing and managing private customer data, proprietary information, confidential medical records, and other types of highly sensitive information and data with the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Five or more years of experience in a law-enforcement, military, or security-related field.
  • Experience in security and protective services.
  • Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License.
  • Have a current and active CA BSIS Guard Permit and Exposed Firearm Carry Permit (or ability to obtain both within six months).
  • Possess a valid California Carry Concealed Weapons (CCW) license or LEOSA compliance.
  • Successful completion of post-offer cardiovascular-fitness and behavioral-health evaluations.
  • Ability to perform physical-fitness activities, including:
  • Passing the physical-readiness test.
  • Standing, walking, and running for extended periods.
  • Lifting and carrying an average-sized person.
  • Performing fitness drills for continuous readiness.
  • Maintaining proficiency in self-defense techniques.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Homeland Security, Security Management, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement Studies, Protective Services/Public Safety, Intelligence Studies, or a closely related field.
  • Active membership or demonstrated involvement in professional protective services or executive protection organizations, such as the Board of Executive Protection Professionals (BEPP), Executive Protection Institute (EPI), Private Security Professionals of America (PSPA), ASIS International, Nine Lives Associates (NLA), International Protective Security Board (IPSB), Corporate Executive Protection Leadership Council (CPLC), or the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP).
  • Experience providing close or executive protection to high-profile individuals, corporate executives, dignitaries, or VIPs, including advance planning and protective intelligence.
  • Advanced training or hands-on experience conducting threat assessments, route and venue advances, site surveys, and counter-surveillance operations.
  • Current certifications such as TCCC/TECC, EMT, First Aid/CPR/AED, with proficiency in emergency medical response under high-stress or hostile conditions.
  • Completion of recognized advanced close protection officer training, tactical driving, defensive tactics, or use-of-force training beyond basic state licensing requirements.
  • Proven ability to communicate clearly and professionally with principals, executive staff, law enforcement agencies, and team members while maintaining discretion at all times.
  • Demonstrated ability to rapidly assess evolving environments, make sound decisions under pressure, and adapt protective measures in real time.

Additional Information
  • This position's work mode is on-site. The employee will report to an SCE facility or in the field location. Further details of this work mode will be discussed at the interview stage. The work mode can be changed based on business needs.
  • Visit our Candidate Resource page to get meaningful information related to benefits, perks, resources, testing information, hiring process, and more!
  • Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
  • The primary work location for this position is Rosemead, CA. However, the successful candidate may also be asked to work at various locations in and out of the SCE service territory.
  • Position will require up to 60% traveling and being out in the field throughout the SCE service territory. This position will also require some travel while accompanying principals on business and personal trips.
  • This position has been identified as a NERC/CIP impacted position - Prior to being hired, the successful candidate must pass a Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA) or Background Investigation. Once hired, the candidate must complete specified training prior to gaining un-escorted access to assigned work location and performing necessary job duties.
  • This position will work an alternate schedule, including but not limited to a 3/12 work week.
  • Relocation does not apply to this position.

About Southern California Edison
The people at SCE don't just keep the lights on. Our mission is so much bigger. We're fueling the kind of innovation that's changing an entire industry, and quite possibly the planet. Join us and create a future with cleaner energy, while providing our customers with the safety and reliability they demand. At SCE, you'll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, making a real impact in Southern California and around the world.
Southern California Edison is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at AskHR@sce.com or (626) 302-3456 and select option 2.

Apply