Bodyguard and Protection Officer Jobs

You’ve seen them in the movies. You have probably seen them in the streets and not even known it. They work all over the world with the rich, famous, and wealthy. It’s big industry and can be exciting work. It’s the life of a bodyguard…Bodyguards are highly trained professionals who offer clients protection from bodily injury, kidnapping, assassination, assault, harassment, stalking, or embarrassment.

Their main clientele are celebrities, politicians, government big shots, and wealthy families – people that may be targets of violence or harassment.

Professional bodyguards, or close protection officers, offer clients peace of mind. Hollywood portrays the career of a bodyguard as a glorious, action packed job. Actually it’s more mundane. While some bodyguards may tote machine guns, perform evasive driving in armored cars, or use martial arts skills to fend off six bad guys it’s not typical. Instead, bodyguards are keen observers of security issues. They must have excellent hearing and vision. They are usually strong and physically fit. They have a sixth sense about security issues – eyeing an overeager paparazzi, controlling crowds at a political rally, or sorting out uninvited guests at a wedding. Bodyguards assess threats and deal with them as necessary – usually this doesn’t mean choreographed fight scenes and fast cars. It means surveillance, route planning, car searches, or just being a close, visually intimidating physical presence.

A bodyguard’s job title may change regularly. They may work as a personal assistant, bodyguard, or driver. The job is to do what the client says, use confidentiality and discretion, and offer protection. This may mean waiting by the car for hours, standing by their side, or carrying their shopping bags. Bodyguards are highly trained. Many come from a military or law enforcement backgrounds. Work in the Secret Service is an excellent resume builder. Some take bodyguard training courses where they learn about close protection, anti-terrorism techniques, first aid, risk assessment, weapons disarming, unarmed combat, counter surveillance, dispute resolution, advanced driving techniques, and conflict avoidance. Some carry a weapon, while others are trained in martial arts. The more training and experience a bodyguard has the better.

Work may take place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most bodyguards work in teams and do 6 or 8-hour shifts, but others may have longer, irregular hours. They must be prepared to accommodate the client at all times. This includes traveling to all parts of the world. Being a bodyguard is a serious commitment. The job holds an element of danger. A bodyguard may work with a celebrity in Los Angeles, the children of a wealthy family in Mexico City, or a VIP executive in the Middle East. Wherever the job takes them, they must be ready for anything. They may spend the day skiing in Vail, avoiding bullets from armed robbers in NYC, or searching vehicles for bombs in Dubai. A bodyguard is always close to his client and can never underestimate anyone.

The best places to look for bodyguard work is through bodyguard staffing agencies, individuals, or bodyguard schools. It’s a big industry and growing. The average bodyguard makes $55,000 per year while some sign contracts for $700 per day or $180,000 per year. Location, experience, training, job description, and danger are the major factors in determining pay. Being a bodyguard can be mundane or it can be deadly. It can take you all over the world and put you in some dodgy situations. It’s not the job for everyone, but plenty of jobs exist for trained professionals. With protection jobs, you have to always be on your toes.

Quick Facts About Body Guard Employment

Job Title: Bodyguard or Close Protection Officer
Office: Wherever your client is Description: Professional protection from bodily injury, kidnapping, assassination, assault, harassment, stalking, or embarrassment
Certifications/Education: Bodyguard Training. Necessary Skills: Good Observer, Always prepared for unexpected, Surveillance, Crowd Control, Weapons
Potential Employers: Private Security Firms, Individuals, Independent Contractor
Pay: Up to $180,000, Average is $55,000, Depends on experience, threat level, and location

Helpful Bodyguard Employment Links:

Search Bodyguard and Other Guard Jobs on JobMonkey
Bodyguard Training International
International Bodyguard Association
North American Bodyguard Association