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Personal Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Personal Protection Officer

Reston, VA

$17 - $20/hr

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 ...

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Provide personal protection and security services for high-profile clients * Conduct private investigations with accuracy and integrity * Maintain situational awareness and ensure client safety ...

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Executive Protection Agent

Richmond, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

VA DCJS Personal Protection Specialist registration and/or 32E Personal Protection Specialist training, required. * Defensive/protective driving skills, preferred. * International experience ...

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Personal Protection information

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How much do personal protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for personal protection in the United States is $15.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is personal protection?

Personal protection refers to the measures and services used to safeguard individuals from physical harm, threats, or unwanted attention. This can include bodyguards, security personnel, and risk assessments to ensure a person's safety in various situations. Personal protection professionals are often employed by high-profile clients such as celebrities, politicians, or business executives who may face higher levels of risk. Their duties can range from planning secure travel routes to providing close physical security at events.

What are some common challenges faced by personal protection professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Personal protection professionals often encounter challenges such as unpredictable schedules, high-stress situations, and the need to quickly adapt to changing environments. Managing these challenges involves maintaining strong situational awareness, ongoing training in risk assessment, and effective communication with both clients and team members. Building resilience and practicing self-care are also important, as the role may require extended hours and constant vigilance to ensure the safety of clients in various settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a personal protection officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Personal Protection Officer, you need a solid background in security operations, threat assessment, and defensive tactics, often supported by law enforcement or military experience and relevant security certifications. Familiarity with surveillance technology, communication systems, and firearms or non-lethal weapons is typically required. Strong situational awareness, discretion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective risk mitigation and the safety of clients in potentially high-risk environments.

What is the difference between Personal Protection vs Security Guard?

AspectPersonal ProtectionSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsSecurity license, protective training, first aid certificationSecurity license, basic training
Work EnvironmentHigh-profile individuals, events, executive protectionBuildings, premises, public areas
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate security firms, corporate clients, celebritiesCommercial properties, retail, industrial sites
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Personal Protection specialists focus on safeguarding individuals, often in high-risk environments, requiring specialized training and certifications. Security Guards typically monitor premises and prevent unauthorized access. While both roles involve security, Personal Protection emphasizes close protection of persons, whereas Security Guards focus on property security.

How to work as a personal protection specialist?

To work as a personal protection specialist, individuals typically need to complete specialized training in security procedures, threat assessment, and emergency response. Many employers require certifications such as the Close Protection Operatives license or equivalent, along with a clean background check and physical fitness. Experience in law enforcement, military, or security roles can also be beneficial.
More about Personal Protection jobs

What cities are hiring for Personal Protection jobs?

Cities with the most Personal Protection job openings:

What states have the most Personal Protection jobs?

States with the most job openings for Personal Protection jobs include:

Infographic showing various Personal Protection job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,761 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Personal Protection Officer

Constellis

Reston, VA

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Constellis rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 116 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Vet


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