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Protective Security Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Protective Security Officer - Ashburn

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$18 - $22.75/hr

The Protective Security Officer will protect federal property and employees from theft, damage, hazards, or interference. They will make periodic tours to check for irregularities and to inspect ...

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Protective Security information

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$10

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How much do protective security jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective security in Virginia is $16.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

In protective security, high-paying roles such as executive protection agents or security consultants can earn around $2,000 per day, especially when working on high-profile assignments or for private clients. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, and experience, and may involve working long or irregular hours in high-stakes environments.

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 jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

In protective security, high-paying roles such as executive security or private bodyguards can reach $10,000 per month, especially for experienced professionals working with high-profile clients. These positions often require specialized skills, physical fitness, and sometimes certifications, but they do not always require a college degree. Other security-related roles in management or consulting may also offer high earnings without formal degrees, depending on experience and reputation.

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 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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In protective security, high-paying roles such as executive security consultants, security directors, or specialized private security contractors can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working for high-net-worth clients or corporations. These positions often require advanced skills, security clearances, and a strong network within the industry.

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 higher 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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Protective Security jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Protective Security job openings:
Infographic showing various Protective Security job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,289 per year, or $17 per hour.
Protective Security Officer - Ashburn

Protective Security Officer - Ashburn

GOLDEN SVCS LLC

Alexandria, VA

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Protective Security Officer - Ashburn

The Protective Security Officer will protect federal property and employees from theft, damage, hazards, or interference. They will make periodic tours to check for irregularities and to inspect protection devices and fire control equipment. They will preserve order and enforce regulations pertaining to personnel, visitors, and premises.

Responsibilities

  • Control access to client facility through the admittance process. Assist visitors with a legitimate need to gain entry to the facility. Screen visitors and client employees in an efficient manner in order to expedite their admittance to the facility.
  • Monitors entrances and exits; prevents unapproved or unlawful entry; controls entrances, the movement of people and vehicles, and parking; operates a gate and examines vehicle contents; monitors remote entrances using closed circuit television; operates remote access devices; in a calm manner directs persons who cause a disturbance to leave the property.
  • Patrols assigned site on foot.
  • Protects evidence or scene of incident in the event of accidents, emergencies, or security investigations; sets up barriers and signage; and provides direction or information to others.
  • Prepares logs or reports as required for post
  • Responds to incidents of fire, medical emergency, bomb threat, flooding, water discharge, elevator emergency, hazardous materials, inclement weather, and other incidents or conditions following procedures established for post, by the company, or through training or certification.
  • Carries out specific tasks and duties of a similar nature and scope as required for the assigned post.

Qualifications

  • Must be 21 years old
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or legally eligible to work in the United States.
  • A minimum of two (2) years of security (armed), or one (1) year of law enforcement experience with a full-service police municipal, state or federal enforcement department; or a minimum of two (2) years of honorable service as a member of any US Armed Forces.
  • Must have a Social Security Card issued by the Social Security Administration
  • Must have a H.S. Diploma or GED.
  • Able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language and ability to prepare detailed written reports and fill out forms
  • Able to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening
  • Must be able to pass a background investigation to include but not limited to criminal, credit and driving record checks.
  • Must be able to pass US Government background investigation for required secret security clearance.

Additionally, candidate must have the following FPS Training Credentials:

  • Contractor Provided Initial Weapons Exhibit/Certificate
  • Contractor Provided Basic Training Exhibit/ Certificate
  • Contractor Provided Refresher Training Exhibit/Certificate ( if applicable)
  • FPS Orientation Exhibit/Certificate
  • DCJS

Benefits

  • Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance
  • Paid Time-Off and Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Basic Life & Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • On-the-job Training, Skills Development & Certifications

Working Conditions and Physical/Mental Demands

  • May be exposed to stressful situations, such as challenging individuals who are in or approaching an unauthorized area.
  • Stand or walk constantly on various surfaces
  • Climb stairs, ramps, ladders, occasionally during shift. Occasionally bend/twist at waist/knees/neck to perform various duties. Frequent moving or lifting of heavy objects

Golden SVCS, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a contractor to the Federal Protective Services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, disability, marital/family status or protected veteran status. Golden SVCS, LLC encourages referrals of those qualifying under protected veterans' status. Golden SVCS, LLC conducts pre-employment drug testing and background investigations on all candidates selected for employment. Job offers are contingent upon favorable drug testing results and background checks. Additional drug/medical testing and subsequent background investigations conducted by the government may be required to obtain access to the work site.