Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
•   Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Working Life

Bodyguards protect clients, this can take the form of protecting their privacy or protecting them from threats. To do this they engage in a variety of tasks, such as searching locations their client will visit, researching their schedule to identify threats, staying alert to threats when accompanying the client on public visits, securing the clients residence, and driving the client.

The risk posed to the client and the bodyguard can vary greatly depending on the nature of the location, client and threat they face. For example bodyguards protecting workers in conflict regions face very different risk to those protecting celebrities during public appearances.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
• Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
• Monitor and authorise entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
• Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorised persons, or unusual occurrences.
• Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
• Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorised persons.
• Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
• Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
• Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
• Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.

Further Information

• Bodyguard- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

If you want to become a bodyguard, you need to prepare yourself in different ways. You should have knowledge and skills in how to protect yourself and others from harm, how to secure a location or a person, and how to calm down angry or violent people. You should also train your body and mind to be strong, alert and resilient. These are some of the things that will help you succeed in this career path.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: Security.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: security studies, operations management.

Search for PLC Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Some bodyguards, especially in more sensitive or high-profile roles, will have a background in Law Enforcement or Military Service.

Garda vetting & security checks may form part of the application processes, in order to register PSA Private Security Authority

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €55k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, shift pattern, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
Salary expert/ Eirieri/ Indeed/ Talent

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Security guards and related occupations; Parking and civil enforcement occupations; School midday and crossing patrol occupations; Elementary security occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels in this occupation dipped during 2020, most likely related to the closure of offices, bars and retail premises during the COVID-19 pandemic along with the cancellation of events. Employment has since returned to pre-COVID-19 levels with a high volume of vacancies advertised with DSP Jobs Ireland (including event and retail security).

Although the number of online adverts for security guards in the OVATE data declined overall, the number of skill mentions increased for health/safety skills. monitoring & planning skills, and an ability to work in teams. This occupation has a higher-than-average share of non-Irish citizens employed, at 30% (compared to 19% nationally). Future demand for these roles will be particularly dependent on the occupancy levels in offices, where the majority of security guards are employed.

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