Bodyguard / Close Protection Officer
🕶️Protects a specific person: plans routes, assesses threats, accompanies them to meetings and on trips, discreet and always close.
Prospects & pay
What the work is like
💼 Job market
🇺🇸 $48.7k a year on average
Security guards & gaming surveillance officers — US: Census ACS 2020–24 (full-time), BLS projections 2025–35
🇬🇧 £33.8k median a year · 72,000 jobs
Security guards and related occupations — UK: ONS ASHE 2025 (full-time)
🤖 AI & automation
AI video analytics help spot threats, but a live bodyguard with quick reactions and tact can't be replaced.
Who it suits
Interests: 🛡️ Protecting, rescuing, serving, 🏃 Sport and movement, 🧠 Psychology.
Key strengths: strength and stamina, attention to detail, understanding people.
Where to study
- Course Close Protection licence (SIA in the UK) or state security licence (US)
- Academy Military or police background (the most common route)
- Course First aid, defensive driving, firearms where legal
Key school subjects (A-level / IB / AP): PE, Languages.
🧗 Usually after military or police service. UK: SIA Close Protection licence (2–3-week course); US: state licence. Add first aid, defensive driving and languages; high-net-worth clients pay well.
Things to know
🔫 Weapons⚠️ Real danger to life🧳 Frequent work trips🌙 Night shifts and on-call
Similar careers
Not sure what to choose?
A ~100-question quiz builds your interest profile and matches you with careers and universities in Europe, the UK and the US.
Take the quiz →Scales are expert estimates; tuition and admission rules are for 2026/27 from official sources — always check the university website.