Those interested in a career as a protection officer typically gain experience through on-the-job training and move up to higher-level positions. Many community colleges offer associate degree programs in criminal justice and law enforcement that are useful. Some industries require you to attend a specialized training program offered by an institute with international accreditation to become a Certified Protection Officer (CPO), after passing an exam. Most states require protection officers to earn a license. Additional qualifications include strong communication skills, knowledge of common security methods, and the ability to stay calm during emergency situations.

If you are interested in a job related to Protection Officer, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Protection Officer Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Protection Officer positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

International Polygraph Examiner
Salary range: $48,000 - $69,500
International Polygraph Examiner is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for International Polygraph Examiner jobs pay between $48,000 (25th percentile) and $69,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for International Polygraph Examiner job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Federal Protective Service
Salary range: $33,000 - $38,500
Federal Protective Service is a common job search query. Most salaries for Federal Protective Service jobs pay between $33,000 (25th percentile) and $38,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Federal Protective Service job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Federal Protective Forces
Salary range: $35,500 - $90,500
Federal Protective Forces is a typical job search query Most salaries for Federal Protective Forces jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $90,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Federal Protective Forces job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Retired Military Officer
Salary range: $34,500 - $74,500
Retired Military Officer is a typical job search query Most salaries for Retired Military Officer jobs pay between $34,500 (25th percentile) and $74,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Retired Military Officer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Retired Military
Salary range: $31,000 - $75,000
Retired military jobs include a variety of positions with civilian firms, government agencies, law enforcement, security consulting, and R&D. Many police and security companies are military-friendly organizations, offering jobs for veterans who have experience relevant to the duties of a police officer or security guard. Additionally, depending on the branch of the military and your specific tasks and rank, a variety of IT and intelligence gathering positions are available. These include being an intelligence analyst, translator, and security advisor. Retired military service people may also work as military contractors in conflict zones.
Federal Protective Service Officer
Salary range: $38,500 - $65,000
Federal Protective Service Officer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Federal Protective Service Officer jobs pay between $38,500 (25th percentile) and $65,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Federal Protective Service Officer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Retired Police Driver
Salary range: $34,000 - $41,500
Retired Police Driver is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Retired Police Driver jobs pay between $34,000 (25th percentile) and $41,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Retired Police Driver job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Deposition Officer
Salary range: $40,000 - $98,500
Deposition Officer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Deposition Officer jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $98,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Deposition Officer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Other Than Honorable Discharge Police
Salary range: $34,500 - $70,500
Other Than Honorable Discharge Police is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Other Than Honorable Discharge Police jobs pay between $34,500 (25th percentile) and $70,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Other Than Honorable Discharge Police job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Protective Security Detail
Salary range: $38,000 - $61,000
Protective Security Detail is a typical job search query Most salaries for Protective Security Detail jobs pay between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $61,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Protective Security Detail job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Protection Officer Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Protection Officer Jobs in 2026