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Executive Protection Agent Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Executive Protection Agent Hourly Rate: $50.00 - $53.00 Work Schedule: 4 days on / 4 days off Surefox North America Inc is a veteran owned company that strives to create a diverse and unique culture ...

Executive Protection Agent Location: Based in Orange County, CA, residents preferred, but open to travel-in or relocation. Job type: Full-time, with full benefits Compensation : $145,000 minimum ...

Executive Protection Agent Benefits: * Full-time, non-exempt hourly compensation ($35/hour) with amazing full benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance/AD&D/long-term disability, 401(k) ...

Executive Protection Agent Benefits: * Full-time, non-exempt hourly compensation ($35/hour) with amazing full benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance/AD&D/long-term disability, 401(k) ...

Executive Protection Agent

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$55 - $65/hr

Executive Protection Agent Global Guardian protects and delivers employees and families from political, environmental, and bad actor threats worldwide. We are a leading provider of emergency medical ...

Executive Protection Agent Surefox North America Inc is a veteran owned company that strives to create a diverse and unique culture of trained and talented individuals. We are currently seeking an ...

Posted today

Executive Protection Agent

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

Position Summary and Objective The Executive Protection Agent will provide a client with physical protection, protective transportation, security, and welfare by performing armed or unarmed executive ...

Executive Protection Agent

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$55 - $65/hr

Position Summary and Objective The Executive Protection Agent will provide a client with physical protection, protective transportation, security, and welfare by performing armed or unarmed executive ...

Executive Protection Agent

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

$58 - $60/hr

Position Summary and Objective The Executive Protection Agent will provide a client with physical protection, protective transportation, security, and welfare by performing armed or unarmed executive ...

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Showing results 1-20

Executive Protection Agent information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$92.3K

$181.6K

How much do executive protection agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive protection agent in California is $92,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $118,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an executive protection agent?

Executive Protection Agents are security professionals who specialize in protecting individuals, usually high-profile or high-risk clients such as corporate executives, celebrities, or politicians, from potential threats. Their duties often include assessing risks, planning secure travel routes, monitoring surroundings, and responding to emergencies. They work discreetly to ensure the safety and privacy of their clients, often coordinating with local law enforcement and using advanced security tactics. These agents typically have backgrounds in law enforcement, military, or private security and undergo specialized training in threat assessment, defensive driving, and emergency response.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive protection agent?

To thrive as an Executive Protection Agent, you need a background in security, risk assessment, and threat mitigation, often supported by law enforcement or military experience and specialized security training. Familiarity with security technology, surveillance systems, defensive driving, and certifications like Certified Protection Professional (CPP) are typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, discretion, communication, and decision-making under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the safety of clients, manage emergencies effectively, and maintain confidentiality in high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges executive protection agents face while working with high-profile clients?

Executive Protection Agents often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing schedules, maintaining discretion while ensuring the client's safety, and anticipating potential security threats in diverse environments. They must balance being vigilant and unobtrusive, especially when traveling or attending public events with the client. Effective communication and collaboration with other security team members, local law enforcement, and the client's staff are essential to address these challenges and ensure seamless protection.

What is the difference between Executive Protection Agent vs Security Guard?

AspectExecutive Protection AgentSecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity training, firearms certification, sometimes specialized protective trainingBasic security training, sometimes licensed depending on jurisdiction
Work EnvironmentHigh-profile clients, travel, event security, close protectionBuildings, malls, events, static locations
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, corporations, high-net-worth individualsSecurity companies, retail, public venues

Executive Protection Agents focus on safeguarding high-profile clients through close protection, often in dynamic environments, requiring specialized training. Security Guards provide general security services in static locations, with less emphasis on personal protection. Both roles are vital but differ significantly in scope and responsibilities.

Is executive protection a good career?

Executive protection is a specialized security role involving safeguarding high-profile individuals, requiring skills in risk assessment, surveillance, and emergency response. It often involves irregular hours, physical fitness, and certifications such as first aid or firearms training. The career can be rewarding for those interested in security and protection work, with opportunities in various industries and environments.

What do executive protection agents do?

Executive protection agents are responsible for ensuring the safety of high-profile individuals by assessing threats, planning security measures, and providing close protection. They often conduct risk assessments, coordinate security logistics, and may carry firearms or use surveillance tools, working in various environments and requiring specialized training and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Protection Agent jobs in California?

The most popular types of Protection Agent jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Executive Protection Agent jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Executive Protection Agent jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Executive Protection Agent jobs?

Cities in California with the most Executive Protection Agent job openings:

Infographic showing various Executive Protection Agent job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,327 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Executive Protection Agent

Keelson Strategic

Palo Alto, CA โ€ข On-site

$155K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Details:

Job Title : Executive Protection Agent

Location : Palo Alto, CA

Job Type: Full time, with full benefits

Compensation: $155,064

FLSA: Non-exempt

Schedule : 7 on 7 off, 12-hour shifts

Job Summary:
This is an unarmed Executive Protection Agent position in which the candidate will alternate between executive protection responsibilities and driving duties. The role requires both domestic and international travel. Candidates must be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment and in social settings involving high-profile public figures.

Ideal candidates will have prior experience supporting C-suite executives and the ability to integrate smoothly into that environment. Candidates must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, independence, reliability, and sound critical thinking. The position requires the ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently during solo coverage assignments. Prior EP experience on an embedded team serving a single primary client is required, while military and police experience in addition to is preferred.

Job description:

The Executive Protection Agent is tasked with numerous functions; this detail operates in a dynamic and multi-faceted environment. Below are just some of the functions and responsibilities:

  • Ensure the overall safety and security of designated Principals and their property

  • Monitoring of multiple security systems to include alarms and cameras, and competence to identify and properly act on security risks

  • Controlling access to properties and maintenance of security logs for guests, service personnel, and vendors

  • Required to drive Principals to various personal/business venues and/or additional off-site assignments

  • Demonstrate proficiency in use and proper maintenance for all equipment used in support of the protective operations program (i.e. vehicles, medical supplies, communications devices, etc.)

  • Must maintain an acceptable professional appearance

  • Must be able to communicate with the Principal's, staff, coworkers, and other third party vendors utilizing a customer service approach

  • Capable of adapting to various tasks that would be assigned outside of traditional security operations/roles

  • Ability to interact with children

  • Capable of on-the-spot critical thinking and improvisation

  • STRONG emotional intelligence and self-awareness

  • Must be comfortable in a variety of social settings, with ability to socially engineer desired outcomes

  • Must be willing to submit to pre-employment, post-accident and random drug testing as determined by management

  • Working shifts that can include days/nights/weekends/holidays/OT

  • Travel when required, both domestic and international

  • Provide close protection to Principals at various venues, events, business meetings, personal trips, etc.

  • Performing a variety of tasks around the Principal's property as required

  • Agents must maintain a positive attitude through a wide variety of situations, as well as, must conduct themselves in a manner which contribute to a positive and professional work environment

  • Conduct advance work for routes, venues, and travel trips

  • Agents must have proficient writing skills to complete detailed reports

  • Coordinate with Principal's staff and outside personnel, to facilitate seamless operations for our Principals

  • Maintain physical fitness to stand on your feet for several hours without a break, provide protective coverage during physically taxing activities including running, swimming, hiking, as well as maintain long schedules in the field.

  • Capable of responsibly engaging to an active threat against the Principal

  • Agent must be proficient in defensive tactics, in order to deescalate, or actively engage in potential threats against the Principals

  • Submitting expense receipts

  • Clocking in/out for work shifts

Position Certificates and Licenses :

  • CA BSIS Security Guard license

  • A Valid United States Driver's License

  • Current Passport with more than six months expiration

  • CPR/First Aid/AED certification for Adults, Children, and Infants

Preferred Education and Experience:

  • Associates or bachelor's degree

  • Or certification from a recognized EP school (this can be supplemented with 2+ years of relevant industry experience)

  • Graduation from a certified driving school is also preferrable, but this too can be supplemented based on experience

  • Military or Law enforcement experience is a plus

  • Proficient in the use of social media collection tools in support of protective intelligence

  • Prior RST experience a plus

  • Training in defensive tactics, counter surveillance/surveillance detection, and covert protection experience

  • Active First Responder, Paramedic or EMT certifications a plus

  • Regularly active in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, ocean sports, etc.

  • California CCW permit is a plus

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Must possess a good understanding of the latest technology in security camera systems, use of smartphones, communications, and collaboration apps

  • Must be able to work in a collaborative team environment

  • Excellent communicator with the ability to professionally and successfully converse with clients, superiors, peers, and vendors

  • Drug free; must pass a drug screening and submit to periodic screenings throughout employment

  • Specific training related to this specific detail will be provided upon hire

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to patrol the property and access areas quickly

  • Physically able to capture and detain individuals if necessary

  • Prolonged periods sitting of 5+ hours at a desk and monitoring surveillance equipment

  • Prolonged periods of standing on your feet without a break 4-5+ hours

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds at a time

  • Must be able to lift, drag a human up to 200lbs or more, if necessary

  • Must be able to bend, twist, stoop, crawl

  • Being able to respond to physical attacks, natural disasters, evacuations

  • Perform physical activities such as hiking, biking, swimming

Salary and Benefits:

  • $155,064 minimum annual compensation

  • Guaranteed overtime pay in accordance with CA state law and Federal law

  • Paid sick leave

  • Paid time off (PTO) accrual

  • Holiday pay for select holidays you work (6)

  • Company 401(k) with employer match

  • Flexible insurance plans - Medical, dental and vision

  • 100% of employee premium paid for by Keelson (plan upgradable for additional employee paid premium)

  • Generous employer contribution per family member (up to 4 family members) to help lower employee contributions for dependents that join the plan

  • Life Insurance

  • Long Term Disability

  • Short Term Disability

  • Critical Accident/Illness coverage

Employment with Keelson is at-will, meaning that you or Keelson may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice.

Keelson Strategic is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.

Keelson Strategic is licensed in the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

Private Patrol Operator # 120989