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Close Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Role The Advanced Protection Operator provides close personal protection, travel security, and risk mitigation services to designated principals, their families, and associated assets.

Specialist - Executive Protection

Hartford, CT ยท On-site

$38.13 - $76.26/hr

Provide close protection for executives during domestic and international travel. * Conduct security assessments, advance planning, and threat evaluations. * Coordinate travel security, venue ...

Successful completion of an industry-recognized executive protection or close protection course through a reputable government, law enforcement, military or private training provider. * Successful ...

Offer close protection to the Principal in a discreet manner, intervening only when absolutely necessary. * Remain constantly prepared to respond swiftly to any security incidents or emergencies.

Successful completion of an industry-recognized executive protection or close protection course through a reputable government, law enforcement, military or private training provider. * Successful ...

Specialist - Executive Protection

Hartford, CT ยท On-site

$38.13 - $76.26/hr

Provide close protection for executives during domestic and international travel. * Conduct security assessments, advance planning, and threat evaluations. * Coordinate travel security, venue ...

Executive Protection Specialist

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$42.13 - $52.67/hr

Scope of Services Close protection for executives during business, personal, and travel activities Secure ground transportation including advanced route planning and defensive driving Protective ...

Executive Protection Driver

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Offer close protection to the Principal in a discreet manner, intervening only when absolutely necessary. * Remain constantly prepared to respond swiftly to any security incidents or emergencies.

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Close Protection information

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$12

$19

$26

How much do close protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for close protection in the United States is $19.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.15 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.
More about Close Protection jobs
What cities are hiring for Close Protection jobs? Cities with the most Close Protection job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Close Protection jobs? The most popular types of Close Protection jobs are:
What states have the most Close Protection jobs? States with the most job openings for Close Protection jobs include:
Infographic showing various Close Protection job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,194 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Advanced Protection Operator

UG Solutions

Davidson, NC โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

About the Company
UG Advanced Protection provides discreet, intelligence-led protection for private principals, families, and the environments they move through. Our model is continuity-based: consistent personnel, stable leadership, and long-term relationships rather than rotating coverage. The work requires sound judgment, discipline, and the ability to operate with restraint in sensitive settings. We hire experienced professionals who value long-term responsibility over visibility.
About the Role
The Advanced Protection Operator provides close personal protection, travel security, and risk mitigation services to designated principals, their families, and associated assets. Operating as part of a coordinated protective detail, the Operator conducts advance work, threat detection, secure transportation support, and continuous environmental awareness to ensure the safety, privacy, and uninterrupted schedule of the protectee.
This role requires the ability to integrate intelligence with operations and execute security protocols with precision, discretion, and professionalism in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. The Operator must demonstrate exceptional judgment, adaptability, white-glove client-service orientation, and the ability to operate effectively in dynamic environments while maintaining a low-profile protective posture.
Location will be determined by assignment.
Core Responsibilities
  • Provide discreet close protection coverage for principals during residential, transit, workplace, travel, and public-engagement movements.
  • Conduct advance reconnaissance of venues, routes, accommodations, and event locations; identify vulnerabilities and develop contingency, evacuation, and emergency action plans.
  • Perform continuous threat assessment and surveillance detection; recognize and respond to hostile indicators, suspicious activity, and escalating situations.
  • Execute residential security assessments and support Residential Security Team (RST) operations when assigned.
  • Operate as part of a protective detail while maintaining formation discipline, communications protocols, and coordination with detail leadership.
  • Provide secure driving and motorcade support, including defensive and evasive driving techniques when required.
  • Maintain proficiency in emergency medical response, including trauma care, CPR, AED utilization, and casualty management until EMS arrival.
  • Liaise professionally with venue security, law enforcement, household staff, family office personnel, vendors, aviation partners, and event personnel.
  • Maintain readiness and accountability of assigned vehicles, communications equipment, medical kits, protective equipment, and operational gear.
  • Maintain proficiency in communications systems, tracking technologies, protective intelligence platforms, and security technologies utilized by the organization.
  • Represent the organization and client with professionalism, discretion, and exceptional customer-service standards at all times.

Required Qualifications
  • Valid state security guard license/registration (e.g., BSIS Guard Card in California, Class D in Florida) appropriate to assignment market.
  • Valid armed credential (e.g., California Exposed Firearm Permit, Florida Class G) where armed posture is required.
  • Minimum two (2) years of verifiable experience in executive protection, close protection, law enforcement, military service, or equivalent security operations.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting protective advances, secure transportation operations, and threat assessments.
  • Completion of a recognized executive protection training program.
  • Current BLS/AED and basic first aid or trauma-response certification.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and ability to be insured.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally with limited notice.
  • Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation
  • Clean criminal history consistent with armed licensing eligibility.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Professional appearance, executive presence, and sound decision-making abilities.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with executives, family members, staff, vendors, and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior military (SOF preferred), federal protective service, diplomatic security, or law enforcement background.
  • Advanced or defensive driving certification
  • EMT, TCCC, TECC, or advanced medical certification.
  • Surveillance detection and counter-surveillance training.
  • Experience supporting Residential Security Teams (RST), Family Office Security Programs, or Corporate Executive Protection Programs.
  • Multi-state licensing or eligibility and possession of a valid passport.
  • Foreign language proficiency.
  • Experience protecting high-net-worth (HNW), ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW), corporate executives, celebrities, government officials, or dignitaries.
  • Familiarity with OSINT tools, travel risk management platforms, intelligence systems, and protective intelligence methodologies.

Physical & Working Conditions
  • Ability to stand, walk, remain alert, and maintain operational readiness for extended shifts, including overnight and irregular schedules.
  • Capable of running, lifting, moving, and physically intervening to protect the principal during emergencies.
  • Work performed in varied environments, including indoor, outdoor, all-weather, residential, corporate, event, domestic, and international settings.
  • Willingness to work weekends, holidays, on-call assignments, and extended or last-minute deployments.
  • Ability to travel frequently and adapt to changing operational requirements.
  • Compliance with grooming, dress, fitness, and conduct standards appropriate to a professional, low-profile protective posture.