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Close Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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$12

$19

$26

How much do close protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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, and why are they important?

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.

Is close protection a good career?

Close protection is a security role focused on safeguarding individuals, often requiring physical fitness, situational awareness, and security training or certifications. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in security, but it also involves high responsibility, irregular hours, and potential risks. Success in this field depends on skills, experience, and adherence to safety protocols.

How much do close protection officers get paid?

Close protection officers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the level of threat they are protecting against. Salaries can vary based on the employer, certifications, and whether they work full-time or on a contract basis.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

In close protection, highly experienced bodyguards or security specialists working for high-net-worth individuals or on high-profile assignments can earn around $2,000 per day. Such roles often require specialized skills, certifications, and the ability to operate in high-pressure environments, with pay varying based on risk, location, and client demands.

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 jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

In close protection, high-level security professionals such as bodyguards for wealthy clients or executives can earn $10,000 or more per month, especially with experience, specialized skills, and sometimes certifications like first aid or firearms training. These roles often involve irregular hours, high responsibility, and working in high-pressure environments, but they do not always require a formal degree.

What are close protection officers?

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% 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.
Executive Protection Field Specialist - Prior Law Enforcement Preferred

Executive Protection Field Specialist - Prior Law Enforcement Preferred

Gavin de Becker & Associates

San Francisco, CA

$150K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Executive Protection Field Specialist

San Francisco, CA

Gavin de Becker & Associates (GDBA) protects the world's most influential and at-risk public figures. Founded in 1978 by 3-time Presidential appointee, Gavin de Becker, our firm's Protectors, Analysts, and Investigators are committed to our mission of protecting human life through the assessment, prediction, and management of violence.

GDBA's Mission: The Safety, Privacy, and Wellbeing of our Clients

A newly hired Protector in Palo Alto, CA will earn no less than $150k in their first year with GDBA.

Your Role as a Protector:

  • Threat and risk assessment: Continuously evaluating potential threats and vulnerabilities to develop mitigation strategies.
  • Advance planning: Conducting reconnaissance of locations, planning secure travel routes, and preparing emergency plans before the client arrives.
  • Close protection: Providing a physical security presence and immediate defense for the client during travel and events.
  • Crisis management: Making rapid, decisive actions during emergencies, including medical incidents, security breaches, or hostile situations.
  • Secure transportation: Arranging and providing secure transport, which includes defensive and evasive driving
  • Liaison: Coordinating with law enforcement, local authorities, and venue staff to ensure a seamless and secure operation.
  • Surveillance: Performing surveillance detection and counter-surveillance to identify and deter threats.
  • Residential protection: Monitor the property through command center technology, screening visitors and vendors, and controlling all access points to the protected site.

Who You Are:

GDBA's ideal candidate for this position possesses one or more of the following:

  • 10+ years working in a full-time certified law enforcement officer position(s). Federal, State, and Local level officers are all encouraged to apply.
  • HR-218 (LEOSA) or CA CCW eligibility is ideal.
  • 10+ years of experience conducting close protection/executive protection operations for high-net-worth clients/at-risk clients. Experience working in one of or a combination of the following environments is preferred: Residential, Corporate, Technology, or Military/Law Enforcement Protective Services Details (PSD).
  • 10+ years of Special Operations (SOF) military experience – All Branches Welcome to Apply. Unique experiences such as CIA Global Response Staff (GRS) are also highly desirable.

Hiring Process Requirements:

  • 12-Day Introductory Training Academy in San Antonio, TX
  • Be able to pass physical readiness test (Pull-ups, Push-ups, Sit-ups, 800m run)
  • Must be able to swim
  • Must be drug and nicotine free
  • Background check required
  • Must be able to obtain appropriate state firearm and security licensing

Apply