Safety is a top priority in 2025, but the need to balance protection and cost has never been more crucial.
So, how do you choose the right security without overspending or under-protecting?
Security guard salary rates vary by location, service type, and experience. Without clear insights, you risk paying too much or compromising safety.
This guide simplifies everything—what drives security guards costs, average rates, and how to find the best security solution for your needs and budget.
In the end, we also talk about how to save costs on multiple security guards with one proactive smart solution that can do it all.
Security guard services: What are they charging for?
- Patrolling: Guards prevent trespassing, theft, and vandalism by monitoring the property.
- Crowd Control: Manage events entrances, and ensure safety for all.
- Armed Guards: Protect high-risk assets or individuals with firearms.
- Unarmed Guards: Maintain security without weapons, ensuring nothing goes unnoticed.
- Mobile Patrols: Security patrols multiple locations, by foot or vehicle.
- Access Control: Check IDs and credentials to secure restricted areas.
- CCTV Monitoring: Guards spot suspicious behavior using security technology.
- Emergency Response: Respond quickly to alarms and incidents.
- Customer Service: Assist with directions, inquiries, and ensure a safe environment.
- Retail Surveillance: Prevent theft and protect inventory.
- Fire Watch: Monitor fire risks during system outages or high-risk periods.
A single security guard oversees all these critical tasks, ensuring your property remains safe and secure around the clock.
National salary estimates for security guards in terms of employment and wages:
According to the US bureau of labor statistics, hourly or monthly rates for security guards vary based on location and service type:
- There are 1,202,940 security guards employed nationally.
- The average hourly wage for security guards is $19.44.
- On average, a 24-hour security guard charges between $25 to $60 per hour, depending on the level of risk and the specific duties required.
But it’s not that simple. There are many other factors that determine how much you will need to pay security guards in 2025:
Factors affecting security guard costs in 2025:
Types of security guards:
The monthly cost of a security guard varies depending on the nature of their tasks, the duration of their services, and whether they are armed or unarmed.
Armed Security: $25 – $60/hour
Guards carry firearms and are typically used for high-risk environments, such as protecting assets or VIPs.
Unarmed Security: $15 – $30/hour
Guards maintain a visible presence to deter crime without weapons, typically for low-risk areas.
Event Security: $20 – $50/hour
Includes crowd control, entrance monitoring, and overall safety management for public events.
Personal Bodyguards: $50 – $100/hour
Highly trained individuals focused on protecting a specific person, often high-profile individuals.
To accurately estimate security guard costs, consider additional factors such as taxes, insurance, and expenses for uniforms, background checks, and drug tests.
Many online security guard pricing tools can simplify this process by allowing you to input these details and quickly calculate the right pricing for your security services.
But …
When hiring a security guard, one of the biggest factors affecting the cost is the experience and training of the professional. The more experienced and specialized a guard is, the higher the price will generally be.
Security Guard Experience breakdown:
Experience/Training | Impact on Cost | Description |
---|---|---|
Entry-Level Guard | Lower cost, around $15-$20/hour | Basic security training, typically suited for low-risk environments. |
Intermediate Guard | Moderate cost, around $20-$30/hour | Some experience, possibly in specific industries (e.g., retail, office). |
Highly Experienced Guard | Higher cost, around $30-$50/hour | Extensive experience, often with specialized training in crowd control, law enforcement, or corporate security. |
Specialized or Certified Guard | Highest cost, $50-$100/hour or more | Certified for high-risk environments, VIP protection, or advanced emergency response. |
This graph displays the required hours of security guard training for various U.S. states:
- Alaska (AK) requires the highest training hours at 48 hours.
- California (CA), Florida (FL), and Oklahoma (OK) require 40 hours.
- States like North Dakota (ND) and New York (NY) have significant requirements at 32 hours and 24 hours, respectively.
Training a security guard can be a complex process, involving multiple layers of competencies that ensure they are well-prepared for the job. These training sessions may need to be repeated periodically throughout the year.
At the base level, there are the core competencies such as physical fitness and understanding basic security procedures.
Above that, academic competencies are essential, covering security fundamentals, business foundations, and critical thinking.
Next, workplace competencies come into play, focusing on skills like teamwork, strategic thinking, problem solving, and the ability to work with technology.
At the fourth level, industry-wide technical competencies are necessary, ensuring guards understand the tools and systems used across the security sector.
The fifth layer addresses industry sector functional areas, specific to the type of security work—whether it’s for corporate environments, retail, or personal protection.
Finally, at the sixth level, occupational competencies and requirements round out the training, ensuring that guards are fully equipped with the specialized knowledge and skills needed for their particular roles.
All six layers collectively contribute to a comprehensive and effective security training program that ensures guards can handle a variety of situations with competence and confidence.
But here’s a shocker—what you pay for a security guard in one city could double in another.
Let’s have a look at how regional labor laws and demand can turn the price tag into a real eye-opener.
Location Impact:
Cost of security guards in various states:
State | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
---|---|---|
California | $ 21.61 | $ 44,940 |
New York | $ 21.28 | $ 44,250 |
Texas | $ 17.16 | $ 35,700 |
Florida | $ 17.30 | $ 35,980 |
Illinois | $ 19.28 | $ 40,110 |
Security guards working 12-hour shifts often receive higher pay due to the physically and mentally demanding nature of their jobs.
Is a security guard worth the investment?
Physical guards are great at deterring threats like theft or vandalism while boosting on-site safety.
But when it comes to proactive detection, swift action and even return on investment (ROI), how do they stack up against high-tech modern alternatives?
The Hidden Security Gaps with Physical Guards
Despite investing hundreds of dollars in wages, uniforms, and training, relying solely on traditional security guards can still leave gaps in your protection:
- Fatigue and Human Limitations:
Security guards working long 12-hour shifts experience fatigue, diminishing their ability to stay alert and respond effectively.
Shift changes also create opportunities for thieves to exploit unmonitored gaps. “Fatigue doesn’t just affect performance, it increases the likelihood of mistakes and missed risks,” explains John Doe, a security operations expert.
- Low Morale and Pay:
Guards are often underpaid, leading to a lack of motivation, reduced vigilance, and higher turnover rates. According to a report, the national annual turnover rate of a private security company is estimated to be over 100%.
- Life Endangerment Risks:
In dangerous situations, guards may hesitate to intervene due to personal safety concerns. This can compromise their effectiveness in preventing crimes or responding to threats.
According to security industry statistics, incidents of theft and vandalism rise by up to 20% in areas not under direct surveillance.
As Jack Williams, a security expert, puts it, “One set of eyes simply isn’t enough to safeguard an entire facility, especially when you’re dealing with multiple entry points and high-traffic zones.”
- Coverage Limitations:
A guard can only monitor one area at a time, leaving other sections vulnerable to intrusions, theft, or loitering.
For many businesses, this model is no longer sustainable. Fortunately, there’s a smarter solution that combines cost-effectiveness, 24/7 coverage, and advanced detection capabilities: Remote Video Monitoring.
The modern alternative to security guards: Remote video monitoring
With AI-powered technology and live intervention from skilled operators, our system offers 24/7 surveillance, enabling quicker threat detection and response, thus overcoming the limitations of physical guards.
Remote video monitoring offers businesses a smarter solution with a higher ROI and fewer limitations.
Remote video monitoring also provides a suite of advanced analytics that quickly detects security breaches—intrusions, smoke and fire, violence, blocklisted license plates, tailgating vehicles, weapons, and more!
Human security vs. Technology: Which Is More Cost-Effective?
Aspect | Security Guards | Remote Video Monitoring |
---|---|---|
Coverage | Limited to shifts and physical areas. | 24/7 surveillance across all zones. |
Cost | $25-$60/hour per guard. | Fraction of the cost with 24/7 AI support. |
Reliability | Prone to fatigue and distractions. | AI-backed monitoring eliminates gaps. |
Scalability | Requires multiple hires for large areas. | Easily scaled with technology. |
Incident Response | Relies on human reaction time. | Immediate detection and response. |
Why remote video monitoring outperforms traditional guard services?
Lower costs without compromising security:
Remote video monitoring cuts out the high costs of security guards, including hourly rates, overtime, and other recurring expenses. Instead, businesses enjoy fixed, predictable costs with scalable solutions that fit their unique needs—giving you security without breaking the bank.
24/7 Coverage—No fatigue, No blind spots:
Unlike human guards, who are limited by shifts and subject to fatigue, remote video monitoring provides round-the-clock surveillance. Powered by advanced AI, these systems detect real-time threats—whether it’s loitering, intrusion, theft, or vandalism—ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks.
Smart detection and instant response:
AI-driven detection identifies suspicious activity immediately. Upon detecting a threat, it is escalated to live video operators who verify the incident and respond rapidly, either by contacting authorities or notifying clients within seconds.
Scalable and customizable:
Whether you’re a small business or managing a large construction site, remote monitoring scales with you. Customize your monitoring level without the extra costs of additional guards or equipment, ensuring you only pay for what you need.
- Superior Coverage at a fraction of the cost
- Faster Response Times than traditional guards
- Accurate Threat Detection without fatigue or distraction
Who Determines the Cost of Security Guards?
1. Security Service Providers (Security Companies):
These are the companies that provide the actual security services. They set the base pricing based on their service offerings, location, and the experience level of their guards.
2. Facility and Property Managers:
These professionals are responsible for securing commercial or residential properties. They decide how many guards are needed and whether a security service is required.
3. HR and Operations Managers:
In larger organizations, these professionals manage internal security teams or liaise with external security services to manage guard recruitment and training.
4. Insurance Providers:
Insurance agents or brokers specializing in business or property insurance. They often work with clients to assess risk and provide appropriate coverage based on security measures in place.
5. Security Guard Unions:
Union representatives for security guards. They negotiate working conditions, wages, and benefits for security staff, which can directly influence the pricing for guard services.
Conclusion:
The cost of security guards in 2025 varies widely based on location, experience, and the type of service needed.
Rates range from $15 to $100 per hour, with armed guards, event security, and personal bodyguards generally commanding higher fees.
Factors like experience, training, and the nature of tasks also influence costs. However, while traditional security guards provide essential protection, their limitations—such as fatigue, coverage gaps, and high turnover rates—can leave vulnerabilities.
Contact us today for a reliable solution powered by AI that offers 24/7 coverage, faster threat detection, and scalability!