Bodyguard Jobs in the United States

Bodyguard Jobs Overview

Bodyguard jobs offer you a challenging and rewarding career path where you are responsible for protecting your clients from physical harm. When working as a bodyguard you may find yourself employed in various settings, from public events to private residences and even while traveling with your clients.

Part of a bodyguard job involves being able to handle the responsibilities and physical demands of the position, including:

• identifying unsafe conditions and improperly secured areas or properties to help prevent theft, injuries, or damages to clients
• patrolling assigned areas, giving attention to those areas where security problems have occurred
• providing risk management by planning and performing qualitative risk analyses
• contacting law enforcement or the fire department in case of an emergency
• lifting heavy weights and being ready to engage in hand-to-hand combat if necessary
• maintaining a constant state of mental alertness at all times

A Typical Bodyguard Salary

Bodyguards and security guards in the U.S. earn an average of $13.89 per hour, but your pay could range from $11.87 to $18.35 per hour depending on your experience, job location, and responsibilities. Head to Monster’s salary comparison tool to get an estimate of what you could earn working as a bodyguard in your town and any other main location across the country.

How to Find the Bodyguard Job That Fits You

There are many different bodyguard jobs out there, each with unique characteristics and requirements. Finding the right one for you requires careful consideration and research. Narrow down your job search by taking a moment to reflect on which kinds of assignments compatible with your lifestyle, and which are not. For example:

• Are you interested in working as a personal bodyguard for a specific individual, or a corporate bodyguard for an organization?
• Do you have any specific training, certifications, licenses, or permits related to this career?
• Are you open to different types of work environments?
• Are you willing to accept a flexible schedule, working long hours including weekends, or holidays?
• Do you prefer local assignments or are you open to travelling often?
• Do you have law enforcement or military experience?

Read the Job Description Before Applying

Your first step to finding the right fit opportunity for you is to thoroughly understand the bodyguard job description before applying. Doing this helps you assess your compatibility with the role, understand the responsibilities involved, and evaluate if the job aligns with your skills, qualifications, and preferences.

As a condition of employment, most jobs as bodyguards will require that you pass a pre-employment drug screening and have acceptable background check results. In certain U.S. states, there are also specific laws and regulations regarding bodyguard training and certification. This means that, depending on where you want to work, you might need to meet license criteria before landing certain positions.

Assess Your Qualifications and Career Goals

What if you’ve never had a job as bodyguard, or other role in the protective service industry? Don’t sweat it! There are different pathways to becoming a security guard, and because bodyguard jobs don’t all have the same requirements, is best to first assess your skill and qualifications to find the best option for you.

It’s also important to reflect on your long-term aspirations and what you hope to achieve in your career. By doing this, you can prioritize bodyguard jobs that align and offer growth potential.

The most common skills and qualities you'll need to work as a bodyguard include:

• experience with multiple levels of communications
• maintain a professional demeanor under highly stressful circumstances
• experience with basic communications, radio use and procedures
• able to bend, stoop, sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods
• proficiency in self-defense techniques and martial arts
• situational awareness and the ability to assess potential risks and threats

How to Apply to Bodyguard Jobs

By approaching the application process strategically, you can increase your chances of finding and securing the perfect bodyguard job for you. This includes using a well-written resume, customizing your cover letter, and submitting your application through the proper channel.

Update Your Resume for Bodyguard Jobs

Don’t underestimate what you can achieve with a bodyguard resume tailored for the job you are applying for. By following these few simple resume tips you can truly improve your results, obtain more job interviews, and find the right bodyguard job for you:

• Use a professional font and format and keep your resume length to one or two pages.
• Include a summary statement that outlines your qualifications, certifications, and career goals. For example: “Highly trained bodyguard with 5 years of experience and a proven track record in providing personal security to high-profile clients. Certified in Close Protection and First Aid/CPR, with additional expertise in defensive tactics and surveillance techniques. Seeking to leverage my skills and experience to excel in challenging bodyguard assignments.”
• Use action verbs when writing about your skills, experience, and accomplishments (defended, intervened, detected, neutralized, and protected are a few examples).
• Include all the certifications, skills, and other requirements found in the job description and that you possess, such as “can pass a pre-employment drug screening” or “experienced with radio use and procedures”. These are those keywords that recruiters quickly look for in a resume before deciding if it is worth more of their time.
• Proofread for any mistakes and use Monster's Professional Resume Writing Services if you seek feedback or need extra help.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Your candidacy won’t be complete without a cover letter, so don’t skip this important step and grab the chance to showcase your enthusiasm and unique qualities that make you an ideal candidate:

• Tailor it to the job by addressing it to the hiring manager or company. Also include an explanation of what makes you such a good fit for that specific bodyguard job offered and not just the career of bodyguard in general.
• Start your cover letter with something that grabs the reader’s attention right away, such as explaining your genuine interest in the company or highlighting a relevant skill, like a blackbelt in karate.
• End it with a call to action, encouraging the reader to contact you for an interview and learn more about you.
• Check out our example of a bodyguard cover letter for more ideas.

Submit Your Application to Bodyguard Jobs

Speed up your job search with a free Monster account, extend your network, and reach exclusive opportunities. After you join Monster, post your resume to your profile and attract recruiters interested in bodyguards with your qualifications and skills. You’ll also be able to quickly apply to any listing on the job board.

When browsing bodyguard jobs on Monster, make sure to first sign in to your account to take advantage of all your member’s perks. These include faster application processes, resume building, and creating job alerts for specific roles, industries, companies, and locations.

How to Follow Up with an Employer

After submitting your applications for bodyguard jobs, it’s important to follow up with the employers to make a positive impression and help your chances of securing an interview.

• Time your follow up strategically: Take note of any specific timelines mentioned in the job posting. It’s best to wait one to two weeks before reaching out about your bodyguard job application. But after a job interview, remember to send a thank you note within 24 hours, and reach out again after three to five days.
• Choose how to follow up: Email is typically preferred over a phone call or visit as employers are very busy! Keep your email brief and reiterate your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the opportunity, without sounding too pushy or desperate.
• Identify who to follow up with: Address your email to a specific person where possible, such as the hiring manager. Be mindful of any instructions provided to you by the employer regarding follow-ups. Some companies might prefer no follow-ups, in which case you should respect their guidelines and just have patience.

Interviewing Tips for Bodyguard Jobs

Make a positive impression and increase your chances of success by preparing thoroughly and approaching your job interviews with confidence. Follow these valuable insights for help.

Preparing for Your Job Interview

Before heading to a bodyguard job interview there are a few things you can do to ensure everything runs smoothly, such as:

• Research the company and read the reviews from their clients and employees.
• Practice with Monster’s mock job interview questions while focusing your answers on showcasing that you have the requirements, skills, and qualifications the company is looking for in the ideal candidate.
• Dress professionally and arrive on time – remember, first impressions count.

During Your Interview

Whether your interview is in-person, over the phone, or via video conferencing, the general process is typically the same. The interviewer will describe the job requirements and responsibilities and, while going over your resume, ask you questions about yourself and how you would face common bodyguard situations. Then, you’ll also have time to ask your own questions about the company, your prospective colleagues (if applicable), and the job itself.

After Your Interview

Reach out with a thank-you email within 24 hours after your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. Unless provided with different instructions, wait three to five days, if you don’t hear anything back by then, send a follow-up email.

What to Do When You Get an Offer

Receiving a bodyguard job offer is an exciting moment that marks a new chapter in your career. Be prompt in answering, even if you aren’t ready to accept the job offer. Let the hiring manager know if you still need clarification on any aspect of the job, such as specific duties and travel requirements.

Review the contract carefully regarding benefits, vacation time, termination clauses, non-disclosure agreements, and any other obligations. Don’t sign anything until you have considered all sections thoroughly, including any salary negotiation you feel necessary.

Bodyguard Job Career Paths

A bodyguard job opens up many career paths involving protecting individuals, including high-profile clients and public figures. First, you must gain a solid foundation in security and protection by acquiring certifications and training in:

• close protection
• CPR and first aid
• firearms safety, tactical shooting, and the legal aspects of firearm use
• self-defense and hand-to-hand combat, such as programs in martial arts
• defensive driving
• surveillance techniques

Consider working as a security guard, bouncer, or event security personnel to build a foundation of practical skills and situational awareness. Then, to stay relevant and effective in the field, keep up with industry trends including advancements in security technologies and best practices.

As you gain more experience, you may choose to specialize in a specific area such as VIP protection or high-risk security. Alternatively, you can branch into related fields like security consulting, private investigation, or security management.

Bodyguard Jobs: Similar Career Paths

A career as a bodyguard can be the beginning of an exciting journey in the field of security and protection. Consider also exploring the following related career paths for more opportunities for growth and expansion:

• private investigator
• law enforcement personnel
• police officer
• safety coordinator
• security manager