ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Close Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Confidential

Executive Protection

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$73K - $145K/yr

... close protection experience, who work well under pressure and commonly evolving conditions · Hourly rate, DOE, above industry standard · Flexible scheduling, with (2) day minimum work weeks · (3) ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsClose Protection JobsClose Protection Jobs in California

Close Protection information

See California salary details

$12

$19

$26

How much do close protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for close protection 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a close protection officer?

To thrive as a Close Protection Officer, you need comprehensive security training, situational awareness, and often a background in law enforcement or military service, alongside appropriate licensing or certification. Familiarity with surveillance equipment, defensive driving, and communication systems is typically required. Exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safety of clients by enabling rapid, effective responses to potential threats in high-risk environments.

How much can you make doing close protection?

Close protection officers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the level of threat. High-profile assignments or specialized skills can lead to higher pay, and many professionals work irregular hours or on a contract basis.

What qualifications do you need for close protection?

To work in close protection, individuals typically need a valid security license, relevant training such as first aid and threat assessment, and often a background check. Many employers also prefer candidates with previous security or law enforcement experience and good physical fitness.

What is the difference between Close Protection vs Security Guard?

AspectClose ProtectionSecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity license, first aid, threat assessmentSecurity license, basic training
Work EnvironmentHigh-profile clients, mobile, event securityStatic locations, premises security
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, high-net-worth individualsCommercial, retail, residential properties

Close Protection and Security Guards both ensure safety but differ mainly in scope and environment. Close Protection involves safeguarding high-profile clients in dynamic settings, requiring specialized training. Security Guards typically monitor static locations like buildings or premises. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right security service for their needs.

What are some common challenges faced by close protection officers during assignments?

Close Protection officers often face challenges such as adapting quickly to rapidly changing environments, maintaining constant vigilance over long hours, and balancing the client's need for privacy with security requirements. Working in diverse locations means officers must be prepared to address unfamiliar risks, manage potential conflicts, and work discreetly while ensuring the client's safety. Effective communication and teamwork with other security professionals are essential to anticipate and respond to any threats proactively.

What is a close protection officer?

Close protection officers, also known as bodyguards, are security professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and security of individuals who may be exposed to elevated personal risk, such as celebrities, executives, politicians, or other high-profile clients. Their duties include assessing threats, planning secure routes, accompanying clients, and responding to emergencies. Close protection officers are trained in risk assessment, conflict management, first aid, and defensive tactics to minimize potential harm to their clients.
What are the most commonly searched types of Close Protection jobs in California? The most popular types of Close Protection jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Close Protection jobs in California? For Close Protection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Close Protection jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Close Protection jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Close Protection jobs? Cities in California with the most Close Protection job openings:
Close Protection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Close Protection job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% 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

Posted 5 days ago

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