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Protective Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OPS Security Group

Protective Security Officer

Reno, NV · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Protective Security Officer safeguards personnel, property, and sensitive information through surveillance, patrols, and access control. Key duties include monitoring security cameras, enforcing site ...

SecurAmerica

Protective Security Officers

Frederick, MD · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Protective Security Officers American Security Programs is a premium contract security services company based in Northern Virginia and a wholly owned subsidiary of SecurAmerica. Our mission is to ...

Constellis

Protective Security Officer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$18/hr

Protective Security Officer As a Protective Security Officer (PSO) serving on a Federal Government contract, you will be responsible for maintaining security, enforcing regulations, and ensuring the ...

Constellis

Protective Security Officer

Detroit, MI

$18/hr

POSITION SUMMARY As a Protective Security Officer (PSO) serving on a Federal Government contract, you will be responsible for maintaining security, enforcing regulations, and ensuring the safety of ...

SecurAmerica LLC

Protective Security Officers

Frederick, MD · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

REQ=NBACC200 American Security Programs is currently seeking TS/SCI Cleared Protective Service Officers in Frederick, Maryland. Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or General Equivalency ...

ESR Healthcare

Protective Security Officer

Concord, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Protective Security Officer, you will be responsible for maintaining the safety and security of federally owned, leased, or occupied facilities protected by the Federal Protective Service. This ...

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Protective Security information

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$11

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How much do protective security jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective security in the United States is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which is the highest paying security job?

In protective security, executive protection or close protection officers often earn the highest salaries, especially when working for high-net-worth clients or in specialized environments. Senior security managers and security directors also tend to have higher pay due to their leadership responsibilities and experience requirements. Certifications like CPP or PSP can enhance earning potential in these roles.

What are protective security jobs?

Protective security jobs involve roles focused on safeguarding people, property, and information from threats such as theft, violence, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. Professionals in this field may work in areas like physical security (guards, surveillance), cybersecurity, risk assessment, and emergency response. They are employed by private companies, government agencies, and security firms to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Duties often include monitoring security systems, enforcing access controls, responding to incidents, and conducting security audits.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Protective Security roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Protective Security often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing threat environments, the need for constant vigilance, and balancing strict security protocols with maintaining a welcoming environment. Managing these challenges requires ongoing training, strong situational awareness, and effective communication with both team members and clients. Collaboration with law enforcement and other emergency services is also vital to ensure coordinated responses to incidents and to keep up to date with best practices in risk assessment and mitigation.

What degree do I need for FPS jobs?

For Federal Protective Service (FPS) jobs, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, though some positions may prefer or require a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, homeland security, or related fields. Relevant skills include security training, background checks, and sometimes specialized certifications such as CPR or first aid.

What is the difference between Protective Security vs Security Guard?

AspectProtective SecuritySecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity license, training in threat assessmentSecurity license, basic security training
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk areas, event security, executive protectionBuilding patrols, access control, surveillance
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, government agencies, corporate clientsCommercial buildings, retail stores, residential complexes

Protective Security and Security Guards both focus on safety, but Protective Security involves higher-level threat assessment and protection, often in high-risk environments. Security Guards typically perform routine patrols and access control. While both roles require licensing, Protective Security usually demands additional training and experience, making it suitable for more specialized security tasks.

What is the highest paying security guard job?

The highest paying security guard jobs are typically in executive protection or close protection roles, which involve safeguarding high-profile individuals. These positions often require specialized training, certifications, and experience, and can pay significantly more than standard security guard roles, especially when working for private clients or in high-risk environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Protective Security Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protective Security Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, risk assessment, and emergency response, usually supported by relevant certifications or security licenses. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technologies, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong observation skills, professionalism, and effective communication help in diffusing situations and maintaining safety. These abilities are crucial for preventing security breaches, protecting people and property, and responding effectively to threats.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In protective security, high-paying roles such as executive security directors, security consultants for large corporations, and specialized security contractors can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced skills, security clearances, and management expertise.
More about Protective Security jobs
What cities are hiring for Protective Security jobs? Cities with the most Protective Security job openings:
What states have the most Protective Security jobs? States with the most job openings for Protective Security jobs include:
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Protective Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protective Security job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,594 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Protective Security Officer

Protective Security Officer

OPS Security Group

Reno, NV • On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

OPS Security Group rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 108 rated security

Job description

Protective Security Officer safeguards personnel, property, and sensitive information through surveillance, patrols, and access control. Key duties include monitoring security cameras, enforcing site rules, responding to emergencies, and writing detailed incident reports. They require high vigilance, training in conflict de-escalation, and often possess military or law enforcement experience.

What OPS Security Group employees say

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