Bodyguards


Overview

Bodyguards

Introduction

Bodyguards, sometimes called personal protection officers or personal security workers, protect their clients from injury, kidnapping, harassment, or other types of harm. They may guard a politician during a political campaign, a business executive on a worldwide trip, a movie star going to the Academy Awards, or anyone else who wants personal protection. Bodyguards may be employed by a government agency, by a private security firm, or directly by an individual.

Bodyguards work in potentially dangerous situa...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$69,636

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma|Some Postsecondary Training


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Experience

Prior experience in law enforcement, security, or the military


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Skills

Foreign Language|Interpersonal|Leadership


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Personality Traits

Athletic|Problem-Solving|Realistic

Earnings

Many bodyguards begin their careers on a part-time basis and earn between $25 and $50 per hour for routine assignments. These assignments might last several hours. Earnings for full-time bodyguards vary enormously, depending on factors such as the guards experience, the notoriety or prestige of the client, the type of assignment, and whether the bodyguard is employed directly by the client or t...

Work Environment

A bodyguard goes wherever the client goes. This means that the job can be physically demanding. Bodyguards must also have the strength and coordination to take actions to protect the client if the situation warrants it. A bodyguard must be able to act swiftly and decisively to thwart any attempt to harm his or her client. Bodyguards must be willing to risk their own safety to protect their clie...

Outlook

Opportunities for bodyguards are likely to be strong as more and more people look for protection from an increasing number of threats such as stalkers, terrorists, and violent demonstrators. In addition, the threat of kidnapping and terrorism is always present for politicians, celebrities, business leaders, and others who enjoy wide recognition, and these individuals will take steps to safeguar...