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Close Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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) ...

PSD

Executive Protection Agent

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Provide armed and/or unarmed close protection during domestic and international assignments. * Lead counter-surveillance and protective-advance operations. * Conduct advance planning, site surveys ...

Global Guardian

Executive Protection Agent

San Jose, CA · On-site

$55 - $65/hr

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 ...

Global Guardian

Executive Protection Agent

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

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 ...

Global Guardian

Executive Protection Agent

San Jose, CA · On-site

$55 - $65/hr

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 ...

Global Guardian

Executive Protection Agent

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$58 - $60/hr

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 ...

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Close Protection information

See California salary details

$12

$19

$26

How much do close protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 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.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Close protection officers, also known as bodyguards, can earn $4,000 or more per week, especially with experience, high-profile clients, or specialized skills. These roles often require security training, certifications, and the ability to work irregular hours in high-pressure environments.

How do I become a close protection officer?

To become a close protection officer, individuals typically need to complete specialized training in security procedures, threat assessment, and first aid, often through certified courses. Many employers also require a background check, relevant licenses, and physical fitness, with some jurisdictions requiring law enforcement or military experience.

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 managing. 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 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.

Is close protection a good job?

Close protection involves safeguarding individuals, often requiring physical fitness, situational awareness, and security training. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in security, but it often involves irregular hours, high stress, and potential risks. Job satisfaction depends on personal interests and the ability to handle demanding environments.

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 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 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.
Armed Executive Protection Flex Agent

Armed Executive Protection Flex Agent

Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$60/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Allied Universal rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 2,540 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 116 rated security

Job description

Overview

Company Overview:

Elevate your security career with Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services, a global leader in security and threat mitigation. We specialize in risk consulting, executive protection, intelligence, investigations, and emergency response, offering exciting career opportunities for professionals passionate about security and safety. Join our innovative team committed to excellence in the security industry and make a meaningful impact. Explore key roles, such as executive protection agents, intelligence analysts, armed security operatives, x-ray screeners, and security consultants.


Job Description

The Flex Agent provides customized, ad hoc Executive Protection support to EPS clients, ensuring their physical safety, privacy, and overall satisfaction with services. This role requires a highly adaptable professional who can operate effectively in dynamic environments while safeguarding client schedules, minimizing disruptions, and maintaining strict confidentiality. The Flex Agent delivers a seamless, high-quality protection and service experience through strong situational awareness, sound judgment, and a client-centric approach.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Protection Services “Flex Agents” will provide the following at a high level:

  • Operational planning and Advance reporting
  • Security Driving
  • Close Protection
  • Surveillance Detection
  • Travel Support

Flex Agents must be able to:

  • Quickly build rapport with all stakeholders
  • Communicate effectively and at a high level
  • Establish trust & confidence in their ability to provide EP Services
  • Provide creative solutions & quickly adapt
  • Meet & support legal, contractual & organizational compliance requirements
  • Maintain professional relationships with all stakeholders

REQUIRED CHARACTER ATTRIBUTES

  • Drive
  • Resiliency
  • Adaptability
  • Humility
  • Integrity
  • Effective Intelligence
  • Team-ability
  • Curiosity
  • Emotional Strength
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The Flex Agent must have relevant experience in armed protective operations.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The Flex Agent must have or be able to:

  • Minimum of 4 years of Law Enforcement, Military and/or relevant armed security experience
  • Currently hold relevant Guarding, firearm and concealed handgun licenses, permits and/or credentials for the identified area(s) of operations
  • First aid, CPR & AED certification is requirred
  • Pepper Spray Certification
  • Successfully complete all required initial and ongoing EPS Executive Protection Services training programs
  • Meet and/or exceed EPS Executive Protection Physical Fitness standards & Handgun qualification(s)
  • Must have a CA BSIS Guard Card, Exposed Firearm and CA CCW

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Corporate Executive Protection experience
  • Formal handgun, medical, driving, defensive tactics / use of force & executive protection training
  • Surveillance detection training

Pay Rate

  • $60 per hour (guaranteed 12-hour shift)

Closing

Allied Universal® is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com

If you have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply or require an accommodation, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices.


Requisition ID
2026-1621659

What Allied Universal employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Allied Universal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Allied Universal® is a leading security and facility services company. We provide proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver evolving, tailored solutions that allow our clients to focus on their core business. Our excellence starts with our local leadership and local presence. Operating in more than 90 countries, our global workforce of approximately 800,000 people. Employees help to deliver our promise globally and locally: keeping people safe so our customers and communities can thrive. As we build the world's best services company, we continue to expand our footprint and infrastructure on a global and local level. In North America, we operate our business under the existing Allied Universal brand, and our international business operates under the G4S brand.

Industry

Investigation and physical security services, chemical manufacturing and real estate

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Ana, CA, US

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