As a business owner, event manager, important personnel, or the head of the family who is worried about the safety of their loved ones—you need to take practical steps to ensure the safety of your property and people.
For that, you might be interested in hiring security guards to keep away criminals and maintain peace.
But it is crucial to know “how much does it cost to hire a security guard” along with hiring strategies to lower the cost as much as you can.
But the fact is:
Hiring a security guard needs proper homework. You should know who to approach for maximum security and how much you will need to spend on it.
Here’s the kicker:
If you hire security guards from a licensed security guard firm (that is preferred over hiring private security guards), it will cost you anywhere from $10-$100 per hour, depending upon your security needs and other factors.
So, let’s dig in.
Reasons why you would need Security Guards – An Overview
Private security guards have licensed security officers who are trained to keep your property and people safe.
With a 7% increase in burglary and theft in California, it’s vital to hire professional security guards to ensure maximum safety.
So, if you own a business or you think you and your family need extra security then you need to hire a security guard or a security guard team, depending upon your needs.
The private security guards will ensure your safety in every possible way as they are trained to:
- Prevent theft
- Deter crime
- Control mob or crowd
- Protect employees and customers
- Safeguard your assets
- Take appropriate steps to prevent burglary
- Keep away criminals in a professional way
How much is it to hire a security guard for your different needs?
As said earlier, the average cost ranges anywhere between $10 to $100. Let’s break down the cost depending on your exact needs and the different types of security guards so that you can make an informed decision, in the best of your interest.
Cost of a 24-hour security guard (unarmed)
Cost estimate: $20-$30 per hour
The standard unarmed security guards are trained to provide basic security if you aren’t living in a high-risk environment. Unarmed security guards hired from a firm can communicate well and make better decisions well on time.
Cost of 24-hour security guard (armed)
Cost estimate: $25-$35 per hour
Armed security guards are almost $10 per hour more expensive than unarmed ones. This is because they get the proper training to use and maintain firearms. They are also licensed to use arms when needed.
So, can security guards carry guns in California? The answer is yes. If your life or property is at high-risk then you can hire licensed, armed security guards.
Experienced unarmed security guard
Cost estimate: $30-$35 per hour
Experienced security guards that are retired personnel from law enforcement agencies change higher as they are properly trained and highly experienced.
If you have major security concerns that can be deterred without the use of firearms then you can go for experienced but unarmed security guards.
Experienced armed security guard
Cost estimate: $35-$45 per hour
If you’re living with huge security threats then you must hire experienced and armed security guards. They charge higher than experienced unarmed security guards as they are trained to use firearms and maintain them professionally.
Patrolling Services Cost
Mobile Patrolling services are needed to make sure your property is safe all the time. The security guards note down all the activities in a log and make sure criminals are kept away 24/7.
Hiring patrol services for daytime is cheaper than overnight patrolling. It also depends upon your location and the area that has to be patrolled.
Patrolling services are usually done to secure a construction site, industry, or residential area. You can take the services of a professional security guard firm for maximum protection against security hazards.
How much does it cost to hire a security guard for an event?
Event management security services are expensive as compared to ordinary security services. You can get tailored security services depending upon your needs.
For example, if the event is in a high-risk area and the crowd might get out of control then you need security guards to keep an eye on the crowd and check everyone at the entrance. You might also need patrolling services along.
So, the charges of event management security services depend upon your security needs. But you should always look for professional, trained, and licensed private security guards to keep your event safe for all.
Wedding Security Guards’ Cost
Cost estimate: $10 – $100
The wedding security guards’ cost varies this much due to many factors. If the wedding is intimate with just a few family and friends then you might need only one guard at the entrance. This would cost less.
But if you’re planning a big wedding, including VIPs also then you have to go for a wedding security guard team that will make your event safe in every possible way.
It’s a good idea to consult a security guard agency and get advice on the number of guards you need. This will help cut down costs as well.
Private Security Guard Cost
Cost estimate: $12 – $22
Private security guards are hired to keep yourself and your assets safe. You can take services from a professional private guard or hire a team if you’re a VIP. Your security manager should jot down the security risks and figure out what sort of security you need.
You can hire a private security guard when traveling or during important events. But if you have potential security risks then it’s a good idea to take 24/7 services.
There are other scenarios also when you need security guard services. The cost depends upon other factors as well that are discussed below.
Other factors that affect the cost of hiring security guards include:
Your location
Location is a huge factor that either makes security services cheaper or even more expensive.
If you live in a densely populated area, you’ll probably get security services higher than in the suburbs.
Similarly, the cost of security services in coastal states is higher than in other states.
When and for how long do you need a security guard every day
Overnight security guards charge higher than day security guards. Similarly, 24/7 secure guard services are more expensive than per hour services for an event.
If you have an event then it’s a good idea to hire security guard services on a per hour basis.
Hiring an independent individual security guard or taking services of a security guards firm
The security services are expensive if you choose to hire an individual yourself as you have to train them, provide security basics and pay taxes. Whereas hiring a security guard from a licensed firm keeps away all this hassle and comes cheaper than the former.
Also, if you decide to hire a security guard on your own, you won’t get any alternative in case the individual gets sick or has to leave. The security guard firms provide you with reliable alternatives so that you don’t have to worry about your security every day.
Why are professional security guard services expensive?
You might have noticed that hiring from a security guard firm is expensive. But if you dig in deeper, you will find out that hiring a security guard yourself will not only be a hassle but will cost you much more later on.
Hiring a security guard yourself will require training, providing uniform and other facilities, and paying taxes. But if you take services from an authorized security firm, you’ll not have to worry about any of the above-mentioned things.
Still, want to cut the costs? Read further to know how you can get security services from a trustworthy security firm at less cost.
Cost-saving hiring strategies
You need security for sure but you also don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for this. So, you should be mindful and implement cost-saving strategies to get maximum security in minimum wages.
Avoid overhiring
It’s not always essential to hire a 24/7 security guard team for you or your property. List down your major security concerns and hire the security services accordingly.
For example: If you want to safeguard your property, you might just need a front gate security guard instead of patrol services.
Similarly, if you are an event manager then you need event security services, probably unarmed, depending upon the security risks.
Hire a professional security guard firm
Don’t get tricked by low-cost but risky security companies that are fishy. Always go for certified and licensed security firms that will guide you to your customized security plan in an honest way.
Other than these strategies, you should always look for someone who is reliable and trustworthy. This saves you from the hassle you might face in the future. Always look for private security guards who are professionally trained so that they can take appropriate steps when needed to safeguard your property.
The Bottom Line
So how much does it cost to hire a security guard? Well now you know
Hiring a security guard is essential these days when the crime rate and burglary rate are rising. If you are a business owner or someone who wants to safeguard your family then you must be worried about the cost. Above, we have discussed the cost of security guards in detail. So if you need security guard services then read above to estimate the cost and make an informed decision well on time.
If you are in California, and you are looking for a security guard company in san diego you can get services from Professional Security Guard Inc. We provide cutting-edge security services for your specific security needs.
