Hiring a standard SIA-licensed security guard in the UK usually costs around £20 to £30 per hour for regular daytime shifts. However, market rates have gone up a bit because the National Living Wage increased to £12.71 per hour and due to higher costs for compulsory SIA licensing.
Professional security guards play their part in safeguarding you, your loved ones, as well as assets and business activities. When they are present, they can discourage theft, destruction, intrusion, anti-social behaviour, and other security risks while ensuring a swift response in case any incident occurs.
Many individuals wonder how much a security guard costs. The answer is that the security they require, working hours, risk level, and the guard’s experience all influence the pricing.
Security Guard Cost by Different Service Types
Patrol Services
Security officers who visit one or more sites on a set schedule instead of staying at one location. This can be an affordable option for sites that do not need a full-time guard.
Entrance Security
SIA-licensed door supervisors provide security for venues, events, and licensed premises. Their rates are usually higher because they have extra training and may need to manage conflicts or difficult situations.
Fixed Site Security
This service typically costs around £18 to £28 per hour based on coverage hours and risk level. In this service, guards are stationed at a specific place, such as a reception, construction site, gatehouse, and shops.
Key Management and Alarm Monitoring
You hand over responsibility for responding to out-of-hours alarms, usually for a small monthly fee plus a charge for each call-out. This can be much cheaper than having a permanent guard at a low-traffic site.
Average Cost Breakdown of Hiring a Security Guard
| Coverage Needs | Estimated Duty Hours | Average Rates: £20 to £30 Per Hour |
| 8 hours shift | 8 hours | £160-£240 |
| 12 hours shift | 12 hours | £240-£360 |
| 8 hours a day and 5 days a week | 173 hours for a month | £3,460 – £5,190 for a month |
| 12 hours a day and 5 days a week | 260 hours for a month | £5,200 – £7,800 for a month |
| 12 hours a day and 7 days a week | 364 hours for a month | £7,280 – £10,920 for a month |
| 24/7 one post staffed | 730 hours for a month | £14,600 – £21,900 for a month |
These are not quotes, just a budgeting breakdown. VAT and any other factors, such as separate costs for travel, equipment, holidays, immediate response, or other locations’ specific requirements, are not included in this calculation.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Hiring a Security Guard?
Before hiring a security guard, you need to understand the factors that influence the hiring decision. Below are several key factors:
Staffed Hours and Coverage Positions
Cost depends on the required coverage hours and the number of officers needed at any given time. One reception post during weekday hours is very different from having two entrances, a vehicle gate, and patrols running all night.
Security Duties
A simple role is easier to price as compared to a job with numerous competing errands. These responsibilities may involve:
- Checking and controlling staff, visitors and contractor access
- Verifying IDs and delivery details
- Supervising the entrance or reception area
- Checking the site and perimeter regularly
- Handling keys and access devices as required
If a single guard cannot safely cover a fixed post and carry out patrols at the same time, the site may demand a second officer, relief cover, or different security plans.
Travel and Location
Local labour rates, travel requirements, parking costs, public transport options and available personnel can all affect the final cost. Staffing a remote site reliably may be more expensive, even if its risk level is lower than that of a city centre location.
Working Hours
Weekends, holidays, non-continuous and night shifts may cost differently. Early starts and late finishes may lessen the availability of transport for officers.
Mobilisation and Lead Time
Advance planning allows suppliers time to appoint suitable officers, complete necessary checks, prepare site instructions, and organise a consistent working schedule. Same-day or emergency work may cover higher rates due to the need to source and brief suitable personnel at short notice.
Schedule Consistency and Contract Duration
Consistent schedule charges may vary from individual shifts and from flexible weekly schedules. Avoid making assumptions that long contracts are low-priced. Any yearly increases should be specified separately, and confirm the rates, minimum contract period, and review process.
Equipment, Record, and Management
Patrol systems, specialised personal safety equipment, radios, personal alarm devices, recording software, and wearable body cameras can influence the costs.
How To Reduce Security Guard Hiring Cost?
The safest way to reduce costs is to cut unnecessary hours and duplicate tasks without compromising employment or compliance standards.
- Schedule security staff during the times when the site has the highest risks and most activity.
- Clearly separate fixed post duties from patrol duties.
- Use site information, past incidents, and access patterns to decide whether each security post is needed.
- Consider whether monitoring, keyholding, and patrols can provide security outside peak hours.
- Use the same requirements when asking different suppliers for quotes.
Any cost reduction should still maintain the required access control, response, safety, and contractual requirements.
Is Hiring a Security Guard Worth the Cost?
Hiring a security guard can be a worthwhile investment when the potential cost of theft, damage, or liability is greater than the cost of employing a guard.
For higher-risk shops, busy commercial buildings, or sites holding valuable goods, having a security guard can provide a level of risk reduction and quick response that CCTV and other digital systems cannot fully replace.
For low-risk sites with limited budgets, monitored cameras are often a more affordable option to start with.
Conclusion
The cost of hiring security guards or private security services depends on factors such as the type of protection needed, working hours, staff experience, and the nature of the site. While prices can vary, choosing experienced and well-trained security personnel is essential for reliable protection.
Security guard hiring costs can vary over time due to service type, shift hours, location, risk level, and current market conditions. That is why firms, event organisers, and landlords should take into account their needs when setting a budget for 2026.
Note: Instead of going for a security provider just because of low cost, you need to consider the experience level, drill, and the type of cover involved in the service.