Bodyguards Job Description, Duties & Salary

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 guard's experience, the notoriety or prestige of the client, the type of assignment, and whether the bodyguard is employed directly by the client or through a security agency. Generally speaking, salaries for bodyguards might range from $25,000 to $100,000 or more. Highly dangerous, sensitive, or classified assignments generally pay more highly than do more routine protective assignments. In August 2024, ZipRecruiter reported the average salary for bodyguards working anywhere in the United States was $86,331. Training in special skills, such as electronic surveillance, also brings higher wages. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that the median salary for security guards was $37,070 in May 2023; the lowest 10 percent earned $28,500 or less and the top 10 percent earned $57,400 or more. The Bureau of Global Talent Management of the U.S. Department of State reported a salary range of $51,816 to $69,636 for a diplomatic security special agent position in 2024.

Bodyguards employed by private security firms may receive health and life insurance benefits and other benefits. Benefits vary for those employed by private clients. Bodyguards who work as part of a government agency receive health and life insurance, vacation, holiday, and sick leave pay, and a pension plan. Self-employed bodyguards must provide their own insurance.

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