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Protective Security Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Protective Security information

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How much do protective security jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective security in California is $16.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is protective security?

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 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 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 easiest protective security job to get?

The easiest protective security jobs to obtain are often entry-level security guard positions that require minimal experience and may only need a basic security license. These roles typically involve monitoring premises, checking IDs, and maintaining safety, and they often do not require advanced certifications or extensive training. Prior customer service or observation skills can also help in securing these positions quickly.

Which protective security job pays the most?

In protective security, executive protection or bodyguard roles tend to offer the highest salaries, especially for those with specialized skills, experience, and certifications such as close protection training. These positions often pay more due to the high level of responsibility, risk, and the need for discretion, with some top-tier professionals earning six-figure incomes. Salaries can vary based on location, employer, and the complexity of assignments.

What cities in California are hiring for Protective Security jobs?

Cities in California with the most Protective Security job openings:

Infographic showing various Protective Security job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,128 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Security and Safety Manager - Onsite, San Francisco

Canva

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Job Description
Join the team redefining how the world experiences design.
Hello, hey, g'day, mabuhay, kia ora, ไฝ ๅฅฝ, hallo, vรญtejte!
Thanks for stopping by. We know job hunting can be a little time consuming and you're probably keen to find out what's on offer, so we'll get straight to the point.
Where and how you can work
Our global HQ is in Sydney, Australia, and as we continue to grow in our largest global market, we've made our way from down under to San Francisco.
This role is based at our Jackson Square campus which blends the neighborhood's vibrant downtown charm with Canva's signature flair. The space is designed for both deep work and collaboration, along with spaces for Canvanauts to relax, recharge and connect.
What you'd be doing in this role
As Canva scales change continues to be part of our DNA. But we like to think that's all part of the fun. So this will give you the flavour of the type of things you'll be working on when you start, but this will likely evolve.
At the moment, this role is focused on:
  • Own physical security and safety operations across the region; overseeing local delivery while continuously reviewing and improving processes and procedures as part of our global program.
  • Oversee service delivery and performance of security providers in partnership with Campus Operations.
  • Lead security and safety incident management for the region; owning the processes and post-incident reviews that drive continuous improvement, and leading the coordinated response to major external incidents when they arise.
  • Deliver security and safety planning for major marketing and internal events in the region, partnering with event owners to assess risk, execute appropriate security frameworks, and where required oversee on-the-ground delivery.
  • Monitor geopolitical developments and assess their potential impact on Canva's people, travel and operations in region, feeding intelligence into preparedness planning and incident response.
  • Conduct and maintain site security risk assessments and registers as needed, proactively identifying and addressing risks and translating findings into practical improvements, as well as and advising on requirements for new space acquisitions/openings.
  • Partner with Vibe on campus emergency preparedness for the region.
  • Partner with People, Vibe and Legal to ensure compliance with applicable workplace health and safety regulations.
  • Build security and safety literacy across your stakeholders, contributing to a proactive and inclusive safety culture at Canva.

You're probably a match if
We're looking for someone who brings genuine depth in physical security and safety, who translates into action - not just familiarity with the frameworks. You're comfortable being the only person in the room with your expertise, and you know how to communicate so it resonates with a wide range of stakeholders. You take ownership, close the loop without being asked, and bring solutions alongside the problems you raise. You're calm when things get complex, and you build trust quickly with the people around you.
  • You have demonstrated depth and breadth of experience in corporate security, risk, physical security operations and safety - and you actively keep your knowledge current
  • You're comfortable working independently and making sound decisions in complex or ambiguous situations without close guidance, but recognise when things need to be escalated
  • You proactively identify problems and bring proposed solutions
  • You've developed and improved security or safety processes, not just operated within existing ones
  • You've managed vendors and held them to high performance standards
  • You've led incident response or investigations in complex environments, and run post-incident reviews that result in real change
  • You build trust quickly, can influence across teams and adapt your communication style to different audiences, including senior stakeholders.

About the Protective Security Group
The Protective Security Group, part of the Security & Trust Supergroup, protects Canva's people, spaces, and operations from physical threats and safety risks. We take a risk-based, proactive approach - preventing, detecting, and responding to incidents while enabling our teams to do the best work of their lives. We work globally, collaborate cross-functionally, and continuously raise our standards as Canva grows. As Canva scales across new markets and geographies, the work we do becomes increasingly critical to protecting the people and communities that make it all possible.
About the Role
As Canva scales, protecting our people and spaces is critical to achieving our crazy big goals.
As a Security and Safety Manager, you'll report into the Head of Protective Security and serve as the regional lead for physical security and workplace safety across the Americas region. You'll operate with a high degree of autonomy, guiding security and safety in the region, proactively identifying risks before they escalate, and owning local delivery.
At the same time, you'll collaborate as part of a globally connected Protective Security team, contributing to and implementing global programs that raise the bar for how we protect our people and organisation.
This is not a cyber security role.
What's in it for you?
Achieving our crazy big goals motivates us to work hard - and we do - but you'll experience lots of moments of magic, connectivity and fun woven throughout life at Canva, too. We also offer a range of benefits to set you up for every success in and outside of work.
Here's a taste of what's on offer:
  • Equity packages - we want our success to be yours too
  • Health benefits plans to support you and your wellbeing
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
  • Inclusive parental leave policy that supports all parents & carers
  • An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support your wellbeing, social connection, office setup & more
  • Flexible leave options that empower you to be a force for good, take time to recharge and supports you personally

Check out lifeatcanva.com for more info.
At Canva we value fairness, and we strive to provide competitive, market-informed compensation whilst ensuring internal equity within the team in each region. We make hiring decisions based on your skills, experience and our overall assessment of what we observed and learnt in the hiring process. The target salary range for this position is $178,000 to $234,000 When calculating offers, we make salary decisions based on market data and candidates' skills and experience.
Other stuff to know
We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills, merit and business needs, in compliance with applicable local laws.
We celebrate all types of skills and backgrounds at Canva so even if you don't feel like your skills quite match what's listed above - we still want to hear from you!
When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process. Please note that interviews are conducted virtually.
Check out lifeatcanva.com for more info.