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Protective Services Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Novant Health

Protective Services - Officer

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

As a Protective Services Officer, you will: * Respond to emergency calls for assistance and ensure rapid, professional incident resolution. * Monitor behavioral health units and provide direct ...

Novant Health

Protective Services - Officer

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

As a Protective Services Officer, you will: * Respond to emergency calls for assistance and ensure rapid, professional incident resolution. * Monitor behavioral health units and provide direct ...

Novant Health

Protective Services - Officer

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

As a Protective Services Officer, you will: * Respond to emergency calls for assistance and ensure rapid, professional incident resolution. * Monitor behavioral health units and provide direct ...

Novant Health

Protective Services - Officer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

As a Protective Services Officer, you will: * Respond to emergency calls for assistance and ensure rapid, professional incident resolution. * Monitor behavioral health units and provide direct ...

Novant Health

Protective Services - Officer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

As a Protective Services Officer, you will: * Respond to emergency calls for assistance and ensure rapid, professional incident resolution. * Monitor behavioral health units and provide direct ...

Bon Secours

Protective Services Officer Unarmed

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Protective Services officers are assigned to an area and respond to radio and/or telephone calls for routine and/or emergency assistance. Essential Job Functions * Protects patients, visitors and ...

TriHealth

Protective Services Officer Armed II

Montgomery, OH · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

***Protective Services Officer Armed II FT evening - Bethesda North * Make a difference every day as a Protective Services Officer at Bethesda North Hospital. Join a compassionate, servant led team ...

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Protective Services Officer information

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How much do protective services officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for protective services officer in the United States is $63,996.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $82,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a protective services officer?

Protective Services Officers (PSOs) are law enforcement professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and security of people, property, and critical infrastructure. They often work in locations such as government buildings, public transport hubs, and courts, performing duties like patrolling, monitoring surveillance equipment, responding to incidents, and assisting the public. PSOs are trained in conflict resolution, emergency response, and law enforcement procedures, and they work closely with police and other emergency services. Their role is vital in maintaining public order and preventing crime in the areas they are assigned.

How do protective services officers typically collaborate with local law enforcement agencies during incidents?

Protective Services Officers (PSOs) frequently work alongside local law enforcement, especially during emergencies or public safety incidents. They coordinate efforts by sharing information, following established protocols for incident response, and sometimes assisting in crowd control or initial investigations until police arrive. PSOs are trained to communicate clearly and efficiently with other agencies, ensuring seamless support and maintaining public safety. This collaborative approach is essential for effective incident management and the protection of people and property.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protective services officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protective Services Officer, you need a background in law enforcement or security, strong situational awareness, and typically a relevant certification or completion of police/security training. Familiarity with surveillance systems, communication devices, and incident reporting software is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you handle challenging situations and interact effectively with the public. These skills are vital for ensuring safety, preventing incidents, and responding effectively to emergencies in a variety of environments.

What is the difference between Protective Services Officer vs Security Guard?

AspectProtective Services OfficerSecurity Guard
Required credentialsSecurity license, training in conflict resolutionSecurity license, basic training
Work environmentPublic spaces, transport hubs, government facilitiesPrivate properties, retail stores, events
Employer & industry usageGovernment agencies, public safety rolesPrivate security companies, commercial settings

Protective Services Officers and Security Guards both hold security licenses and work in safety roles, but Protective Services Officers typically serve in public and government environments with a focus on public safety, whereas Security Guards often work in private settings. The roles overlap in credentials and basic duties, but their work environments and employer types differ.

More about Protective Services Officer jobs

What cities are hiring for Protective Services Officer jobs?

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Who are the top companies hiring for Protective Services Officer jobs?

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What states have the most Protective Services Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Protective Services Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Protective Services Officer jobs?

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Protective Services Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protective Services Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,996 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Protective Services Officer

Southern Poverty Law Center

Montgomery, AL

$51K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The SPLC is seeking a Protective Services Officer who is passionate about social justice! 

Under general supervision, the Protective Services Officer provides corporate personnel, facilities, target executives and their residences with professional protective services. 

Who You Are
  • Observant and Responsive. Must be able to evaluate situations and determine appropriate response options to protect lives and property.
  • Experienced. Familiarity with high-tech integrated security systems. Proficiency with executive protection.
  • Attentive and Thorough. Must have continual attention to detail and ability to be thorough when analyzing potential threats and unsafe conditions.
  • Communicative. Must have the ability to effectively communicate with SPLC staff and guests.
  • Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrate an awareness for SPLC's mission and vision; and a commitment to the ideals of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.
What You'll Do
  • Control access to SPLC facilities and their residences using a variety of sensors, detection devices, and tactics.
  • Operate and monitors integrated security systems to detect unauthorized access.
  • Identify threats and unsafe conditions, and directly responds to minimize risks to SPLC personnel.
  • Operate a variety of telephone and radio equipment to effectively communicate with other security personnel.
  • Deter terrorist threats by maintaining a highly trained, armed, professional security presence via vehicle and foot patrol activity.
  • Conduct surveillance detection operations using sophisticated Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) systems to detect terrorists targeting of protected facilities.
  • Perform executive protection security details in support of executive travel and appearances.
  • Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties of this job classification.  
Minimum Qualifications 

We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

  • Minimum of two years of experience as an armed/unarmed security officer, military personnel or law enforcement officer;
  • Must be able to qualify with a variety of small arms and long-range weapons;
  • Must be able to execute physically demanding defensive tactics; and
  • High School Diploma or GED.
Compensation & Benefits

This is a non-exempt role and the starting salary is $51,558 ($24.78 per hour) annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Where & How You'll Work 

This role the following work designations options:

  • In Office: In-office Work requires employees to work in their assigned SPLC offices every workday unless otherwise instructed by their supervisor.
  • This position reports to the Deputy Director of Security. 
Other Special Considerations 

This job may occasionally require working under strenuous physical demands or in hazardous conditions. Must be able to lift and transport items up to 75 pounds and must be able to qualify with a variety of small arms and long-range weapons. Much of the duty is performed outside under varying weather conditions.

 

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