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$12

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$38

How much do protective operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective operations in the United States is $24.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is protective operations?

Protective Operations refer to the specialized security services designed to safeguard individuals, such as dignitaries, executives, or other high-profile persons, from potential threats like physical harm, kidnapping, or harassment. These operations involve risk assessment, advance planning, secure transportation, and close personal protection. Personnel involved in Protective Operations are trained in threat detection, emergency response, and defensive tactics to ensure the safety of their clients in various environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in protective operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Protective Operations, you need expertise in threat assessment, physical security, defensive tactics, and often a background in law enforcement or military service. Familiarity with surveillance systems, communications equipment, and certifications such as Executive Protection or firearms training are typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, discretion, and strong decision-making under pressure distinguish top professionals in this field. These skills are critical to ensuring the safety of clients and effectively managing risks in high-stakes environments.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals in protective operations, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in Protective Operations often face challenges such as rapidly changing threat environments, high-stress situations, and the need for constant vigilance. Managing these challenges effectively requires strong situational awareness, ongoing training in defensive tactics, and excellent communication skills to coordinate with team members and clients. Building trust within the team and maintaining flexibility in operational planning are also crucial for adapting to unforeseen risks. Continual professional development and debriefings after assignments help teams refine strategies and improve future performance.

What is the difference between Protective Operations vs Security Guard?

AspectProtective OperationsSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsSecurity certifications, training in protective tacticsBasic security training, sometimes licensing
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk areas, close protection, event securityBuilding patrols, access control, surveillance
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate security firms, government agencies, corporate securityCommercial buildings, retail stores, residential complexes

Protective Operations involves specialized security tasks such as close protection and risk assessment, often requiring advanced training and certifications. Security Guards typically focus on monitoring premises and controlling access. While both roles aim to ensure safety, Protective Operations is more proactive and strategic, whereas Security Guards perform more routine security functions.

How do I become a protective operations officer?

To become a protective operations officer, candidates typically need a background in security, law enforcement, or military service, along with relevant training in protective tactics and threat assessment. Certifications such as Close Protection or Executive Protection training are often required, and strong communication, situational awareness, and physical fitness are essential. Many roles also require a security clearance or background check depending on the employer and assignment.
More about Protective Operations jobs

What are popular job titles for Protective Operations?

Popular job titles for Protective Operations:

Protective Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protective Operations job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $50,344 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Supervisor, Security Protective Operations Center

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SpaceXexternal

$105K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SUPERVISOR, SECURITY PROTECTIVE OPERATIONS CENTER
Effectively oversee the daily management of the Hawthorne SPOC team to keep facilities and employees safe, secure, and operational. In the absence of the Security Manager, handle administrative duties and attend meetings as needed. Facilitate the duties of SPOC Operators and ensure SPOC standards & requirements are being met. Work with internal stakeholders and external vendors ensure all requests and duties are fulfilled.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Reporting to the SPOC Manager, this position requires a high degree of diplomacy, flexibility, and adaptability
  • At the direction of the SPOC Manager, oversee security programs/projects, protocols and policies; ensure the upkeep of new duties and consistent completion of requests
  • Supervise and mentor personnel, including the development and delivery of performance reviews; identifying and recommending training programs as necessary
  • Technical in-depth knowledge of all SPOC tools (Everbridge, Dataminr, Ontic, etc..). Must be willing to be an Admin for all tools
  • Analyze situations, make quick decisions, and formulate action plans
  • Identify opportunities and risks, dive deep, and work with internal and external teams to implement solutions
  • Adapt procedures and practices to maintain an appropriate security posture in a high-profile, fast-paced industrial environment
  • Communicate effectively with senior management and leaders across the organization to determine security priorities and direction

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 6+ years of combined experience in one or more of the following disciplines:
    • 4+ years of experience in a Security Operation Center
    • 4+ years of experience in security officer/military/law enforcement experience
    • 2+ years of experience in the SPOC

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • 3+ years of experience in a supervisory role
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or a combination of relevant professional experience, education and training
  • Active (or ability to obtain) U.S. Security Clearance
  • Familiar with Department of Homeland Security C-FATS (Chemical Facility Anti-terrorism Standards) and NISPOM (National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual)
  • Public safety and emergency experience, such as First Aid / CPR training
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
  • Basic knowledge of and experience with various security system electronics
  • Strong oral and written communication skills are critical, as well as the ability to think clearly, problem solve, scope process requirements, and prioritize tasks

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Availability to work any schedule needed, to include: extended hours, nights, weekends, and rotating
  • Position is subject to pre-employment enhanced screening, including a background check, psychological test, bi-annual physical fitness test, and a drug and alcohol test
  • Able to wear approximately 20-30lbs of gear throughout a 12-hour shift; ability to lift or carry 40-50lbs of equipment or gear unassisted
  • Ability and willingness to occasionally stand in a static position for extended periods and effectively execute duties in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
  • Willingness to travel up to 15% of time in support of SpaceX Security requirements should the need arise
  • Valid driver's license
  • Possess or be eligible for a valid state security officer license
  • Ability to pass Air Force and NASA background checks for installation access as directed
  • Eligible for a US Government security clearance. With an active clearance, candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening including background check and drug/alcohol test as well as random drug and alcohol testing during employment

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
$105,000.00 - $130,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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