The world of celebrity bodyguards (2024)

Security services: more than just having a handsome bodyguard

Bigger isn't always better with security

Some celebrities hire bodyguards because they are hulk-like or handsome, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are trained properly. In fact, that type of protection is barely one step above a shopping mall security guard.

Most bodyguards that work for CEOs or billionaires are former law enforcement or military, so they have the tactical awareness to defeat threats. If you are a very high-profile celebrity like Taylor Swift or Jennifer Lawrence, then a super hot bodyguard looks good on social media posts, but be sure that they also have the specialized training needed to keep the VIP safe.

How much does a celebrity bodyguard earn?

Celebrity bodyguard pay varies. There are a number of different factors involved in determining the salary for VIP protection, namely the training they have and the level of experience.

If you are protecting Victoria Beckham or Jennifer Lopez, for example, then a short-term security detail may garner $1,200 a day for each agent. While that does equal more than $280,000 a year, the close protection agents don't make that rate for a full-time job. For those celebrity security agents working in a permeant position, one could expect to make about $150,000 a year.

Beckham family's sexiest bodyguards

Bodyguards lend assistance to celebrities

Some celebrities have very high profiles, especially if they are posting a lot on social media. The Marie Claire team especially likes to write about Adele's bodyguard, Lady Gaga, and anyone associated with the Kardashian-Jenner clan. Additionally, protecting Victoria Beckham always draws a media circus and helps sell magazines.

While the super-hot bodyguards appear to have the world's best jobs, just remember that those executive protection agents are working 12-hour shifts. Further, they are typically on their feet for the entire time. They don't often get breaks to eat or use the bathroom either.

Is it possible to have too many bodyguards?

Actually, yes. Glad you asked. In physical and psychological terms, having an entourage of the most attractive bodyguards is a deterrent in some respects, but it can have negative ramifications as well. It's cost prohibitive for most celebrities to have security entourages, but it also can create animosity from a PR standpoint because it's "showing off."

Kim Kardashian is especially renowned for her large entourages; but as a billionaire, she can afford the expense. It costs tens of millions of dollars a year budgetwise to have a large entourage like that: payroll, transportation, a large private jet, and of course feeding them.

Is a noticeably attractive guard really necessary?

Celebrity close protection agents

If a celebrity wants to hire a qualified close protection agent and they just happen to be a dashing bodyguard as well, so be it. But "good looks" is not as important as experience and training. A "chiseled guard," for example, doesn't mean that they can kick anyone's ass (excuse our French).

In fact, the best type of security services should go unnoticed. Many billionaires, for example, are now being very low profile so that it doesn't draw attention. Attacking people's families is much easier when celebrities travel in a "notice me" manner.

What are the ancillary costs of having a solid team?

It's one hell of a cost to have a solid team, especially in a place like New York City. Full time security services that are 24/7 are required for high-profile celebrities and billionaires, so let's break down the cost:

Each dapperly dressed guard costs about $150,000 a year each.
A high-profile celebrity needs a team of at least eight bodyguards for 24-hour protection (10 to 12-hour shifts).
Other estates, chateaus, and superyachts that the VIP owns also need protection, even if the celebrity isn't "in residence."
There could never be, for example, approximately zero bodyguards in an estate because it could be broken into (Tom Brady, we're talking about you).
Transportation for the security team is also expensive because it requires a convoy of top-of-the line Cadillac Escalades or Chevy Suburbans (at about $100K each fully loaded).
Living quarters on an estate or superyacht are also needed. For a team of 10, that would require living quarters of about 10,000 square feet at the very least. That's a mansion just by itself.

Finally, international travel for a team of bodyguards, personal assistants, and stylists to make it to the Chanel haute couture show would require that you have a private jet large enough to seat about 20 people. In short, a $50,000,000 celebrity private jet would be needed for such a feat.

A final word on VIP security services for celebrities

Some celebrity security agents have a high profile

While protecting someone like Queen Bey (aka Beyoncé) or Taylor Swift requires a large and experienced security team because of the stars' understandably large fan base, the internet convinced most people that large security teams are necessary because of high-profile and brazen robbery events of some VIPs.

For example, the close protection team that accompanied Kim Kardashian during her European leg of a vacation were overtaken by a "hit squad" and Kim was tied up. All of Kardashian's jewelry was taken.

When American celebrities make a New York city jaunt, that's one thing; but heading to Europe creates a whole different set of threats that a "handsome as hell bodyguard" may not be particularly ready for.

A few security experts have even discussed the possibility that some of the celebrity security teams themselves may be responsible for the "bearded cutie" and "Kylie Jenner's hot bodyguard" stories in the news. We don't take any position on that matter; but if it were true, then we totally object to it, and the splash news outlets should stop spreading false stories.

Filed Under: security services, handsome bodyguard stepped, Peter Van Der Veen celebrity clients, Lady Gaga