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Close Protection Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Personal Protection Officer

Reston, VA

$17 - $20/hr

Provide close protection and general security support for designated personnel, ensuring safe movement and situational awareness in all operational environments. * Execute assigned security duties in ...

Personal Protection Officer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Provide close protection and general security support for designated personnel, ensuring safe movement and situational awareness in all operational environments. * Execute assigned security duties in ...

Conduct close protection activities for the principal and designated individuals, including domestic or international travel as required. * Perform threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments and ...

Conduct close protection activities for the principal and designated individuals, including domestic or international travel as required. * Perform threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments and ...

Conduct close protection activities for the principal and designated individuals, including domestic or international travel as required. * Perform threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments and ...

Part Time Executive Protection Agent

Reston, VA

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Provide close protection and other security-related functions for the client during domestic and/or international assignments; * Lead counter surveillance operations. * Perform protective advance ...

Part Time Executive Protection Agent

Reston, VA

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Provide close protection and other security-related functions for the client during domestic and/or international assignments; * Lead counter surveillance operations. * Perform protective advance ...

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Close Protection information

See Virginia salary details

$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 Virginia is $19.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $20.96 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Close Protection jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Close Protection jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Close Protection job openings:
Infographic showing various Close Protection job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,849 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Personal Protection Officer

Personal Protection Officer

Constellis

Reston, VA

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Constellis rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 101 rated security


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Personal Protection Officer (PPO) - Security Services provides comprehensive protective security and operational support in a high-threat, contingency environment. This role is responsible for the safety, security, and movement support of designated personnel, along with supporting installation security operations including rapid response, patrol activities, access control, emergency incident response, and mission-critical force protection tasks at Balad Air Base, Iraq.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

  • Provide close protection and general security support for designated personnel, ensuring safe movement and situational awareness in all operational environments.
  • Execute assigned security duties in accordance with post orders, operational directives, and mission requirements.
  • Conduct protective movements on foot or by vehicle, maintaining awareness and security positioning during travel, transitions, and site operations.
  • Operate as part of a mobile security or escort team, including lead, support, or follow vehicle roles when required.
  • Support access control operations, screening procedures, identification verification, and perimeter security activities.
  • Respond immediately to security incidents, alarms, emergencies, and hostile or suspicious activity.
  • Serve as a member of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF), Emergency Response Team (ERT), or similar rapid response unit when assigned.
  • Maintain readiness to support protective service details, including advance site preparation and route or venue security coordination.
  • Operate firearms and defensive equipment in accordance with training, policy, and applicable regulations.
  • Maintain accountability and operational readiness of assigned weapons, communications devices, vehicles, and protective gear.
  • Monitor assigned areas and report threats, hazards, violations, or irregular activity in a timely manner.
  • Prepare accurate written reports, incident documentation, and operational logs as required.
  • Support command post operations, communications monitoring, and coordination of security responses.
  • Work collaboratively with team members, supervisors, and client personnel to ensure mission success.
  • Maintain professionalism and discretion when interacting with protected personnel and other stakeholders.
  • Perform additional security-related duties as assigned to support evolving mission needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with a valid U.S. Passport.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in military, law enforcement, executive protection, protective security, or high-risk security operations.
  • At least one (1) year of experience in close protection, dignitary protection, or similar security detail assignments.
  • Valid US driver's license required.
  • Must be eligible to meet all physical fitness, medical, and deployment requirements.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required clearance or access authorization.
  • Demonstrated experience working in contingency, overseas, or high-threat environments preferred.

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