Bodyguard
Also known as: personal security worker, personal protection officer, close protection officer, personal safety specialist, protection officer, personal safety worker
About this occupation
Bodyguards offer protection to their clients against injury, attacks and harassment. They accompany individuals such as politicians and actors to various events and gatherings. Bodyguards observe the surrounding environment, anticipate threats and respond to security emergencies. They may carry and use guns.
A specialisation of security guard.
Essential skills and knowledge
- detain offenders
- work in shifts
- check subjects
- manage major incidents
- check methods
- comply with the principles of self-defence
- adapt to changing situations
- perform security checks
- liaise with security authorities
- provide first aid
- stay alert
- execute inspection walkway
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers (O*NET 33-1091.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Investigate disturbances on the premises, such as security alarms, altercations, and suspicious activity.
- Patrol the premises to prevent or detect intrusion, protect property, or preserve order.
- Monitor and authorize entry of employees, visitors, or other persons.
- Secure entrances and exits by locking doors and gates.
- Write reports documenting observations made while on patrol.
- Monitor the behavior of security employees to ensure adherence to quality standards, deadlines, or procedures.
- Typical education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Realistic
Top skills: Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Monitoring
US median pay: US$55,940 a year (2025), 81,480 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementExtremely important (4.6)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (4.4)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.9)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.8)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Security Managers
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
- First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
- Security Management Specialists
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers
- Security Guards
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
- First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.