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Security Guard Cost


How Much Does a Security Guard Cost?

 
low costUnarmed Security Guard: $12-$20 Per Houraverage costArmed Security Guard: $18-$25 Per Hourhigh costOff-Duty Police Officer: $40-$60+ Per Hour

Security or undercover guards may be hired for ongoing service at apartment complexes, small businesses, restaurants or clubs, among other locations. An armed or unarmed security guard may also be contracted to work a special event, such as a concert, public gathering or rally.

Typical costs:

  • Depending on the type of event and the level of security needed, security guards can cost $10-$100 per hour. Guards in the higher price range typically work for a proactive agency like Denver-based Code-3 Protection & Security, which contracts security guards who can work effectively in high-threat situations and detain people if necessary. Inexpensive guards typically work for an "observe and report" agency, which contracts security guards who are not trained to act in high-risk situations, but report events to the police.
  • An unarmed security guard typically costs $12-$20 per hour, while an armed security guard costs typically costs $18-$25 per hour. An unarmed guard from 21st Sentry Security in Dallas-Fort Worth typically costs $14 per hour, while an armed guard starts at $18 per hour.
  • The time of day also affects pricing. Security guards working at a late-night party in the city may cost $30-$50 per hour, for example.
  • An off-duty police officer typically costs $40-$60 per hour for security guard services. Interested clients can contact a local police department for availability and rates, which can be expensive because the officer is working overtime.
Related articles: Liability Insurance, Event Planner

What should be included:
  • Security guards working with an agency should be trained and their backgrounds should be checked.
  • A standing security guard may be armed or unarmed, and stays on site throughout the service period or day. At each location serviced, 21st Sentry Security assigns a set of post orders, a set of mandatory duties for officers to execute each shift. Each security guard must submit a daily activity report, detailing the guard's activities during each shift, and additional forms detailing any suspicious activities on the property. Each agency varies in duties assigned during each shift.
  • Unlike a standing guard, a uniformed patrol officer visits the property a specific number of times each day, as determined by the client. Each visit includes a written security report. At C.S.I. Patrol Service[1] , multiple small business owners may share one patrol officer's services, splitting the costs and services evenly. Patrolling guards are helping in the ongoing prevention of fire, theft and vandalism.
  • If requested by the client, security guards arrive in uniform. Security guards provide their own equipment, including but not limited to handcuffs, batons, pepper spray, stun guns, firearms and bullet-proof vests.
Additional costs:
  • Hiring armed security guards generally costs more than hiring unarmed guards because their agencies must pay higher insurance rates. Security guards working independently and not through an agency may be an insurance liability, so it's important to check into liability insurance before an event.
Shopping for a security guard:
  • A guard service company acts as a broker for assigning security guards to a number of clients, making sure they are paid fairly and are adequately trained. The Security Guard Services Guide[2] discusses the benefits of hiring a guard through an agency.
  • When hiring a security guard, think about the area that needs to be protected and the level of protection needed. For instance, a nighttime patrol officer may be preferable to a 24-7 standing guard in some situations.
  • When hiring through a security guard service company, make sure that the agency is licensed and bonded. This will often affect how its employees are trained, background checked and insured. Also, some states like Colorado do not require security agencies to be licensed, so use caution when making an inquiry.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Best Off Duty Officer Firm Bay Area
Amount: $26,700.00
Posted by: TDS in SMCC, CA.Posted: August 16th, 2019 04:08PM
Level of Security: HighAgency: HSG Protective Services
The best off duty firm out there. They had 2 retired Peace Officers with CCW to both locations within minutes of our call. They spent over 6 weeks at a couple of our locations and to say the least worth every penny in protection from a threatening employee. Don’t go cheap and hire a unarmed guard with no experience.
Does not work out at all.
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Great company to use if your looking for professionalism and a company that’s taking security to the next level I recommend for my fellow business in LA, Beverly Hills, Long Beach Area
Amount: $50.00
Posted by: Shawn Michaels in Downtown Los Angeles, CA.Posted: July 26th, 2019 11:07PM
Level of Security: Armed and Unarmed SecurityAgency: HPS Howard Private Security
I hired HPS for my upscale apartment complex Downtown Los Angels and they have been nothing but a Good company giving out quality service. The company was fair price my building and well worth it. Even included some new technology with my packet which insured me that the guards was their and doing their job. Dealing with HPS was the best decision I made, with other companies I dealt with I always had problems with guards not showing up, sleep and not doing their job. They are very professional agency, and I never have a problem with reaching them. If your looking for a company that actually care about their clients check out HPS. HPS is a company that is really changing the game of security. Best services hands down.
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Cost effectiveness
Amount: $40.00
Posted by: Oliver Ray in Tooele, UT.Posted: July 1st, 2019 08:07AM
I never knew that an off duty police officer could be considered for a security option. However, based on what you explained it could be more expensive than hiring a security company just because the officer is doing overtime. We all know overtime pays more. Hiring from a security office might be the better choice if you are looking for cheaper security.
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Security Officer
Amount: $22.00
Posted by: Daniel Johnson in Atlanta, GA.Posted: November 20th, 2018 09:11AM
Level of Security: UnarmedAgency: Tri-Starr Security
STAFF/EXPERIENCE
With 25+ years of combined security industry experience, our security management team consists of previous law enforcement, military, security executives and consultants.
We take pride in our service!
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Security Officers
Amount: $32.00
Posted by: Alvin in Alexandria, VA.Posted: June 15th, 2018 03:06PM
Level of Security: 1Agency: Blue Raven,
Very good officers, a bit more than the rest but worth it when you want punctuality and results
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Private Personal Protection
Amount: $1,400.00
Posted by: Sal Raymon in Las Vegas, NV.Posted: May 5th, 2017 04:05PM
Level of Security: Access DeniedAgency: ∆LERON•OMEG∆ Inc.
These guys are it! I mean i want stock in these Men. The "Warranty" as they called it comes in a variety of packages. But all are custom to the client. For me i needed someone for 48hrs to Blend in as a long time friend. You look a man in the eyes you know what your getting in this buisness. I gave bonus of 600 at the end because i thought it was a long time friend that i had been with. To real. Located where called to service. LoL. Good Luck on locating. Jimmy thanks for referal
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Home
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: [email protected] in Indianapolis, IN.Posted: January 16th, 2017 03:01PM
Level of Security: GoodAgency: Home
I want a guard to watch my home for 8 hours.
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new guatd service
Amount: $24.00
Posted by: anthonygleicher in palm springs, CA.Posted: August 24th, 2016 03:08PM
Level of Security: xlntAgency: atc patrols
This is what we will charge, it can be divided among customers professional courteous service, patrol vechile, back up if necessary
Around the clock, patrol, private security.
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On-Site and Patrol Services
Amount: $18.00
Posted by: BigHoss in Dallas, TX.Posted: July 12th, 2016 09:07AM
Level of Security: ExcellentAgency: TEXAS PATROL
Texas Patrol is an excellent service they were really reasonable for Patrol Services and Priced $18.00 Unarmed and $19.00 Armed On-Site. I would recommend them to anyone needing Security Services in Texas. Call the Office at (903)350-7096 or email them at [email protected]
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Fast and Professional
Amount: $30.00
Posted by: Elizabeth Prop MGR in Rancho Bernardo, CA.Posted: April 12th, 2016 11:04PM
Level of Security: UnarmedAgency: Stalwart Beacon Security Solutions
Saturday night just after midnight, the fire alarm in one of my commercial buildings malfunctioned and the fire department said I needed a security guard to watch my building until it was fixed. Well my alarm company said they couldn't fix it until Monday morning.
I started calling security companies in my area and none of them had anyone available to send out.
A friend of mine recommended a small local security company "Stalwart Beacon Security" here in Rancho Bernardo who she had used a few months ago for the same problem I was having.
I called and within 1 hour and 15 minutes a uniformed security guard was on my property. The guard was polite, professional and was armed with a small handheld thermal imaging camera that was able to see heat through walls, I was impressed!
The cost was a bit high, but worth every penny to get immediate service!
I recommend this company to anyone in Rancho Bernardo area who needs a reliable security company.
Elizabeth P,Commercial Mgmt Svcs.
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Unarmed Security
Amount: $19.00
Posted by: SDpropMgr in San Diego, CA.Posted: March 22nd, 2016 08:03PM
Level of Security: Mid-levelAgency: Magnus Security, Inc.
We'very dealt with many of the corporate security companies, and they were all just okay at best. Came across Magnus Security private security guards San Diego, and although we paid a little more they do an exceptionally well job. They are a veteran owned company which showed in the demeanor of their private security guards and reports. You can tell they take their time in hiring the right people, no more deserved looking guards on my property!
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Security Services
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: Richard Fultz in Covington, KY.Posted: February 26th, 2016 08:02PM
Level of Security: ArmedAgency: Phoenix Security Group
This is a new company, owned by former police officers. We just needed a weekend detail, and they were awesome. Very professional and glad we called them instead of the typical guards. Great job.
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Surprisingly good.
Amount: $21.50
Posted by: Bill Murray in Staten island, NY.Posted: February 13th, 2016 12:02AM
Level of Security: UnarmedAgency: Reliable security and safety services
I was looking for a company that offered securtity as well as complied with the fire safety rules and regulations for the New York area. I was just about to close the deal with a well known security company but decided to go with the sole proprietor of Reliable Security and Safety Services. I was impressed by the 40min conversation so I decided to give him a shot as he made it clear the company was new but he himself has been providing security and fire safety services for quite some time now and had all certifications as well as insurance information on hand. I was promised site specific detailing where fire and emergency action plans were concerned as well as optimal flexibility (no binding contract) with his services. I loved cutting out the middle man and would definitely subcontract him for more private projects. If your trying to cut out the middle man but want a high standard of professionalism he's your guy. He can be contacted at 3476858769 -ask for Mr Bradford.
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Security guard company
Amount: $28.50
Posted by: Alex R. in SAN JOSE, CA.Posted: January 20th, 2016 09:01PM
Level of Security: Unarmed guardAgency: Embark Security
After dealing with big security guard companies we decided to look at some smaller companies. We approached embark security and requested a price for a small business center. We were contacted within the hour by Jas. He said they were a small family run company. The whole process was a breeze. He told us that they keep 40 to 50 guard files on hand to find the best fit for different properties. We met him at our property and by the time we got there he had already don't a free inspection and was inquiring about and special requests that we had. We asked for a guard 24 hours 7days a week. He said okay but, hesitantly responded we only needed security from 5pm to 9am since most of the center was closed. For the weekends he recommended a mobile patrol since it was more cost efficient than having a guard on site when most of the businesses were closed. He gave us a better deal with a 1 year contract and included a no charge 2 week cancellation option. Great guy to work with.
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Residential
Amount: $13.55
Posted by: Ozzie Marin in Miramar, FL.Posted: December 17th, 2015 08:12PM
Level of Security: UnarmedAgency: Dalama Protection LLC
We hired this company for our community, the guards look just like cops very professional looking. From our experience in hiring companies here in south Florida the going price is from 13.25 to 15.00 unarmed. Good luck!
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Average rate in Sacramento Ca
Amount: $22.00
Posted by: My life is not cheap! in Sacramento, CA.Posted: October 1st, 2015 07:10AM
Level of Security: Medium to HighAgency: N/A
Expect to pay A lot for good service. You buy cheap, products you get cheap products. This is even more true with the service industry!
I have worked for cheap companies. And I gave them cheap work. If you expect me to chase thugs off your property, or run up to a fight without 'personal protection' you're nuts! If you give me $10 an hour my duty belt stays home, and if it's too shady of an area I won't pick up the site. I will say no! We get paid to protect your property, employees, and patrons. How much are they worth to you?
Hate to be a duche but it is very true. won't even touch a contract that won't pay me the person taking the most risk 'my life' less than $15 & that's still selling myself short. Just a heads up/ if a ppo in ca states they can give you a contract for armed or unarmed under $22 an hour in any metropolitan area, run! run fast! Because the only thing that will get you is a high turnover rate! Low quality service!
So your a shady apartment,or business you end u
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Tucson
Amount: $180.00
Posted by: Ted Jorden in Tucson, AZ.Posted: August 7th, 2015 03:08PM
Level of Security: 10plusAgency: EagleForce Security
We use EagleForce Security for Armed Patrols of our properties
The guards are well trained .Our Need for calling 911 has dropped since using EagleForce
Armed Patrols cost us $180 per month for 12 patrols best deal and best officers
Find them on Facebook eagleforceAz
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Hotel party
Amount: $90.00
Posted by: Eliot in Silver spring, MD.Posted: July 17th, 2015 11:07PM
Level of Security: 2Agency:
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Professional Security Services
Amount: $14.00
Posted by: Ghalib in Panorama City, CA.Posted: May 6th, 2015 03:05PM
Level of Security: UnarmedAgency: WM Security Solutions
Guards are very polite, reliable and highly trained..very courteous to their clients. Hired for my apartment building in Panorama city & Canoga park... Feel very secure around such services... Would most definitely recommend to anyone seeking private security guards in Los Angeles
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Great quality and professional
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: a user in Gulf Coast, MS.Posted: April 23rd, 2015 11:04AM
Level of Security: HighAgency: Global Security Jackson County MS
These guys were dressed neat and looked like paramilitary. They worked a detail for a party of 100 plus people. It turned out excellent. They were very considerate and calm. Also the price was very low for the time spent.
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Private patrol service
Amount: $125.00
Posted by: Mr. Johns in Crest Hill, IL.Posted: March 28th, 2015 04:03PM
Level of Security: Licensed agencyAgency: 1st American
Great company. Exceeded all of my expectations. Not the sterotypical security guard. More like a private police. Highly reccomended. Well worth every penny.
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External Resources:
  1.  www.csipatrol.com/services.html
  2.  www.securityguardservicesguide.com/guardservices.php
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