Celebrity Bodyguard

$25,000 to $500,000+

Security Guard, Bodyguard

Handles the personal safety of musical artist/group or celebrity, handles entry and exit routes, and handles crowds, fans, and stalkers.

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Many recording artists and celebrities use professional bodyguards to help them with their security needs. Of course, the number one function of the bodyguard is to protect the recording artist by any means necessary. Some Celebrity Bodyguards accompany the recording artist everyplace he or she goes which means going to interviews, recording sessions, appearances, meetings, and concerts. The bodyguard also goes out with the artist when he she goes out to clubs, dinner, or to parties and even award shows.

Some bodyguards will even work to make sure the recording artist is safe in his or her home. Because of the fact that the Bodyguard needs to ensure safety at all times, this is not generally a nine-to-five job. Also, individuals who go on tour may be on call 24 hours a day. While you can sometimes pick out a Bodyguard for the crowd, the Celebrity Bodyguard should have the ability to blend into his or her surroundings. With that said, the Bodyguard should also show a physical presence when needed.

The challenge for most Bodyguards? It is finding the balance between protecting the client while letting him or her work and live as normal a life as possible. For example, of the artist goes to a restaurant for a meal, the Bodyguard needs to decide to either sit at the same table or not, while also deciding if people should be allowed near the client when he or she is dining. The Bodyguard needs to be on top of his game at all times, alert to potential threats to the artist. If alerted, the Bodyguard needs to be addressed immediately.

Many recording artists with larger homes may use closed-circuit cameras throughout the house and property that need to be monitored on a constant basis – sometimes it is the bodyguard who is expected to monitor these cameras or oversee a staff of other security consultants who handle this task.

Additional responsibilities for the bodyguard might come when the recording artist goes on tour, which include checking out the venue before the artist arrives to have a good idea of where all the entrances and exits are located. He or she must also find the best routes to and from the venue. When the artist takes the stage, the Bodyguard will constantly monitor the audience. Then, after the show, the bodyguard may stay close to the artist while he or she signs autographs and will the rush the artist out of the venue and back to the tour bus or hotel.

Once the artist is back at the hotel, the Bodyguards job is not finished, as he might stand outside the artist's room or stay in an adjoining room to make sure any unauthorized people stay away. To fully protect the artist, Bodyguards often work with local police and other law enforcement agencies.

Sometime, Bodyguards may drive their clients, so he must be aware of suspicious-looking vehicles or those that are driving erratically. To avoid any potential problems, the Bodyguard should know evasive driving techniques. The bodyguard might also be responsible for protecting the artist's family.

Because Bodyguards are always with the recording artist, they often become confidants, and will see and hear things that the recording artist does not want leaked to the public. So, it is critical that the bodyguard have discretion and keep things confidential, even when faced with lucrative financial deals from tabloids, etc.

To offer extreme physical protection, some Celebrity Bodyguards carry firearms, while others practice various types of martial arts. But, whenever possible, it is in the Bodyguard's best interest to handle situations without violence. They need to also remain professional and realize they were not hired to have fun. The Bodyguard's life can be exciting, glamorous, and rewarding, and most who work in the field would never forfeit the experience.

Salaries
Some Celebrity Bodyguards earn $25,000 annually, while others earn $500,000 or more per year for advanced services. Salaries differ due to experience and responsibilities, along with the prestige and popularity of the recording artist for which he or she is responsible. Those who work for security companies may be paid a weekly salary by the company, while others working directly for a recording artist might be paid on an hourly, weekly, or per project basis. Those who are paid on an hourly basis may earn $100 to $300 or more per hour, and if they travel with the artist or go on tour, their hourly fee may be doubled.

Employment
Prospects are fair, as Bodyguards may work for recording artists who are at various levels in their career. There are also additional opportunities that might exist with touring and promotion companies, or with record labels and artist management Companies. Bodyguards can also work for a general security company or a security company specializing in protecting celebrities and entertainers.

Advancement
Advancement as a Celebrity Bodyguard will come with protecting higher profile celebrities. Some are lucky enough to work as a Bodyguard for an up and coming artist who finds success and instantly becomes more popular. Other times, Bodyguards might leave working for one artist to protect another, more well-known artist. Some who work for security companies can go out as consultants or start their own security company.

Education and Training
While educational requirements vary, those who are sought out most, generally have gone through some sort of formal training. In terms of education, some Celebrity Bodyguards hold degrees in criminal justice, while others have gone through police or military training. There are even schools that specialize specifically in training bodyguards. Additionally, courses, seminars, and workshops in a variety of areas may be useful, including specialties in unarmed combat, tactical driving, firearms, screening and controlling crowds, protective escorting, and electronic surveillance. As mentioned, martial arts classes might also prove to be useful.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
Requirements depend on the specific job and employer, but in most situations, the Celebrity Bodyguard will need a basic security guard or private investigator's license issued by the specific state in which he or she is employed. In addition, Bodyguards also need a valid driver's license, and should have a clean criminal record. Also, some employers may require Bodyguards to have a physical exam to ensure a clean bill of health.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
Some get lucky in landing their jobs as Bodyguards, but others have experience in law enforcement, the military, or governmental agencies such as the Secret Service or the U.S. Marshals. Bodyguards don't need to be music fans, but they need an understanding of the music industry as it relates to celebrity and fans. As silly as it sounds, the Bodyguard needs to almost have a sixth sense of what might be Going on in the immediate surroundings.

Bodyguards need to be honest, loyal, and must have a great deal of integrity. Good judgment is also necessary, along with the ability to think quickly and make effective decisions. Excellent verbal communication and people skills are also a must Bodyguards need to also be physically fit and must be assertive when necessary.

Unions and Associations
Bodyguards might belong to a number of trade associations, including the North American Association of Independent Security Consultants (NAAISC) or the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS).

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