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Executive Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This role is responsible for leading global executive protection and protective intelligence efforts supporting senior leadership, while proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating security ...

This role is responsible for leading global executive protection and protective intelligence efforts supporting senior leadership, while proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating security ...

This role is responsible for leading global executive protection and protective intelligence efforts supporting senior leadership, while proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating security ...

Executive Protection

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$73K - $145K/yr

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 ...

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Executive Protection information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$92.3K

$181.6K

How much do executive protection jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive protection 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 executive protection?

Executive protection is a specialized security service focused on safeguarding high-profile individuals, such as corporate executives, celebrities, or political figures, from potential threats like physical harm, kidnapping, or harassment. This service often includes risk assessments, travel security, secure transportation, and advance planning to ensure a client's safety at all times. Executive protection professionals are trained in security protocols, defensive driving, emergency response, and sometimes medical aid, allowing them to respond effectively to a variety of situations. The goal is to allow clients to carry out their daily activities with minimal disruption while maintaining the highest level of safety.

What is executive protection?

Executive protection involves providing security for corporate executives, VIPs, celebrities, and other people who need safeguarding against public threats. Increasingly, these threats are both physical and digital, and many executives require increased protection from hackers who try to steal personal information for blackmail or to expose executives and celebrities in the media. Your duties as an executive protection specialist can include performing risk assessment, testing security systems, determining which executive or persons of interest are at higher risk, and developing methods to keep them safe.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive protection professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Protection professional, you need expertise in risk assessment, security protocols, defensive tactics, and often a background in law enforcement or military service. Familiarity with surveillance technology, secure communications systems, and certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) are commonly required. Discretion, situational awareness, quick decision-making, and strong interpersonal skills are essential soft skills for building trust and responding effectively to threats. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring the safety, privacy, and confidence of high-profile clients in unpredictable environments.

What are some common challenges faced by executive protection professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Executive Protection professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing schedules, managing high-stress environments, and maintaining vigilance during extended periods. They must remain discreet while ensuring the safety of their principal, which requires excellent communication and quick decision-making. Building strong coordination with local law enforcement and other security team members is essential to address these challenges effectively and ensure seamless operations.

What is the difference between Executive Protection vs Security Guard?

AspectExecutive ProtectionSecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity licenses, specialized training, sometimes firearms certificationSecurity officer license, basic training
Work EnvironmentHigh-profile clients, private events, travelBuildings, malls, public spaces
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, corporations, high-net-worth individualsCommercial properties, retail stores, residential complexes

Executive Protection focuses on safeguarding high-profile individuals through specialized training, often involving travel and close personal security. Security Guards typically monitor premises and prevent unauthorized access. While both roles involve security, Executive Protection requires advanced skills and works in more dynamic, high-stakes environments.

How do you get into executive protection?

To enter executive protection, individuals typically need a background in security, law enforcement, or military service, along with relevant training such as first aid, defensive tactics, and threat assessment. Obtaining certifications like the Close Protection Operative Course or Executive Protection Certification can improve job prospects. Experience in security operations and strong situational awareness are also important for success in this field.

Is executive protection a good career?

Executive protection is a security profession focused on 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 security training. The career can be rewarding for those interested in security and personal protection but may involve high stress and physical demands.

Is executive protection in demand?

Executive protection is a growing field driven by increasing security concerns for high-profile individuals and corporate executives. The demand for trained professionals with skills in threat assessment, security protocols, and certifications such as CPP or PSP remains strong across various industries. Job opportunities are often available in security firms, corporate security departments, and government agencies.

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

The most popular types of Protection jobs in California are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Executive Protection jobs?

Cities in California with the most Executive Protection job openings:

Infographic showing various Executive Protection job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 59% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,327 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Executive Protection Manager

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About the job

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

About the Team

The Corporate Security Team encompasses Anduril's Executive Protection, Physical Security, Technical Security, and Strategic Security Services which includes GSOC and Protective Intelligence. Our mission is to safeguard Anduril's people, assets, and operations through integrated security solutions that encompass proactive risk management, crisis preparedness, actionable threat intelligence, thorough investigations, executive protection, and 24/7 global monitoring. We are committed to anticipating and mitigating risks, responding immediately to incidents, and fostering a resilient security culture that enables Anduril to innovate and operate confidently in a dynamic global environment.

About the Job

The Executive Protection Manager will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of Anduril's executive leadership. This position requires a highly skilled professional capable of planning, coordinating, and managing protection details while adapting to dynamic environments. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in executive protection, demonstrated leadership skills, effective communication skills and the ability to leverage cutting-edge technology and intelligence gathering techniques.

What You’ll Do
  • Lead and coordinate executive protection operations, including advance work, route planning, and on-site security management.
  • Develop comprehensive operational plans for executive travel and events, incorporating risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
  • Utilize Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools to conduct thorough risk assessments and incorporate findings into operational plans.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless coordination of security efforts.
  • Provide hands-on protection services as needed, including close protection and secure transportation.
  • Maintain and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the executive protection program.
  • Train and mentor team members in executive protection best practices and Anduril-specific protocols.
  • Manage and maintain protective equipment and vehicles.
  • Prepare detailed after-action reports and contribute to continuous improvement of the program.
  • Remain flexible and ready to take on other roles within the Security Special Services Program as assigned, supporting the broader security mission of Anduril.
  • Stay current with emerging threats, industry best practices, and technological advancements in the field of executive protection.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 7+ years of experience in security operations or executive protection, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
  • Proven experience in developing operational plans and risk assessments
  • Proficiency in OSINT techniques and tools
  • Strong understanding of physical security principles and practices
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to make critical decisions under pressure
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record
  • Ability to obtain and maintain relevant security clearances
  • Willingness to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities
  • Must hold a valid U.S. Passport
  • Up to 50% travel required
Preferred Qualifications
  • Military or law enforcement background
  • Advanced training and certifications in executive protection
  • Experience with tech or defense industry clients
  • Advanced first aid and defensive driving certifications
Compensation

US Salary Range

  • $146,000-$194,000 USD

Benefits

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.

We know how to fine-tune corporate security because we've led effective and efficient Fortune 500-level security programs. The SEC helps businesses find the best balance of risk mitigation, cost and innovation.

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