Earnings and Benefits
New Protectors earn
$75,000 to $125,000
in their first year with GDBA
Senior Protectors earn
$95,000 to $230,000
annually with GDBA
For decades, GDBA has been the BEST choice for the BEST professionals who are career-minded and committed to providing the BEST protection and peace of mind for the world's most at-risk public figures.
GDBA Protectors already benefit from four guaranteed raises in their first two years, full medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, selectable overtime opportunities, paid time off, paid holidays, gifted vacations, passion grants, CARE benefits, gym reimbursement, $20,000 immediate life-crisis support.
And this impressive list now includes our best-in-class Retirement Program:
$15,000 employer contribution for First-Year Associates
+ $3,000 employer contribution each year thereafter
+ 10% no-limit matching for all Associates who choose to contribute to their retirement plan
At least four pay increases during a Protector's initial two years at GDBA.
Starting Earnings based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications.
We offer Growth and Advancement throughout an Associate's entire career at GDBA — Merit is rewarded.
GDBA covers all preventive Medical and Dental Care at no cost to Associates and their Families.
For all other medical needs, GDBA pays for the majority of the Premium. Accordingly, GDBA Associates and their Families enjoy very low monthly costs for medical coverage.
GDBA offers multiple medical plans, allowing each Associate to choose their favorite.
Best in Class 401k Retirement Plan
$15,000 employer contribution for First-Year Associates
plus $3,000 employer contribution each year thereafter
plus 10% no-limit matching for all Associates who choose to contribute to their retirement plan
Eligible Veterans at GDBA can utilize their GI Bill® for additional income, drawing upon the Basic Allowance Housing (or BAH) offered by the GI Bill® without taking any college courses or adding to their normal GDBA responsibilities.
Learn more about this incredible veteran benefit.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
At least three promotions in a Protector’s initial two years. All future Promotions are strictly merit-based. See Earnings Chart.
Unlike Law Enforcement or the Military, at GDBA, performance matters more than seniority. Top performing Associates are rewarded with Promotions, Higher Earnings, and additional Responsibility.
Protectors can earn thousands of dollars in bonuses each year.
Performance Bonuses
$150 to $5,000
No limit to number or amount of Performance Bonuses each year
Referral Bonuses
$2,500 per Referral
No limit to number or amount of Referral Bonuses each year
Retention Bonuses
$1,000 each year an Associate's referral stays at GDBA
No limit to number or amount of Retention Bonuses each year
Qualified Protectors are a paid a minimum of 16 hours per day (including 8 hours of overtime pay) during travel even if they work less than those 16 hours per day.
Qualified Associates earn up to $135 per day in Per Diem during travel.
All Associates are paid (often their overtime rate) for GDBA designated training events and courses.
Throughout our 2-Year Professional Leadership Track (PLT), Protectors complete training courses, exercises, and certifications to gain mastery in our protection mission. Protectors also receive individual mentorship to facilitate their career advancement and mission proficiency.
After PLT, Protectors attend additional training schools and academies involving advanced field protection, evasive driving, emergency medical, and much more.
Protectors complete scheduled training exercises and certifications each and every year.
Protectors can earn thousands of dollars per year for maintaining the following licenses and certifications:
LEOSA (H.R. – 218) CCW
State CCW
EMT
Certified Lifeguard
Commercial Pilot
Commercial Boat Captain
Commercial Drone Pilot
Medical Instructor
Firearms Instructor
Defensive Tactics Instructor
Water Safety and Rescue Instructor
The Associate Assistance Program (CARE Division) offers advocacy and resources for our Associates.
GDBA's CARE Team helps Associates experiencing financial, professional, or personal hardship.
CARE offers Associates a direct and confidential line of communication outside of their traditional chain of command.
Before Associates log on to our internal intranet each shift, they answer a series of questions to ensure they are heard, understood, protected, and cared for. We ask at least 12 of these CARE questions per week.
Our Associates experience family tragedies, plus less tragic (yet still serious) challenges related to childcare, spousal layoffs, and much more. Through it all, GDBA provides extra financial resources, paid time off, and professional services to hundreds of our Associates and their families.
GDBA covers all costs associated with state required Guard and Firearms License renewal fees.
Additionally, GDBA covers all state required Firearm Requalification Fees, while also compensating Protectors for their time during requalification.
Each year, Associates are gifted with a free vacation (includes lodging and airfare) at a luxury resort or home in Maui, Catalina Island, the Smoky Mountains, Palm Beach, or Lake Arrowhead, CA.
Depending on the location, each Associate can bring up to seven guests.
Protectors are allotted a generous monthly reimbursement for Gym Fees, Personal Training, or Fitness Equipment.
Qualified Protectors receive up to $3,000 per year to fund their passions outside of GDBA.
Examples include Martial Arts, Photography, Painting, Writing, Cooking, Surfing, Skydiving, Powerlifting, Musical Instruments, Foreign Language study, and more.
All Associates receive at least $35 per month in smart phone reimbursement.
Newly hired Associates begin with three weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) in their first year.
Protectors who work any of the ten GDBA-observed Federal Holidays are paid their Overtime Rate.
Through GDBA-funded partnerships, Associates receive special discounts on healthy ready-to-eat meal delivery that is tailored for athletes and fitness-minded professionals.
GDBA also offers our Associates substantial discounts on leading supplement products.
Starting on or near the birth (or adoption) of a new child, Associates receive Paid Parental Leave. This GDBA Benefit is in addition to Paid Family Leave offered by the state where an Associate works and lives.
GDBA offers our Associates substantial discounts on premium clothing at premium retailers to elevate their personal and professional attire.
This benefit is entirely paid by GDBA, which means you will receive partial wage replacement if you become disabled and unable to work due to a non-work-related injury. The benefit can be used to provide multiple weeks of partial wage replacement for birthing mothers through pre-partum and post-partum recovery.
If you’re in a state like California where Short-Term Disability coverage is provided through your payroll taxes, this private plan will often pay above and beyond.
You do not have to opt-in to the plan – you will be automatically enrolled and covered at GDBA’s expense.
GDBA provides qualified Associates with various discount programs, including car rentals, sporting events, endurance races, nutrition supplements, meal delivery, workout attire, gym equipment, and much more.
GDBA provides up to a week Paid Bereavement Leave for Associates experiencing a death in their family or extended family, which includes grandparents and in-laws.
After two years at GDBA, Protectors are eligible for the following executive expenses:
$100/month for coffee and lunch
Amazon Prime membership
Up to $750 in Airfare for vacation
Monthly stipends for Movies and Concerts
Monthly Dry-Cleaning stipend
Monthly Audiobook stipend
Annually, any Associate with children 18 years old or younger, can expense up to $250 for a family outing. Examples include Amusement Parks, Sporting Events, Dinners, etc.
Through our personal financial management partners, GDBA offers complimentary financial assistance, resources, and training for all Associates.
Annually, any Associate with children aged 2 to 18 years old, can expense up to $100 per child for any item(s) that are sports or activity related. Examples include Sporting Equipment (baseball glove, cleats, etc.) or Performing Arts equipment (ballet shoes, costumes, etc.).
GDBA provides Basic Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance to every eligible Associate at absolutely no cost to the Associate.
GDBA's Life Insurance payout is equal to 3 TIMES an Associate’s base annual earnings, up to $300,000.
GDBA also provides Associates the opportunity to purchase additional Life Insurance, up to $500,000 in additional Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment for Associates, their spouses, and children.
Annually, any Associate with children aged 3 to 18 years old, can expense up to $50 per child for any school related item(s). Examples include Notebooks, Clothes, Technology, etc.
When traveling or working in the most volatile or desolate regions on earth, our Associates always have a single point of contact to access emergency medical and security services during a crisis. Through our Emergency Travel Assistance Program (at no cost to our Associates), response teams are available 24/7 to coordinate all necessary resources that ensure expedient evacuations and repatriations for our traveling Associates. These crises include medical emergencies, detention by local authorities, civil unrest, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, lost passports, and more.
GDBA provides $20,000 to Associates experiencing a death, debilitating terminal illness, or debilitating catastrophic injury in their immediate family with whom they reside (spouse/intimate partner, child). We provide this financial assistance with no strings attached, allowing the Associate to spend the assistance in whatever way best suits their situation.
Developed by leading security and medical experts, this smartphone advisory app (at no cost to our Associates) provides our traveling Associates with the most up to date regional information and security advice, plus real time alerts. The app also provides travel advice, vaccination requirements, hospital and embassy locations, social etiquette norms, and much more for all countries and major cities throughout the world.
GDBA contributes up to $1,500 per year to an Associate's Health Savings Account (HSA).
HSAs allow Associates to set aside pre-tax money to pay for a wide variety of medical and dental expenses, including co-pays, deductibles, holistic medicine, over-the-counter medication, and much more.
HSAs can substantially lower an Associate’s health care costs.
GDBA pays tuition for all Associates who want to attend the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's (MSF) training course.
Associates can set aside up to $340 per month on a Pre-Tax basis for Commuter Fees, including all forms of Mass Transit and Vanpooling. Parking Expenses are also eligible.
GDBA offers quarterly reimbursements for holistic medical treatments, including Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, and Chiropractic Care.
FSAs allow Associates to substantially lower their health care costs by setting aside pre-tax money to pay for a wide variety of medical expenses, including Dental and Vision expenses.
Through FSAs, Associates can also set aside up to $5,000 in pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses.
Qualified Associates receive a substantial reimbursement for elective corrective laser eye surgery (e.g. LASIK / PRK).
Through GDBA’s Medical Insurance provider, Associates can also take advantage of special LASIK / PRK rates, discounts, and resources.
GDBA provides eligible Associates with Long-Term Disability coverage at no cost.
Coverage is automatic and Associates do not need to enroll.
GDBA's Disability Insurance provides Long-Term Income replacement should you become disabled and unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. (Worker's Compensation covers all work-related injuries.)