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Personal Security Guard Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Security- Allianz Amphiteather

Richmond, VA

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

... your career and personal goals. Live music is our passion and where we find our common ground ... This person will guard, patrol, and/or monitor the venue premises to prevent theft, violence, or ...

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Personal Security Guard information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do personal security guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for personal security guard in Virginia is $18.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by personal security guards when protecting high-profile clients?

Personal security guards often face challenges such as maintaining client privacy while ensuring safety, adapting to rapidly changing environments, and anticipating potential threats in both public and private settings. High-profile clients may require discreet protection, which can involve blending in while remaining vigilant. Additionally, security guards must be prepared to handle unexpected situations calmly and professionally, often working irregular hours or traveling at short notice. Strong communication and quick decision-making skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Personal Security Guard, you need strong situational awareness, physical fitness, and a background in security training or law enforcement, often supported by a security license. Familiarity with surveillance technology, communication devices, and emergency response systems is typically required. Excellent judgment, discretion, and interpersonal skills help build trust and manage challenging situations calmly. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safety of clients while maintaining professionalism and effectively responding to threats.

How much do you get paid as a personal security guard?

Personal security guards typically earn an average hourly wage ranging from $12 to $25, depending on experience, location, and the level of risk involved. Salaries can also vary based on whether they work full-time or part-time, and additional certifications like first aid or firearms training can influence pay rates.

What is a personal security guard?

Personal security guards are trained professionals responsible for protecting individuals—often referred to as clients—from potential threats such as physical harm, theft, harassment, or other dangers. They may provide security for high-profile individuals, celebrities, executives, or anyone who feels at risk. Their duties can include surveillance, risk assessment, escorting clients, and responding to emergencies. Personal security guards can be employed privately or through security firms, and they often receive specialized training in self-defense, emergency response, and threat detection.

What is the difference between Personal Security Guard vs Security Officer?

AspectPersonal Security GuardSecurity Officer
CredentialsSecurity license, background checkSecurity license, background check
Work EnvironmentPrivate clients, individuals, eventsPublic spaces, buildings, facilities
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, individualsBusinesses, government, institutions
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Personal Security Guards primarily focus on protecting individual clients or high-profile persons in private settings, requiring specialized training and close protection skills. Security Officers typically work in public or commercial environments, overseeing premises and maintaining safety. While both roles require security licenses and background checks, their work environments and client bases differ significantly.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Personal Security Guard jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Personal Security Guard job openings:
Infographic showing various Personal Security Guard job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,251 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

$50K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: The U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) handles the day-to-day operations of Army installations.Qualifications:

****This is an open continuous announcement. We accept applications on an ongoing basis. Applications will be reviewed bi-weekly and referred for selection as vacancies occur within the organization. ****

Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized.

Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service or have a break in service may be authorized.

Credit for prior non-Federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual rate may be authorized.

Who May Apply: US CitizensIn order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which includes:1) Verifying identification through identification cards, badges, and automated records; 2) Inspecting containers, personal property, documents on private, commercial and/or government vehicles; and 3) Exercising crowd control in situations that may become violent or unruly. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06).
Such experience must have provided a knowledge of protective systems and techniques. Acceptable experience includes service in the Armed Services or Coast Guard that involved the performance of guard duties on a regular or intermittent basis.

Education:Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.Employment Type: OTHER

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