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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) ...

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 ...

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How much do close protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 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 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 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.

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 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.

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. Higher salaries are common for those working with high-profile clients or in high-risk environments, often supplemented by overtime and specialized skills such as first aid or firearms training.

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 threat assessment, first aid, and defensive tactics. Many employers also require good communication skills, physical fitness, and background checks. Certifications such as Close Protection or Executive Protection courses are often preferred.

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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,668 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Executive Protection

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Confidential
See more jobs at Confidentialexternal

$73K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Executive Protection

Los Angeles, CA

·       Low profile personal protective detail is seeking active or retired federal, state or local law enforcement personnel with a CCW (HR 218 qualified if retired) to join their expanding team

·       Resumes requested for professional, reliable, experienced law enforcement officers with 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) day and (4) day work weeks also currently available

·       (2) years corporate or private family protection experience preferred

·       All candidates will undergo an extensive background check, and only those in good moral standing within their respective department, and of calm, professional temperament, will be considered

·       If active LE, (5) years minimum of California POST-certified LE experience, or equivalent if experience is from another state or from a federal LE agency

·       If retired, (10) years minimum of California POST-certified LE experience (or equivalent), and HR 218 qualified.

·       Must be in excellent health and be physically fit to a level that meets or exceeds current law enforcement standards.

·       Candidates should be familiar with the West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City and South Bay areas

·       The ideal candidate is expected to be an independent and flexible problem solver, but work well in a small team environment

·       Candidates are required to possess a strong customer service mindset with a demonstrated ability to communicate well with all levels of company personnel and outside contacts, from executives to support staff

·       The proven ability to diplomatically resolve potentially disruptive situations is essential

·       Candidates must be discreet, and formal pre-hire NDAs are required.

·       The ability to safeguard confidential information and materials, while maintaining confidentiality in all aspects of the work environment, is required.

·       Candidates must be fully Covid-19 vaccinated and boosted with verifiable status.

o   Potential for overtime

o   Potential for domestic and international travel (Full time only)

o   Several medical, dental and vision plans to choose from (Full time only)

o   401(K) with matching up to 3% (Full time only)

o   Life insurance (Full time only)

o   STD, LTD (Full time only)