{"id":3551,"date":"2024-02-15T09:13:30","date_gmt":"2024-02-15T09:13:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mysecurityguards.com\/blog\/?p=3551"},"modified":"2026-08-31T12:55:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T12:55:12","slug":"how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-security-guard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mysecurityguards.com\/blog\/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-security-guard\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Security Guard in 2026?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hiring security services is a major investment, and the total cost depends on the type of protection you need, coverage hours, location and the level of risk involved. On average, security guard services can cost between <\/span>$20 and $100+ per hour, with standard unarmed security usually ranging from $25 to $40 per hour and armed or specialized protection services reaching higher rates.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For businesses, event organizers and property owners, understanding security pricing before hiring helps create a realistic budget and select the right level of protection. A short-term event may require security coverage for a few hours, while offices, warehouses, construction sites or commercial properties may need ongoing monthly contracts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Based on our experience as trusted <\/span>security guard company in Los Angeles<\/a><\/strong>, we have provided security guard costs in detail, including hourly rates, daily and monthly pricing, service-specific costs, calculation methods and the factors that affect final pricing. It will help you estimate your security budget and understand what is included when hiring professional security services.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Quick Glance at Average Security Guard Cost in 2026<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The average cost of hiring a security guard depends on the type of service, required coverage and the level of protection needed. Most businesses pay based on an hourly rate, while long-term security requirements are usually calculated through daily, monthly or annual contracts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For general security services, the average pricing usually falls within these ranges:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Security Service Type<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAverage Cost<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Unarmed Security Guard<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$25 to $40 per hour<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Armed Security Guard<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$40 to $100+ per hour<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Event Security Guard<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$35 to $75 per hour<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Private Bodyguard Service<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$50 to $150+ per hour<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
24-Hour Security Coverage<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$600 to $2,400+ per day<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

A business hiring one unarmed security guard for an 8-hour shift may spend around <\/span>$200 to $320 per day. A company requiring continuous protection may need multiple guards across different shifts, which can increase the monthly cost significantly.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding these average costs helps businesses estimate their security budget before comparing providers and selecting the right service level. The following sections break down pricing by security type, contract duration and the factors that influence the final cost.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Security Guard Cost Calculator: Estimate Your Security Budget<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before hiring security services in LA or any other place, most businesses want to understand the expected cost based on their specific requirements. A simple calculation can help estimate the budget before requesting quotes from security providers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The basic formula is:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Number of Guards \u00d7 Hours of Coverage \u00d7 Number of Days \u00d7 Hourly Rate = Estimated Security Cost<\/p>\n

For example, if a business needs one security guard for an 8-hour shift for 30 days, the calculation would look like:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1 Guard \u00d7 8 Hours \u00d7 30 Days \u00d7 $30 Average Hourly Rate = $7,200 Monthly Cost<\/p>\n

The total cost changes when requirements increase. A business needing multiple guards, overnight coverage or 24-hour protection will have a higher monthly investment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Example Security Cost Calculations<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Security Requirement<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nCalculation<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nEstimated Cost<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
One guard for a single 8-hour event<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n1 \u00d7 8 \u00d7 $30<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAround $240<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Two guards for a weekend event<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n2 \u00d7 16 \u00d7 $35<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAround $1,120<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
One guard for weekday business coverage<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n1 \u00d7 8 \u00d7 22 days \u00d7 $30<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAround $5,280 per month<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
24\/7 security coverage<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMultiple shifts required<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$18,000+ per month<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Several factors can change the final estimate, including whether the guard is armed or unarmed, the location, the required experience level and whether the service is needed temporarily or through a long-term contract.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using this calculation method gives businesses a starting point for budgeting. A professional security provider can then provide a more accurate quote after reviewing the location, risks and coverage requirements.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bodyguard in Fresno 2026?<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How much does Security Guard Cost by Service Type?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The cost of security services varies depending on the level of protection, responsibilities involved and the type of environment being secured. While average hourly rates provide a basic idea, each service category has different pricing patterns based on client requirements.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Unarmed Security Guard Cost<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Most people choose an unarmed security guard in Los Angeles, as this is one of the most common options for businesses that need a visible security presence, access control, and routine monitoring.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For regular business protection, companies usually spend around <\/span>$4,000 to $8,000 per month for one full-time unarmed security guard, depending on coverage hours, location and service re<\/strong>quirements.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The final cost may increase when the service includes:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n