What Are the Costs of Hiring a Security Guard?

August 16, 2019

In This Article:

• Average Cost Associated With Hiring Security Services
• What Affects Security Guard Costs?
• Security Guard Costs by Situation
• Cost-Saving Strategies
• How to Choose the Right Level of Security
• Security Services in Colorado Springs, CO
• Security Guard Cost FAQs

Security guards provide essential protection for businesses, events, properties, and individuals. They help deter theft, monitor activity, manage crowds, protect employees and customers, and respond quickly when something goes wrong.

For many business owners, the biggest question is simple: how much does it cost to hire a security guard?

The answer depends on several factors, including whether you need armed or unarmed security, the level of risk involved, the number of guards required, and how long you need coverage. Understanding these factors can help you plan your budget and choose the right level of protection for your needs.

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What Are the Average Costs Associated With Security Guards?

The average cost to hire a security guard is typically between $35 and $50 per hour. However, depending on location, experience, risk level, and service type, security guard rates can range from about $10 to $100 per hour.

Basic unarmed security may fall on the lower end of that range, while highly trained armed guards, executive protection specialists, or security personnel with military or law enforcement backgrounds may cost more.

While price matters, it should not be the only factor you consider. Security services protect people, property, and liability exposure. Choosing the cheapest option may leave gaps in training, professionalism, insurance coverage, or response capability.

What Affects Security Guard Costs?

Security guard pricing depends on the type of protection you need. The following factors can all influence the final cost.

Armed vs. Unarmed Security Guards

Armed security guards typically cost more than unarmed security guards. In many cases, you can expect to pay around $5 more per hour or more for armed personnel, depending on the assignment.

Armed guards require additional firearms training, licensing, certifications, and oversight. Security companies also carry higher insurance costs when providing armed protection.

Armed security may be appropriate for higher-risk environments, valuable assets, executive protection, or situations where there is a greater potential for violence. For lower-risk properties or general deterrence, unarmed security guards may be the better fit.

Experience and Training

The more experienced and highly trained the guard, the higher the cost may be. Security personnel with military, law enforcement, or specialized protection backgrounds often command higher rates because they bring advanced judgment, discipline, and situational awareness.

For low-risk assignments, a visible uniformed guard may be enough to deter unwanted activity. For higher-risk situations, it is worth investing in more experienced professionals with strong training and proven response capabilities.

Time of Day

When you need security also affects cost. Overnight coverage, late-night assignments, holidays, and weekends may cost more than standard daytime coverage.

This is especially common for construction sites, events, retail locations, and facilities that need after-hours protection.

Duration of Service

Short-term security coverage is often billed hourly. Long-term contracts may offer more predictable pricing, especially if you need recurring coverage for a business, facility, residential property, or ongoing event series.

A one-night event will be priced differently than a six-month security plan for a commercial property.

Risk Level

Higher-risk assignments usually require more experienced personnel, additional planning, or multiple guards. Risk can increase due to location, crowd size, valuable assets, employee conflict, public visibility, or recent threats.

For example, a quiet office building may need simple access control, while a high-profile event or employee termination may require a stronger security presence.

Independent Guards vs. Security Companies

You may find independent security guards who charge lower rates than a professional security firm. However, a private security company typically provides more accountability, insurance coverage, vetting, supervision, and service consistency.

Before hiring anyone, verify training, licensing, references, and liability insurance. This is especially important if security personnel will be working at an event, around customers, or in a high-risk setting.

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Security Guard Costs by Situation

Security needs vary widely. The cost of hiring a security guard depends heavily on the environment and the reason you need protection.

Business and Office Security

Businesses often hire guards to monitor entrances, control access, protect employees, and deter theft or workplace incidents. For office environments, unarmed security or access control personnel may be enough unless there are specific threats or high-value assets involved.

Businesses that need ongoing protection may benefit from a recurring security schedule rather than one-time coverage.

Event Security

Event security pricing depends on crowd size, venue layout, alcohol service, guest list, and risk level. A small private gathering may only need one or two guards, while a larger event may require a full security team.

Security personnel may help with entry screening, crowd flow, parking areas, backstage access, and emergency response.

Construction Site Security

Construction sites often contain expensive equipment, materials, tools, and vehicles. Security guards can help deter theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access, especially after hours.

Sites with repeated theft issues, poor lighting, or remote locations may require overnight coverage or mobile patrol support.

Retail Security

Retail businesses may hire guards to reduce shoplifting, monitor entrances, protect employees, and support loss prevention efforts. The cost depends on store size, foot traffic, location, and whether the guard is expected to remain stationed or patrol the property.

For stores with recurring theft or customer disturbances, a trained security presence can be a strong deterrent.

Executive Protection and Bodyguard Services

Personal bodyguard services and executive protection typically cost more than general security because they require advanced planning, discretion, and specialized training.

These services may be needed for business leaders, public figures, VIPs, individuals facing threats, or people transporting valuable assets.

Employee Termination Security

Security may be needed when terminating an employee who has made threats, shown aggressive behavior, or created concern among staff. These assignments may be short-term, but they require professionalism, discretion, and the ability to de-escalate tense situations.

In these cases, the right security presence can help protect leadership, employees, and the departing worker.

Cost-Saving Strategies

The best way to control security costs is to hire the right level of service for the actual risk. Over-hiring can waste money, while under-hiring can leave your business exposed.

Here are a few ways to manage costs without sacrificing protection:

• Use unarmed guards for low-risk situations where visibility and deterrence are the main goals.
• Schedule guards only during high-risk windows, such as overnight hours, busy events, or opening and closing times.
• Work with a security consultant to identify where coverage is most needed.
• Consider a recurring plan if you need ongoing service, since long-term arrangements may be more efficient.
• Use access control, cameras, lighting, and security personnel together for layered protection.

A good security provider will help you avoid paying for services you do not need while still building a plan that protects your people and property.

How to Choose the Right Level of Security for Your Budget

Before hiring security guards, start by identifying your actual risks. Are you worried about theft, workplace violence, trespassing, crowd control, employee safety, or executive protection? Each situation requires a different level of planning.

For general deterrence, one unarmed guard may be enough. For higher-risk events, public-facing businesses, or sensitive situations, armed security or a team-based approach may be more appropriate.

You should also consider whether you need:

• One-time coverage or ongoing service
• Armed or unarmed personnel
• Static guards or patrol coverage
• Access control support
• Event-specific planning
• Executive or personal protection

If you are unsure, working with professional security consultants can help you evaluate your risks and choose the right service level.

Hiring a Security Service in Colorado Springs, CO

If hiring private security makes sense for your Colorado Springs business, event, or property, Vigilant Tiger Security is ready to help. We provide professional security services backed by trained personnel, strong standards, and a practical understanding of local security needs.

Our team can help you evaluate your risks, choose the right level of coverage, and build a plan that fits your situation and budget. Whether you need armed security, unarmed guards, event security, executive protection, or access control support, we can create a customized solution.

Security is not one-size-fits-all. The right plan should protect your people, property, and peace of mind without adding unnecessary costs.

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Security Guard Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a security guard?

The average cost to hire a security guard is typically between $35 and $50 per hour. However, rates can range from $10 to $100 per hour depending on factors such as location, experience level, service type, and risk involved.

Why do armed security guards cost more?

Armed security guards usually cost more because they require additional training, licensing, firearms certification, and insurance coverage. They are typically used for higher-risk assignments or situations that require an elevated level of protection.

What factors affect security guard pricing?

Security guard pricing depends on whether the guard is armed or unarmed, their experience level, the time of day, the duration of coverage, the number of guards needed, and the overall risk level of the assignment.

Is it cheaper to hire an independent guard or a security company?

Independent guards may charge lower hourly rates, but a professional security company typically provides better reliability, vetting, insurance coverage, training standards, and accountability.

How can businesses reduce security costs?

Businesses can reduce security costs by choosing unarmed guards for low-risk situations, limiting coverage to high-need hours, and working with a provider to build a customized security plan.

When should you hire a security guard?

You should consider hiring a security guard when your business, property, event, or personal situation involves risks such as theft, vandalism, trespassing, crowd control, after-hours activity, or threats to employees or guests.

Do security guards require a long-term contract?

No. Many security companies offer short-term, event-based, temporary, and long-term service options. The right arrangement depends on your needs, budget, and level of risk.