Highest-Paid Celebrity Bodyguards And How Much They Earn

Mark Zuckerberg’s security team

Zuckerberg owns a whole security team, said to be consisted of 16-24 guards. His men have worked in various high-risk roles including protection teams for former U.S. presidents and the Secret Service. Mark Zuckerberg’s expenses for them are reportedly among the highest in the corporate world and are estimated to range between $10 million to $23 million annually. 

While all his bodyguards maintained a high level of secrecy, some insiders claim that his security protocols are similar to those of world leaders, leaving us curious about what he might be hiding.  

Kim Kardashian’s bodyguard

Pascal Duvier has been Kim Kardashian’s and Kanye West’s bodyguard for a couple of years now, with his earning reaching $1.5 million per year. This man has prior experience with a bunch of other A-list celebrities like Justin Timberlake, The Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera, and Katy Perry.  

Duvier comes from Germany where he serviced the army and got a black belt in judo. Despite his high profile, Pascal Duvier has received a lot of criticism when Kim was robbed in Paris in 2016 while she was securing her sisters. 

Adele’s bodyguard

Peter van der Veen is known as Adele’s hot bodyguard but, trust us, he’s way more than just a pretty face. He is an ex-Dutch police officer and was chosen thanks to his police training and imposing physique. Fun fact: he won Mr. Europe in Bodybuilding in 2005!

He was prior working for Lady Gaga, but Adele must had offered him a good raise for him to change. His salary is estimated to be around $1 million annually. 

Beyoncé and Jay Z's security

Beyonce and Jay Z, one of the most iconic couples on the spotlight, save no penny when it comes on their safety. Their full security team costs approximately $4 million per year, and their main bodyguard, Julius De Boer, is rumored to make around $500,000 annually.

He was hired back in 2008 and stayed loyal to Beyonce and her family, being known as one of the most confidential guards in Hollywood. His experience and fame, in addition to his special forces training were what made Beyonce choose him over anybody else.

Jonny Depp’s personal bodyguard

After his long-time bodyguard and friend Jerry Judge death in 2019, Johnny Depp now relies his safety on Sean bett. Bett is a former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy, and was a member a Depp’s safety team but never as the main bodyguard.

His rich background in law enforcement provides him with the skills and experience necessary to protect a high-profile client like Depp. According to estimations, he makes around $500,000 per year.

Jennifer Lopez’s security guard

Her current bodyguard ‘’Big Tony’’ Jones, is reported to earn a total of $1.2 million every year. His background in martial arts give Jennifer the confidence to go anywhere if he’s around.

Big Tony has become somewhat of a celebrity himself, as fans often get excited to meet him as well during Lopez's appearances!

David & Victoria Beckham’s bodyguard

Their security is managed by their lead bodyguard, Brett W. Known for his attention to detail and extensive experience in high-profile security, Brett is reported to earn around $800,000 each year. The couple’s son has his own bodyguard which adds up to the final cost.

Brett's role involves not only safeguarding the Beckham family but also managing the whole security team and coordinating with local law enforcement during their public appearances and international travels.

Cher’s security team

The iconic pop diva whose career spans over six decades, is protected by her trusted bodyguard, Michael “Mick” Adams.

Mick served as a veteran in the field of personal security, and is rumored to earn approximately $600,000 annually for being by Cher’s side 24/7. 

Madonna’s security costs

The queen of Pop is believed to spend around $500,000 thousand on Carlos “C.J.” Jimenez, her personal security bodyguard. This cost doesn’t just include her safety, but her children’s safety as well.

Jimenez works for her not only during her everyday public appearances, but in her high-energy performances, international tours, and trips as well! 

Rihanna’s bodyguard

Businesswoman and R&B star Rihanna is rumored to spend around $500,000 to protect her on public appearances and travels. It’s possible she now spends even more as her family is growing.

Her personal guard is not just a bodyguard; he’s a master of discretion and logistics, orchestrating security with the precision of a military operation! 

Kylie Jenner

Kylie Jenner’s substantial $4.8 million annual security budget reflects her immense wealth and fame.

Managed by the photogenic Tim Chung, her security detail is robust, enabling her to navigate the complexities of life as a business mogul and celebrity without fear.

Barbra Streisand

An enduring figure in entertainment, Barbra Streisand spends $125,000 annually on personal security.

Her bodyguard is a constant presence, a necessity given her extensive career in the public eye that spans acting and singing, attracting attention that requires professional management.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s $400,000 security budget is a drop in the bucket compared to her earnings but crucial for her peace of mind.

Her bodyguards ensure that she can enjoy both her public engagements and private outings, protecting her from the intense fanfare that her music and public presence attract.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry’s distinctive security detail costs her $350,000 a year, partly because her bodyguard bears a striking resemblance to Hugh Jackman, adding an unexpected twist to her entourage.

This security allows Perry to perform worldwide, engage with fans, and be a mother without compromising her safety.

50 Cent

Curtis Jackson, known professionally as 50 Cent, spends over $1 million on security each year.

His high-visibility lifestyle, combined with his past 'bad' experiences, necessitates a robust security detail to navigate both public events and private ventures safely.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's security costs are astronomical, at $20 million annually, due to their high-profile status and frequent public engagements.

This covers extensive personal protection details, travel security, and potentially security consultations for various public and private appearances.

Tom Cruise

Hollywood icon Tom Cruise spends $2.6 million on personal security each year, necessitated by his superstar status and the fan attention he commands globally.

This budget ensures a high level of protection during film productions, promotional activities, and personal life.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

Actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds spend $125,000 on security annually, a necessary expense given their high-profile status in Hollywood.

This amount ensures their safety at public events and private family moments, providing peace of mind amidst their busy public life.

Sandra Bullock

After a terrifying encounter with a stalker, Sandra Bullock has heightened her security measures, which include a safe room in her home.

Although specific annual costs are not publicly disclosed, it's evident that her security setup is robust, combining personal bodyguards with high-tech security installations. According to estimations, she spends around $1.5 million per year.

Drake

The Canadian rapper and music mogul invests heavily in his personal security, especially during tours and public appearances.

Drake's annual security budget is estimated to be around $1 million, covering personal bodyguards and event security.

Jeff Bezos

With a global presence and significant assets, Jeff Bezos invests a good amount of his fortune for his security.

He annually spends around $1.6 million in personal security, a necessary expense for the founder of Amazon.

Larry Ellison

Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle and a towering figure in the tech industry, is deeply influenced by the pioneering work of British computer scientist Edgar F. Codd on relational database models.

With his high-profile status and considerable wealth, Ellison invests $2 million annually in security measures, ensuring his safety as his business achievements elevate his public and professional profile.

Scarlett Johansson

One of Hollywood's highest-earning actresses, Scarlett Johansson spends about $200,000 yearly on security, a necessary expense given her extensive public exposure.

Fun fact: Back in 2012 she used to date her then-bodyguard. They were spotted stunning together on a yacht in the Mediterranean.

Jennifer Aniston

Known for her role as Rachel on "Friends," Jennifer Aniston invests $240,000 annually in her personal security.

Her bodyguard, Sheldon, is quite famous in Hollywood for his adept handling of crowds and paparazzi, ensuring Jennifer navigates her star-studded life safely and privately​.

Bella Hadid

With an annual security budget of $250,000, supermodel Bella Hadid ensures she's well-protected, especially during high-profile events like the Cannes Film Festival. 

Her security detail is essential in managing interactions with the public and the press​.

Britney Spears

After a highly publicized emotional journey, she invests around $600,000 annually in a trusted security team. This decision underscores her complex relationship with fame and personal autonomy, reflecting her need for a protective barrier that respects her privacy while safeguarding her against the relentless paparazzi.

As Britney rebuilds her life post-conservatorship, finding bodyguards who are not only effective but empathetic to her vulnerabilities remains a top priority, illustrating her cautious approach in maintaining her well-being amidst ongoing public scrutiny​.

Justin Bieber

Due to his massive fan following and media attention, Justin Bieber’s security expenses are substantial, costing about $1.5 million annually to ensure his safety during tours, public appearances, and private time​.

The total for both Justin and Hailey Bieber could be estimated conservatively in the range of $2 million to $3 million per year, considering the need for comprehensive coverage in their high-profile public and private lives, especially now with their kid.

Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson's security dynamics notably shifted after she married her bodyguard, Dan Hayhurst, in 2020. Marrying someone from her security detail undoubtedly changed the dynamics of her personal protection strategy, as her husband not only provides emotional support but also physical protection.

Typically, Pamela spent around $400,000 annually on security; however, with her bodyguard now also her spouse, this arrangement could potentially streamline or even reduce some of her security costs.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande, with her meteoric rise in pop music and substantial public attention, has significantly invested in her personal security. As of the latest estimates, her annual security expenses amount to approximately $1.3 million.

This budget reflects the extensive measures needed to safeguard her during performances, public appearances, and even in private settings, addressing the challenges of managing her interaction with fervent fans and potential threats.

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum's security considerations took a personal turn when she dated her bodyguard, Martin Kristen. During their relationship, Klum's security expenses were intricately tied to her personal life, blending professional duties with personal connections.

Heidi Klum typically invests about $500,000 annually on security measures. This arrangement underscored the complex dynamics of having close personal ties with someone who is also part of her security detail, adding layers of trust and intimacy to the professional relationship.