How Do You Become a Bodyguard?


To become a bodyguard you need at least a high school diploma and career-specific education from on the job or a degree program. Bodyguards are provided private security escort services to individuals in need of personal protection, including famous celebrities, entertainers, athletes, or everyday people who are in danger.

What Do Bodyguards Do?

Bodyguards help keep clients out of harm’s way, make a positive difference in the lives of others, and develop lifelong friendships with security professionals throughout the world. If you have always dreamed of having a rewarding career protecting other people, read on to find out how you can start an excellent career as a bodyguard.

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What Education Do I Need to Be a Bodyguard?

Unlike some other security jobs in the field, there are no strict education requirements that are necessary to become a bodyguard. Most employers for bodyguards will require that you have at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent though. High school-level education serves as proof that you possess fundamental math and science knowledge that will build a strong foundation for further training on the job.

A diploma or GED also proves that you will be able to take direction and work cooperatively with other security professionals. Of course, a degree will help you. When pursuing an associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree, make sure you take courses the right courses. Future employers want you to have classes in emergency services, security strategies, first aid, risk assessment, communications, and public safety.

Bodyguard Training Programs

Training programs can increase marketability and your chance of landing a high-level bodyguard job. It is recommended that you complete a bodyguard training program or a two-year degree in a related security major. Bodyguards with training in personal security, law enforcement, or criminal justice stand out to employers.

What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Bodyguard?

It is extremely important that you learn all of the tactical skills that will be needed to create plans and strategies to protect your clients in various different scenarios. As a result, some states require that bodyguards become licensed before holding the positions. While this varies from state to state, there are some in the United States that also require bodyguards have a postsecondary certificate or degree along with previous experience in security jobs.

How Fit Do You Have to be to be a Bodyguard?

If you want to be a bodyguard, it is important to have fitness training to prepare you for the physically rigorous duties. What kind of training do bodyguards need? Similar to other security jobs, bodyguards should be in superb shape with strong stamina and long endurance.

Through the course of a typical day as a bodyguard, you may run, jump, kneel, or do other physical activities. Despite popular belief, this does not mean you have to be overly large or tall. However, you need lots of strength so you can properly defend your client from all dangerous threats.

What Physical Fitness Training Do You Need to Be a Bodyguard?

Furthermore, it is very beneficial to train in martial arts, running, yoga, weightlifting, and endurance with a personal gym trainer. Also, consider joining some of the classes for learning self-defense, as well as hand-to-hand combat and weapons disarming.

If you want to work as an armed bodyguard, you must have gun training. Basically, you should know how to fire a weapon like an expert. Many aspiring bodyguards find these available training programs from local police stations, armed forces or military bases, or also online.

Is Being a Bodyguard a Good Job?

Due to the steadily increasing need for personal protection, bodyguard jobs are becoming more prevalent within the security field.  According to the BLS, bodyguard jobs will grow an expected 15 percent through the year 2030.

How Much Money do Personal Bodyguards Make?

What is a bodyguard’s salary? In addition, bodyguards in private security jobs earn an average mean salary of $31,470 per year. Furthermore, the top ten percent in the profession can earn $51,600 each year. With increased employment opportunities and earning potential, now is a great time to start your career as a bodyguard.

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