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Executive Protection Agent Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Executive Protection Agent information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$24.5K

$86.5K

$170.2K

How much do executive protection agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive protection agent in Columbia, SC is $86,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,700.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Is an executive protection agent a good career?

An executive protection agent is a security professional responsible for safeguarding clients, often requiring physical fitness, situational awareness, and security certifications. The career can be rewarding for those interested in security, but it involves high responsibility, irregular hours, and potential risks. Job prospects depend on experience, training, and the demand for security services in the industry.

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 do executive protection agents make?

Executive protection agents typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the level of risk involved. Higher salaries are common for agents working with high-profile clients or in specialized security environments. Many agents also receive benefits such as health insurance and overtime pay.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Executive Protection Agent jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Executive Protection Agent jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Executive Protection Agent jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Executive Protection Agent jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Executive Protection Agent jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Executive Protection Agent job openings:

Infographic showing various Executive Protection Agent job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 70% In-person, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,390 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Special Agent II/III - Investigative Services/Piedmont

State of South Carolina

Columbia, SC • On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


State Of South Carolina rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Responsibilities The S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill a Special Agent position in our Investigative Services - Piedmont Region. The ideal candidate must have a bachelor's degree, integrity, and a strong desire for public service

About SLED The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state. At SLED, we value dedication, ethical conduct, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice.

Our agency plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and supporting criminal justice efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. From advanced forensic science to homeland security, criminal investigations, and criminal justice information systems, SLED's diverse responsibilities make it one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in the state. We foster a professional work environment where teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement are fundamental.

Our employees are held to the highest standards and are given opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in South Carolina communities. Learn more about why you should join our team at www.sled.sc.gov General Responsibility: Serve as a Special Agent, participate in the detection of crime and enforcement of criminal laws; plan and conduct complete investigations of complex and administrative cases, or conduct portions of complex investigations; perform tasks supporting local law enforcement in assigned counties. Specific Duties: Conduct Investigations - Gather and develop material facts and obtain supporting information relating to the suitability and fitness of persons being considered for high public office or for employment, license or registration with SLED

Gather and develop material facts and obtain supporting information relating to violations or possible violations of state or federal law. Interview or interrogate, as appropriate, suspects, victims and witnesses to crimes or relevant matters; examine records, collect physical and documentary evidence and establish contacts with law enforcement personnel and the public. Make arrests, raids, searches and seizures; serve subpoenas and court orders; conduct surveillance of criminal suspects; and organize and manage case load.

Initiate contact with persons in a position to provide information and/or operational assistance in a matter under investigation and be responsible for controlling the assigned activities of persons who have agreed to act as an informant or confidential source. Support Local Law Enforcement - Participate in measures to prevent and/or control civil disorder and acts of violence as they may arise from labor disputes, riots or insurrection, protests or civil dissent and large gatherings of people. Participate in providing physical security for critical installations, stocks of essential supplies and vital equipment.

Participate in the evacuation of persons from areas threatened by actual or impending disaster. Perform extraditions; transport high risk prisoners; provide physical security for judges, juries and witnesses in high risk trials; assist in the sequestration of juries in high profile or capitol case trials. Participate in stakeouts for fugitives or high risk targets of anticipated crimes and in tracking, locating and apprehending fleeing suspects.

Report Information - Prepare written statements/affidavits from suspects, victims and witnesses to crimes or relevant matters. Provide oral communications concerning cases and matters for briefing, and advise other agents, supervisors, prosecutors and other officials. Draft, write and/or dictate various reports of investigation findings and prepare status reports for investigations.

Provide written or oral testimony in state or federal court as to investigative findings. Perform Administrative Tasks - Perform various administrative tasks related to training, communications, special assignments and other functional areas of responsibility. Support Program Areas - Perform various support tasks relating to programmatic duties such as uniform crime reporting, NCIC auditing, executive protection, criminal intelligence, missing person matters, regulatory services, canine training and/or marijuana eradication.

Perform related duties as required. Minimum and Additional Requirements A Bachelor's degree and four years of law enforcement experience. Must be a certified Class I Law Enforcement Officer or willing to obtain certification through the S.C

Criminal Justice Academy. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to testify in court/administrative hearings. Work environment consists of working in the field conducting interviews and in an office environment performing administrative tasks.

Must reside or be willing to relocate to one of the following counties: Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee, Union, York, Newberry, Greenwood, Abbeville, Laurens, Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens. Position is subject to overnight travel and 24-hours emergency call. Must be able to perform all of the physical requirements of a certified Class I LEO including, but is not limited to, the apprehension and arrest of criminals, including physically resistant individuals; performing investigations, inspections, search and seizures, including searching vehicles, buildings, attics, and crawl spaces; working crowd control and security during special events, including protests, marches, concerts, political rallies, and other events; working emergency response during natural disasters and other emergent crises.

Must be able to respond 24/7 as needed and able to stand post or take other law enforcement action for long periods of continuous time (12+ hours). Preferred Qualifications Investigative experience preferred. Additional Comments South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes: Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year 15 days sick leave per year 13 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation of yourself may be grounds for disqualification. Conditional selection based on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.


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About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

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