Want to Become a Security Officer in your state?
Curious how to cash in on California’s hottest security jobs in 2025? Discover top salaries and how BSIS certs like firearms & baton can boost your paycheck!
These are the elite professionals of the private security world, often assigned to VIPs, celebrities, executives, and high-net-worth individuals. In California:
Average salary: $72,091/year
Top Earners:
Can make up to $181,000+ per year depending on experience and location.
Entry-level EP positions: $51K–$71K
Some roles (e.g. in Menlo Park, Beverly Hills, LA) list $120K–$150K+ annually
💡 Source: ZipRecruiter, Indeed, Glassdoor
Indeed — Executive Protection Salaries California: https://www.indeed.com/career/protection-agent/salaries/CA
ZipRecruiter – Executive Protection Salary CA
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Executive-Protection-Salary–in-California
Whether you’re working at retail, corporate offices, hospitals, or residential properties, security officers in California earn solid wages:
Average hourly wage: $19.97/hour
Average annual salary: ~$41,500
Top 10% Salary:
Up to $66,189/year ($31.82 per hour) Source: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Security-Guard-Salary–in-California
Want to earn more? Get more certified.
Guards and executive protection agents who complete additional BSIS-approved training can command significantly higher pay rates — especially for specialized or armed roles.
Here’s what can make a big difference:
The more certifications you have, the more jobs you qualify for — and the more you can charge or negotiate.
As a BSIS-licensed training provider (ID# ATG-2976), we don’t just help you earn your Guard Card — we prepare you for real-world, job opportunities with optional and Mandatory certifications to enhance your skills and income.
We offer:
Kick off your security career with this mandatory foundational course. It includes:
4 hours online covering the critical topic of Powers to Arrest
4 hours in-person focusing on Appropriate Use of Force — held conveniently in Los Angeles County and Santa Clarita (Click Here To Learn More): https://nationalips.com/courses/initial-security-officer-course-california/
This course must be completed before applying for your California Guard Card. As a licensed BSIS training provider (ID# ATG-2976), National Institute of Public Safety ensures you get state-approved, top-quality instruction.
Within your first six months of employment, you’re required to complete 32 hours of continued education to sharpen your security skills and knowledge. You can choose from eight BSIS-approved 4-hour courses covering vital areas such as:
Emergency Response
Communication Skills
Report Writing
And more!
These courses are offered 100% online for flexibility and can be taken individually or bundled to suit your schedule.
NOTE: A security guard registrant who is unable to provide their employing PPO the certificates of satisfactory completion of the security officer skills training shall complete 16 hours of the training within 30 days of the registrant’s employment date and shall complete the 16 remaining hours within six months of the registrant’s employment date.
(Click Here To Learn More): https://nationalips.com/course-bundle/california-32-hour-security-officer-continuation-package/
To keep your Guard Card active and stay current with evolving laws and best practices, you must complete an 8-hour refresher course every year. This fully online training reviews:
Latest legal updates
Use of force standards
Practical security skills to maintain peak performance
(Click Here To Learn More): https://nationalips.com/courses/renewal-refresher-security-officer-course-california/
All these courses are BSIS-mandated and designed to keep you compliant and competitive in the security industry. National Institute of Public Safety is your trusted partner in California, delivering expert training with the convenience and quality you deserve.
Whether you’re a former law enforcement officer, active-duty peace officer picking up off-duty shifts, or a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, the California security industry offers immediate career opportunities, strong pay, and natural pathways into private sector roles like executive protection, armed security, and site supervision.
Many of California’s top private security professionals started in law enforcement or the military. The skills translate seamlessly:
Even if you’re Post Certified or a military veteran, California still requires a BSIS Guard Card to work legally in most private security jobs.
That means you’ll still need:
✅ 8-Hour Initial Guard Card Certification (Click Here to Learn More): https://nationalips.com/courses/initial-security-officer-course-california/
✅ 32-Hour Continuing Education (within first 6 months) (Click Here to Learn More): https://nationalips.com/course-bundle/california-32-hour-security-officer-continuation-package/
✅ 8-Hour Annual Refresher (Click Here to Learn More): https://nationalips.com/courses/renewal-refresher-security-officer-course-california/
Many of our clients are retired police officers, military veterans, or active LEOs working part-time. We make it easy to stay compliant while building your second career.
Note you may also qualify for BSIS Training Exemptions:
BSIS Peace Officer Exemptions:
👉 https://www.bsis.ca.gov/consumers/faqs/po_faq.shtml
US Veteran BSIS Exemptions and Benefits:
👉 https://www.bsis.ca.gov/consumers/faqs/veterans.shtml
With your background, you’re often eligible for higher-paying assignments:
💡 Verified Sources:
At the National Institute of Public Safety (CA BSIS Provider #ATG-2976), we’re proud to help public servants transition smoothly into private security careers with:
✅ Flexible, Online & In-Person Training
✅ Fast-track Guard Card Certification (Initial + CE + Renewal)
🎯 Job Placement Support:
Through our exclusive partnership with Guardally, veterans and peace officers can access premium job listings from California’s top security employers.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up your role, proper BSIS training and specialty certifications are your key to accessing California’s highest-paid private security positions.
👉 Contact us today at the National Institute of Public Safety to get certified, stay compliant, and increase your value in the job market — the smart, legal, and profitable way.
Name: National Institute of Public Safety
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://nationalips.com/
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