ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Protective Security Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

PalAmerican Security

Security Officer - Armed

Malden, MA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

... protective & security industry, apply now to be part of the PalAmerican Security team! THE PALAMERICAN DIFFERENCE With our depth of knowledge, our focus on innovation and our never-ending desire for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProtective Security JobsProtective Security Jobs in Boston, MA

Protective Security information

See Boston, MA salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do protective security jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective security in Boston, MA is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $19.57 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 are popular job titles related to Protective Security jobs in Boston, MA?

For Protective Security jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Protective Security jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Protective Security jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Protective Security jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Protective Security job openings:

Protective Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protective Security job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,669 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Protective Security Advisor

US Department of Homeland Security

Boston, MA • On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 297 rated public sector bodies

Job description

CISA's Integrated Operations Division (IOD) is the hub for staying on top of threats and emerging risks to our nation's critical infrastructure. IOD coordinates situational awareness and response to national cyber, communications, and physical incidents. The Protective Security Advisor combines all aspects of security.
The official title of this position is Security Specialist, GS-0080-13/14.Qualifications:Do NOT copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. Your resume must describe your work and experience, in your own words.
To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required experience for the respective grade level in which you are applying.
YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
You qualify at the GS-13 grade level, if you have:
EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level (or equivalent) performing all the following duties:
  1. Reviewing, interpreting, and implementing a variety of policies, procedures, and directives relative to the protection of critical infrastructure;
  2. Preparing written reports of findings and recommendations for improving security plans and procedures; AND
  3. Analyzing, investigating, and assessing critical infrastructure physical security and resilience processes, procedures, dependencies, interdependencies and vulnerabilities for critical infrastructure facilities, systems and protection programs.
You qualify at the GS-14 grade level, if you have:
EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level (or equivalent) performing all the following duties:
  1. Serving as a strategic, operational and technical authority in advising critical infrastructure partners, owners and operators, and officials on security and resilience improvements to reduce vulnerability and risk;
  2. Building trusted partnerships in order to provide tools, training, programs and resources to enhance security and resilience;
  3. Coordinating and collaborating with high-level executives in response to, and recovery from, natural or man-made incidents in accordance with the National Response Framework; AND
  4. Coordinating physical security protective measures and procedures for critical infrastructure programs.
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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule (GS) position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). NOTE: Current or former GS federal civilian employees, within the previous 52 weeks, applying for a position under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) must meet time-in-grade requirements.
Time After Competitive Appointment: By the closing date specified in this job announcement, current Federal civilian employees must wait at least 90 days after their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive service referral certificate before promotion, transfer, reinstatement, reassignment, or detail.
All qualification requirements, including Time-in-Grade, must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification AND Time-in-Grade claims will be subject to verification.Education:No Educational Substitution: There is no substitution of education for experience at this grade level. You must meet the qualifications listed in the "Requirements" section of this announcement.
Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Homeland Security employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo

About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003

View All U.S. Department of Homeland Security Jobs

Apply