1

Personal Protection Jobs in Virginia (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 ...

Personal Protection Officer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/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 ...

Executive Protection Agent

Richmond, VA · On-site

$120K/yr

  • 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 ...

Executive Protection Agent

Richmond, VA · On-site

$115K - $120K/yr

  • 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 ...

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 ...

Executive Protection Agent

Richmond, VA

$120K/yr

  • 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 ...

Executive Protection Agent

Richmond, VA · On-site

$115K - $120K/yr

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

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of and full compliance with Safety Policy and Guidance, and use of personal protective equipment. Experience & Education * Experience: A minimum of 10 years of professional fire protection ...

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of and full compliance with Safety Policy and Guidance, and use of personal protective equipment. Experience & Education * Experience: A minimum of 10 years of professional fire protection ...

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of and full compliance with Safety Policy and Guidance, and use of personal protective equipment. Experience & Education * Experience: A minimum of 10 years of professional fire protection ...

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Norfolk, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of and full compliance with Safety Policy and Guidance, and use of personal protective equipment. Experience & Education * Experience: A minimum of 10 years of professional fire protection ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

The security of your personal data is important to us. Jensen Hughes has implemented reasonable physical, technical, and administrative security standards to protect personal data from loss, misuse ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Personal Protection information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$15

$20

How much do personal protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for personal protection in Virginia is $15.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $15.96 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.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Personal Protection jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Personal Protection job openings:

Infographic showing various Personal Protection job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,488 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Personal Protection Officer VA

Osen-Hunter Group, LLC

Richmond, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Personal Protection Officer

The Osen-Hunter Group (OHG) provides training and operational support to the defense and intelligence communities of the US Government and assess-design-build security program solutions for select private-sector clients.

The Personal Protection Officer (PPO) will work as a member of a Personal Security Detail (PSD) AS NEEDED to ensure the safety and security of a Principal/Protectee and/or Principal Group. They will be self-motivated, detail-oriented, flexible, and possess excellent executive-level communication and interpersonal skills with dedication to customer service. They will be trustworthy and discrete, being exposed to the business and personal life of the designated principal(s)/protectee(s) and will always conduct their duties with the highest degree of professionalism.

This position is based in Northern Virginia; the PPO must be available to work AS NEEDED in the National Capital Region.

Duties

  • Provide armed and unarmed close protective security to designated principal(s)/protectee(s) in private and public settings.
  • Conduct advance site visits and security planning as required, to include route analysis.
  • Consume and create protective intelligence to support protective operations.
  • Conduct surveillance detection and countersurveillance activities in the course of protective operations.
  • Maintain a high degree of proficiency in all close protection skill sets, to include firearms proficiency, tactics, defensive/evasive driving techniques, and surveillance detection/countersurveillance.
  • Drive company vehicle in a safe and defensive manner with a high degree of awareness.
  • Maintain vehicle in best condition possible through preventative maintenance, to include cleanliness and presentation.
  • Report all relevant security events, incidents, or concerns to the PM.
  • Complete all administrative tasks (paperwork, to include time sheets, receipts, expense reports, etc.) in a full and timely manner.
  • Perform all duties with sound judgment, discretion, and appropriate restraint.
  • Perform all duties with care and concern for the wellbeing of the Principal Group.
  • Perform administrative, logistical, and/or training responsibilities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, intelligence, homeland security or related discipline with 4 years direct experience, or 7 or more years of directly relevant and documented experience.
  • US Government, US Military or LEO SWAT experience, required.
  • Must be able to effectively operate/manipulate handguns, rifles and shotguns; optics; and communications equipment.
  • Must be able to travel CONUS/OCONUS for brief periods with little or no prior notice both by air and vehicle.
  • Must have demonstrated judgment and sound decision-making abilities and skills, commensurate with the responsibilities of armed protective security.
  • Must be customer service-oriented and a team player.
  • Must be able to perform detailed and effective route planning and navigation in unfamiliar locations with little or no prior notice.
  • Must maintain a high level of grooming, physical fitness, and professional appearance.
  • Must be able to kneel, squat, run, climb, stretch, bend. This position requires full mobility and dexterity to operate vehicles and equipment.
  • Must be able to maintain a standing or sitting position for up to two (2) hours, to include within the confines of a vehicle.
  • Must be able to walk, jog, or ride a bicycle for up to one (1) hour.
  • Must be able to lift and carry fifty (50) lbs. up and down two (2) flights of stairs.
  • Must be able to carry/drag one-hundred eighty-five (185) lbs. a minimum distance of twenty-five (25) yards on level terrain within a time of thirty (30) seconds.
  • Must be proficient with MS Office applications, required.
  • Hold current resident Concealed Carry Permit (CCP), required.
  • Hold current first aid/CPR/AED certification, required.
  • Hold a valid driver's license, required.
  • Must be a US citizen, required.
  • Hold current Virginia DCJS PPS licensing, required. DCJS Patrol Rifle, required.