How to become a Protective Services Officer

Maintains public order and enforces laws within designated locations, such as public transport infrastructure, government buildings, police stations, and large public venues and events.

Main tasks

• Undertakes high visibility uniformed patrolling and guarding within designated locations
• Watches for antisocial behaviour, property damage, threats to public safety, and alcohol and transport-related offences within designated locations
• Conducts searches on people and vehicles, issues warnings and fines, and places people under arrest for suspected involvement in criminal activity within designated locations
• Maintains order at large public events and venues, such as sporting events or concerts, by enforcing laws and event rules and regulations, resolving minor conflicts, and preventing or dispersing antisocial behaviour
• Responds to and reports on incidents occurring within designated locations in accordance with police regulations and protocols, which may include the use of force, speaking with witnesses, and collecting data for evidence

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Close Protection Operations (CPP31418); Certificate III in Security Operations (CPP31318); Certificate IV in Protective Services (POL41225); Certificate III in Investigative Services (CPP30619); Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $94,536 a year
• About 65,300 people work in this job group now, and about 72,200 are projected by 2035. (+10.6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor
• Cash In Transit Officer
• Crowd Controller
• Private Investigator
• Retail Loss Prevention Officer
• Security Consultant

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Protective Services Officer?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Close Protection Operations; Certificate III in Security Operations.

How much does a Protective Services Officer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $94,536 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Protective Services Officer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 65,300 to about 72,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Protective Services Officer?

Usually not. Only 20% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Close Protection Operations; Certificate III in Security Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Protective Services Officer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04