ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Personal Protection Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NBCUniversal

Close Protection Officer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$145K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Close Protection Officer Comcast NBCUniversal is looking for a Close Protection Officer providing personal security support for senior executives as part of our Global Security Operations (GSO) team.

Blackstone Consulting, Inc.

$49/hr

As part of the Regional Security Services team, the Armed Protection Officer (APO) is responsible for the physical and personal security for members, staff, and visitors within the health care client ...

SMUD

Asset Protection Officer II

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $18.50/hr

Asset Protection Officer II Under the direction of Security Operations Supervisors and Manager ... personal computers and other specified computer applications; First Aid/CPR/AED; use and care of ...

Gallo

Part-Time Executive Protection Officer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$33.75 - $45.58/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

A Taste of What You'll Do As a part-time Executive Protection Officer, you will play a critical ... of personal protection experience such as ranch post duty, lobby duty, executive driver duty, or ...

Gallo

Part-Time Executive Protection Officer

Modesto, CA

$33.75 - $45.58/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

A Taste of What You'll Do As a part-time Executive Protection Officer, you will play a critical ... of personal protection experience such as ranch post duty, lobby duty, executive driver duty, or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPersonal Protection Officer JobsPersonal Protection Officer Jobs in California

Personal Protection Officer information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$61.3K

$102.1K

How much do personal protection officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for personal protection officer in California is $61,334.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $73,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a personal protection officer?

To become a personal protection officer, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, undergo specialized security training, and obtain relevant certifications such as first aid and defensive tactics. Many employers also require prior law enforcement, military, or security experience, and a clean background check; licensing requirements vary by region.

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 expertise in threat assessment, defensive tactics, and security protocols, often backed by law enforcement or military experience and relevant certifications. Familiarity with surveillance equipment, communication devices, and firearms is typically required, with many roles mandating licensing and first aid training. Strong situational awareness, discretion, and excellent judgment are vital soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively protecting clients from potential threats while maintaining their safety and privacy.

What is the difference between Personal Protection Officer vs Bodyguard?

AspectPersonal Protection OfficerBodyguard
CredentialsSecurity training, certifications in protective servicesSecurity training, often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentVaried settings including events, travel, personal residencesPrimarily close protection in public or private settings
Employer & IndustryPrivate clients, corporations, celebritiesHigh-profile individuals, celebrities, executives

Both roles involve protective duties, but a Personal Protection Officer often has broader responsibilities, including risk assessment and planning, while a bodyguard typically focuses on close physical protection. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but a Personal Protection Officer may have more comprehensive training and responsibilities.

What is a personal protection officer?

Personal Protection Officers (PPOs) are security professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and security of individuals who may be at risk due to their status, occupation, or other factors. They are often employed to protect high-profile individuals such as executives, celebrities, diplomats, or politicians from potential threats like harassment, assault, or kidnapping. PPOs assess risks, plan security measures, and may accompany their clients during travel and public appearances. Their training typically includes defensive tactics, emergency response, and threat assessment. The role requires discretion, vigilance, and the ability to respond quickly to potential dangers.

What are some common challenges personal protection officers face when working with high-profile clients?

Personal Protection Officers (PPOs) working with high-profile clients often encounter challenges such as maintaining a balance between providing tight security and respecting the client's privacy and lifestyle. They must remain vigilant at all times, adapt quickly to changing schedules, and anticipate potential security threats in various environments. Additionally, PPOs frequently collaborate with other security professionals, law enforcement, and sometimes household staff to ensure seamless protection, which requires excellent communication and teamwork skills.

What are popular job titles related to Personal Protection Officer jobs in California?

For Personal Protection Officer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Personal Protection Officer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Personal Protection Officer job openings:

Personal Protection Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Personal Protection Officer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,334 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Close Protection Officer

NBCUniversal

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$145K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Close Protection Officer

Comcast NBCUniversal is looking for a Close Protection Officer providing personal security support for senior executives as part of our Global Security Operations (GSO) team. This role will be based in Philadelphia, New York City, and Los Angeles and require periodic travel. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on security operations team member, have experience providing close protection, tactical/military or law enforcement training and be competent operating in a small security detail environment. The role requires a high degree of professionalism, polish, and confidentiality as well as a flexible schedule and a willingness to adapt to last minute assignments including weekend work. Above all, the role requires the ability to seamlessly blend in a business environment, evaluating risk, and providing behind the scenes bespoke security coverage for public facing C-Suite Executives.

Responsibilities include:

  • Close protection duties including being a lead CPO for senior executives
  • Develop and implement complete security and logistical plans for domestic and international travel for assigned executives
  • Make critical independent and on-scene operational decisions and interface with law enforcement when necessary
  • Conduct complex advance, risk assessments and site analysis prior to executive arrival
  • Creation of a Residential Security program
  • Coordinate driving services for executive while collaborating with designated security drivers
  • Liaise with law enforcement; venue security; executive protection peers; special event planners
  • Develop, in partnership with the broader GSO leadership team, crisis management protocols for the executive
  • Other GSO duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field
  • Valid and active driver's license
  • Valid U.S. Passport
  • Current and active HR 218 certification and the ability to become licensed to carry a firearm for security purposes in relevant states
  • Ability to complete and meet company standards for background and reference checks, drug testing
  • 10+ years of professional experience in law enforcement, military, corporate security, and/or a related role with executive level experience
  • Proven track record of sound decision making
  • A broad network of contacts throughout local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
  • Strong working knowledge of emerging trends of executive protection, corporate security and/or law enforcement
  • Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills, dealing effectively with all levels of management
  • Ability to build and sustain excellent relationships at multiple levels and across divisions
  • Self- motivated operator with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced and dynamic setting
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Operational experience and the ability to respond quickly to security concerns in real time
  • Must be willing to travel, as needed, and at times on short notice
  • Must be willing to be on call and available 24/7 for emergencies

Desired Characteristics:

  • Close Protection certification from an accredited program (governmental or private sector)
  • Tactical experience (SWAT, defensive tactics, CQB)
  • EMT or BLS certification
  • Tactical/Evasive driver training certification
  • International experience
  • Supervisory experience

Additional Information: Required On-Site: This position is required to be performed full-time from an NBCUniversal-designated worksite.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Salary: $145,000- $150,000

Apply