Average security guard cost

Hiring a security guard costs $20 to $150 per hour depending on the type of service, level of training, and whether the guard is armed or unarmed. Most businesses and individuals pay between $25 and $50 per hour for standard security services, while specialized executive protection commands significantly higher rates.

Whether you need protection for a corporate office, private event, residential property, or personal safety, understanding what drives security guard pricing helps you budget accurately and choose the right level of protection for your situation.

Type of security guard	Average hourly cost
Unarmed security guard	$20 - $40
Armed security guard	$50 - $80
Executive/close protection	$75 - $150
Event security	$25 - $60
Residential security	$20 - $45
Overnight/holiday shifts	$30 - $70

Armed vs. unarmed security guard costs

The single biggest factor in security guard pricing is whether the guard is armed or unarmed. Armed guards cost roughly 50% to 100% more than their unarmed counterparts because they require advanced weapons training, carry permits, and additional insurance coverage.

Service type	Hourly rate	Best for
Unarmed guard	$20 - $40	Corporate offices, retail stores, residential communities, low-risk events
Armed guard	$50 - $80	High-value asset protection, high-threat environments, VIP protection

When to hire an unarmed guard

Unarmed guards are effective for many common security needs. They monitor activity, maintain access control, deter criminal behavior through visible presence, and assist with de-escalation. They are a practical choice for residential communities, private events, corporate lobbies, and retail locations where the primary goal is deterrence rather than armed response.

When to hire an armed guard

Armed guards are appropriate when the risk level is elevated. Protecting high-net-worth individuals, securing valuable assets, guarding locations with known threats, or providing security in unpredictable environments all justify the added expense. Armed guards undergo more intensive training in threat assessment, firearms handling, and conflict resolution.

Cost by type of security service

Security guard costs vary widely depending on the specific service you need. A guard standing at a front desk costs far less than a close protection agent traveling with an executive. Here's how the most common service types compare.

Security service	Hourly rate	Daily estimate (8 hours)
Standing/stationary guard	$20 - $35	$160 - $280
Patrol guard (mobile)	$25 - $45	$200 - $360
Event security	$25 - $60	$200 - $480
Residential/estate security	$20 - $45	$160 - $360
Corporate/office security	$22 - $40	$176 - $320
Executive protection	$75 - $150	$600 - $1,200
Bodyguard/close protection	$75 - $150+	$600 - $1,200+

Event security

Event security guards typically cost $25 to $60 per hour, with rates depending on the event size, crowd capacity, and risk factors. Concerts, festivals, and high-profile gatherings require more guards and often command premium rates. Most agencies enforce a minimum of four to eight hours per guard for event bookings.

Large events may also require a security supervisor or team lead, which adds $10 to $20 per hour above standard guard rates. Crowd control, VIP area management, and parking lot patrols each require dedicated personnel, so total event security costs can add up quickly.

Residential and estate security

Homeowners and families hiring residential security guards pay $20 to $45 per hour for standard service. Full-time estate security for high-net-worth families, which may include gate monitoring, perimeter patrols, and visitor screening, can cost $3,000 to $10,000 per month or more depending on coverage hours and team size.

Executive and personal protection

Executive protection, sometimes called close personal protection, is the most expensive tier. Rates of $75 to $150 per hour reflect the agent's advanced training, which often includes backgrounds in law enforcement, military service, or federal agencies. These professionals handle threat assessment, route planning, secure transportation, and on-site protection.

For high-profile clients, daily or weekly contracts are common. A full-time executive protection detail can cost $1,000 to $2,000 per day or more, especially when the assignment involves travel, rotating shifts, or multiple agents. For dedicated bodyguard services, costs can be even higher depending on the level of threat and number of agents required.

Factors that affect security guard pricing

Several variables influence how much you'll pay for security services. Understanding these factors helps you anticipate costs and negotiate better contracts with security companies.

Factor	Impact on cost
Training and experience level	Higher training = higher rates
Armed vs. unarmed	Armed costs 50% - 100% more
Risk level of assignment	High-risk environments increase rates
Location/metro area	Major cities cost 20% - 40% more
Contract length	Long-term contracts reduce hourly rates
Time of day/holidays	Overnight and holiday shifts cost more
Number of guards needed	More guards = higher total cost
Certifications and credentials	Specialized certifications add $5 - $20 per hour

Training and experience

A guard's background directly impacts their hourly rate. Entry-level guards with basic state licensing command the lowest rates. Former law enforcement officers, military veterans, and agents with specialized training in threat assessment, defensive tactics, or emergency medical response cost significantly more.

Guards certified in CPR, first aid, and crisis management add value in real-life scenarios. Their training prepares them for emergencies beyond standard security duties, which justifies the premium.

Location

Security guard rates in major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Chicago run 20% to 40% higher than in smaller cities or rural areas. Local wage laws, cost of living, demand for security professionals, and licensing requirements all contribute to regional price differences.

If a guard needs to travel to your location, expect additional charges for mileage, lodging, and per diem expenses.

Risk level

Low-risk environments like quiet office buildings and gated communities cost less to secure. High-risk assignments, including locations with active threats, high-value targets, or volatile public exposure, drive rates upward because they demand guards with advanced skills and greater liability coverage.

Time of day and scheduling

Overnight shifts, weekend coverage, and holiday assignments carry premium rates. Expect to pay $5 to $15 more per hour for these time slots compared to standard weekday shifts. Most agencies also enforce daily minimums of four to eight hours per guard, so even a short shift may carry a full half-day charge.

Short-term vs. long-term security contracts

How long you need security services significantly affects your per-hour cost. Short-term assignments carry higher rates, while long-term contracts offer meaningful savings.

Contract type	Typical hourly rate (unarmed)	Notes
One-time/event (under 24 hours)	$30 - $50	Premium for rapid deployment and last-minute availability
Short-term (1 - 4 weeks)	$25 - $40	Slightly lower rates with advance booking
Long-term (1 month+)	$20 - $35	Best rates due to steady scheduling and income
Annual contract	$18 - $30	Lowest hourly rate, often negotiable

Short-term security is more expensive on a per-hour basis because it requires rapid deployment, last-minute scheduling, and less predictable work for the security company. One-time event coverage or emergency security requests often carry a 15% to 30% premium over standard rates.

Long-term contracts bring costs down because they provide the security firm with steady income and reliable scheduling. If you need ongoing protection for a residence, business, or individual, negotiating a multi-month or annual contract is the most cost-effective approach. Many firms offer 10% to 20% discounts for commitments of three months or longer.

Hidden fees and additional costs

The quoted hourly rate isn't always the full picture. Several additional charges can increase your total security budget beyond what you initially expect.

Additional cost	Typical charge
Overtime (beyond 8 hours)	1.5x the standard hourly rate
Holiday premium	$10 - $20 extra per hour
Travel/mileage	$0.50 - $0.70 per mile
Equipment rental (body cameras, radios)	$25 - $100 per shift
Supervisor/team lead	$10 - $20 extra per hour
Background check (client-requested)	$50 - $200 one-time
Uniform/dress code requirements	$50 - $150 one-time
Report writing/documentation	$25 - $75 per report

Overtime and shift premiums

Most security companies bill overtime at 1.5 times the standard hourly rate for any hours beyond eight in a single shift. If your event runs late or your business needs extended coverage, overtime charges can add up quickly.

Equipment and technology

Some assignments require body cameras, private radio systems, metal detectors, or surveillance equipment. If the security company provides this equipment, you may be charged rental or setup fees of $25 to $100 per shift. Ask about equipment costs upfront to avoid surprises on your invoice.

Multi-guard deployments

When one guard isn't enough, you'll need a team. Large events, high-profile clients, and 24/7 coverage all require multiple guards working in shifts. While individual rates may remain steady, the total cost multiplies with each additional guard. A three-person team working eight-hour shifts around the clock costs roughly three times the single-guard daily rate.

Monthly and annual security guard costs

For businesses and individuals needing ongoing security, monthly and annual cost estimates help with long-term budgeting. These figures assume a single unarmed guard working standard business hours unless otherwise noted.

Coverage level	Monthly cost estimate	Annual cost estimate
Part-time (20 hours/week, unarmed)	$1,600 - $3,200	$19,200 - $38,400
Full-time (40 hours/week, unarmed)	$3,200 - $6,400	$38,400 - $76,800
Full-time (40 hours/week, armed)	$8,000 - $12,800	$96,000 - $153,600
24/7 coverage (multiple guards, unarmed)	$10,000 - $20,000	$120,000 - $240,000
24/7 coverage (multiple guards, armed)	$25,000 - $50,000	$300,000 - $600,000

A single full-time unarmed security guard working 40 hours per week at $25 per hour costs approximately $4,300 per month or $52,000 per year. Armed guards at $50 per hour double that figure to roughly $8,600 per month or $104,000 per year.

Around-the-clock protection requires a minimum of three guards working eight-hour shifts, plus relief coverage for days off. This brings the annual cost to $120,000 or more for unarmed 24/7 security and $300,000+ for armed coverage.

Hiring a security company vs. an independent guard

You can hire security through a licensed agency or contract directly with an independent guard. Each option has distinct cost implications and trade-offs.

Option	Typical hourly rate	Pros	Cons
Security company	$25 - $80	Insured, vetted guards; backup personnel; liability coverage	Higher rates; less direct control over guard selection
Independent guard	$15 - $50	Lower cost; direct hiring; personal relationship	No backup; you handle insurance and liability; vetting is your responsibility

Security company advantages

Licensed security companies handle guard vetting, background checks, training, insurance, and liability coverage. If a guard calls in sick or quits, the company provides a replacement. This reliability and accountability justify the higher hourly rate, especially for businesses that cannot afford gaps in coverage.

Independent guard advantages

Hiring an independent contractor cuts out the agency markup, reducing costs by 20% to 40%. However, you take on the responsibility of verifying licenses, conducting background checks, providing insurance, and handling scheduling. Independent guards also lack backup support, meaning a sick day or emergency leaves you without coverage.

How to save money on security guard services

Security is an investment, but several strategies can help you manage costs without sacrificing protection quality.

• Negotiate long-term contracts: Committing to three months or more can reduce hourly rates by 10% to 20%.
• Use unarmed guards when appropriate: If your risk assessment doesn't require armed protection, unarmed guards save you 50% or more per hour.
• Combine technology with guards: Security cameras, alarm systems, and remote monitoring can reduce the number of guards you need on-site.
• Schedule strategically: Limit overnight and weekend shifts to high-risk hours. Use technology-based monitoring during low-activity periods.
• Bundle services: Many security firms offer discounts when you combine guard services with alarm monitoring, patrol services, or risk consulting.
• Get multiple quotes: Comparing bids from at least three companies ensures competitive pricing and helps you identify overcharges.
• Share security costs: In office parks or multi-tenant buildings, splitting security guard costs with neighboring businesses reduces individual expenses.

Licenses, certifications, and their impact on cost

A guard's credentials directly affect what you pay. More certifications and higher-level training translate to higher hourly rates, but they also bring greater competence and reliability.

Credential	Impact on hourly rate
Basic state security license	Baseline rate
Armed guard permit/firearms certification	+ $15 - $30 per hour
CPR/first aid certification	+ $2 - $5 per hour
Defensive tactics training	+ $5 - $10 per hour
Former law enforcement/military	+ $10 - $30 per hour
Executive protection certification	+ $25 - $50 per hour

State licensing is the baseline requirement for any security guard. Every state has different licensing standards, but all require guards to pass background checks and complete minimum training hours. Guards who invest in additional certifications, such as firearms training, defensive tactics, or executive protection programs, bring added capability to the job.

Former law enforcement officers and military veterans often command $10 to $30 more per hour than guards without that background. Their experience in high-pressure situations, threat assessment, and tactical response makes them especially valuable for executive protection and high-risk assignments.

Security guard cost by location

Where you're located plays a significant role in what you'll pay for security services. Major cities have higher labor costs, stricter licensing requirements, and greater demand for qualified guards.

Region/city	Unarmed guard (per hour)	Armed guard (per hour)
New York City	$28 - $45	$60 - $90
Los Angeles	$25 - $42	$55 - $85
Washington, D.C.	$27 - $45	$58 - $88
Chicago	$24 - $40	$50 - $80
Houston/Dallas	$20 - $35	$45 - $70
Small cities/rural areas	$18 - $30	$40 - $60

In cities like New York and Washington, D.C., unarmed guards commonly charge $28 to $45 per hour, while armed guards run $60 to $90 per hour. In smaller cities and rural areas, rates drop to $18 to $30 for unarmed and $40 to $60 for armed services.

If you're in a high-cost metro area, the savings strategies mentioned earlier become even more important. Combining technology with fewer guards, negotiating long-term contracts, and sharing costs with other businesses can significantly reduce your overall expense.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a security guard cost per hour?

Security guards cost $20 to $40 per hour for unarmed service and $50 to $80 per hour for armed service. Executive protection and specialized bodyguard services run $75 to $150 per hour or more.

How much does 24/7 security cost?

Around-the-clock unarmed security costs $10,000 to $20,000 per month, requiring a minimum of three guards working eight-hour shifts plus relief personnel. Armed 24/7 coverage costs $25,000 to $50,000 per month.

Is hiring a security guard worth the cost?

For many businesses, the cost of a security guard is far less than the potential losses from theft, vandalism, liability lawsuits, or safety incidents. Security guards also reduce insurance premiums for some businesses, partially offsetting their cost.

Do security companies charge a minimum number of hours?

Yes. Most security companies enforce a daily minimum of four to eight hours per guard. Even if you only need a guard for two hours, you'll likely be billed for the minimum.

Can I negotiate security guard rates?

Absolutely. Long-term contracts, consistent scheduling, and bundled services all create opportunities to negotiate lower rates. Getting quotes from multiple companies also gives you leverage in negotiations.

What's the difference between a security guard and a bodyguard?

A security guard typically protects a fixed location, such as a building, event, or property. A bodyguard (or personal protection agent) provides close protection for an individual, traveling with them and managing threats in real time. Bodyguards cost significantly more due to their specialized training and the personal nature of the assignment.