How Much Does Private Security Usually Cost?
How Much Does Private Security Usually Cost?
When business owners search “how much does private security usually cost,” what they really want is a clear, provider-level answer. Not theory, not vague national averages, but realistic numbers they can use to build a budget and compare quotes from licensed security companies.
From a professional provider’s point of view, here is the short answer:
In most U.S. cities, businesses typically pay around $25 to $40+ per hour for unarmed guards and $35 to $75+ per hour for armed guards from a licensed security guard services provider. Rates sit on the lower end in smaller, lower cost markets and climb in major metros or high risk environments.
Those numbers are company billing rates, not what individual guards earn. Behind every hourly rate is a stack of real costs: guard wages, taxes, insurance, supervision, uniforms, technology, licensing, and a reasonable margin to keep the company stable.
In this guide, we will walk through:
What goes into private security pricing
Typical national ranges for different service types
How factors like risk, location, and schedule change your rate
Realistic ranges in key states where Citywide Security Company operates
Quick Answer: Typical Private Security Company Rates in the U.S.
While every site is unique, most professional, licensed providers fall into these realistic ranges:
Unarmed on site guards
About $25 to $40+ per hour
Used for offices, retail, apartments, warehouses, construction, hotels, and events
Armed on site guards
About $35 to $75+ per hour
Used for higher risk locations, cash handling, certain industrial or critical sites, and some executive protection roles
Mobile patrol and drive by services
Structured per visit or per month rather than a simple hourly rate
Many clients see packages from around $1,000 up to $5,000+ per month, depending on the size of the property, number of nightly checks, and city
Specialized services such as executive protection, K 9 support, or high profile event teams can go higher because the training, vetting, and insurance requirements are more demanding.
Remember, these are provider costs, not wages. In many states, an unarmed guard will earn at least around $15 per hour before you factor in payroll burdens, workers compensation, general liability insurance, uniforms, supervision, scheduling, and company overhead.
Once you add those layers, a properly licensed and insured security company in most markets cannot sustainably bill less than about $25 per hour for unarmed services without cutting corners somewhere.
What Actually Goes Into a Private Security Hourly Rate?
When a quote shows $28, $32, or $40 per hour, that is not simply “what the guard is paid plus a little markup.” A serious security provider has to stack multiple cost components into that number:
Guard wages
Unarmed guards in many states are earning $15+ per hour, sometimes more in high cost cities or for demanding sites
Armed roles, supervisory roles, and specialized assignments require higher pay to attract and retain the right people
Payroll burdens
Employer payroll taxes
Mandatory contributions and benefits where applicable
Workers compensation insurance
Security is a relatively high risk class
Premiums are significant and scale with total payroll
General liability and umbrella insurance
To protect the client, the public, and the company if something goes wrong
Licensing, compliance, and training
State guard cards and company licenses
Ongoing training, refreshers, and site specific instruction
Uniforms, gear, and technology
Uniforms, duty belts, radios
Guard tour systems, incident reporting platforms, GPS and tracking tools
Supervision and operations
Field supervisors, site visits, and coaching
24 7 scheduling and dispatch
Office staff that handle onboarding, HR, billing, and quality control
Company overhead and profit
Rent, systems, management, and the margin needed for the company to be stable and able to stand behind its contracts
When you see a company offering rock bottom rates, you can be almost certain one or more of these layers is being reduced or skipped entirely. That might mean low wages and high turnover, weak training, minimal insurance, or poor supervision.
The Main Factors That Change Your Private Security Cost
Once you understand the cost stack, the question becomes: what makes one site $26 per hour and another $42 per hour for the same “unarmed guard” label?
There are a few core levers.
1. Type of guard and service
There is a cost difference between:
A basic unarmed lobby officer
An armed post with strict licensing requirements
A mobile patrol route that requires a dedicated vehicle and fuel
A specialized role such as close protection or high risk event security
Typical patterns:
Unarmed on site: about $25–$40+ per hour
Armed on site: about $35–$75+ per hour
Mobile patrol: priced per visit or per route, often part of a broader security patrol services package
2. Risk profile and environment
A quiet suburban office park does not carry the same risk as a distribution yard with open inventory or a construction site that has been hit by theft two weekends in a row.
Higher risk typically means:
More experienced personnel
Tighter supervision
Higher insurance exposure
That is why services such as construction site security or warehouse security services often sit at the higher end of the unarmed rate band, and armed or specialized roles can go significantly higher.
3. Schedule, hours, and contract length
Security pricing rewards consistency and volume. A post that runs 40, 60, or 80 hours every week, month after month, will usually receive stronger pricing than a tiny, irregular schedule.
Things that affect your rate:
Total weekly hours
Whether you are asking for only one or two short shifts per week
The length of the agreement, for example month to month versus a 12 month term
Short notice or rush requests
Most providers have minimum shift lengths, often 4, 6, or 8 hours, especially for evening and overnight work.
4. Location and labor market
Security guard company rates are very sensitive to the cost of doing business in a given city or state. That includes:
Local wage levels
Insurance and licensing requirements
Cost of living and recruiting pressure
A $28 unarmed rate that makes sense in one market might be completely unrealistic in another.
Later in this guide we will look more closely at states like Texas, Georgia, and Ohio, where Citywide Security Company has strong on the ground presence in cities such as Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Atlanta, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
5. Service design and mix
Two sites can both “have security,” yet their design and cost profile can look completely different.
For example:
Site A runs a single unarmed guard, 7 nights per week, 12 hours per shift
Site B runs a mix of shorter on site coverage and targeted mobile patrols, backed by cameras and alarms
Both might have similar monthly spend, but very different risk reduction per dollar.
Good providers will help you blend:
Cameras, access control, and remote monitoring
so you are not overbuying in low risk windows or under-protected in high risk windows.
6. Provider quality and support
Finally, price is also a proxy for what kind of company you are hiring.
Cheaper providers often save money by:
Paying the lowest possible wages
Providing minimal training
Running thin supervision, with little to no field support
Skimping on technology and reporting
Higher quality providers tend to invest in:
More robust vetting and training
Local supervision and management
Guard tour and reporting platforms that give you visibility
Industry specific solutions, for example corporate security services, retail security services, event security services, or residential security services
Those investments show up in the hourly rate, but they also show up in fewer headaches, fewer incidents, and better protection for your people and property.
State by State Snapshot: How Much Does Private Security Cost in Key Citywide Markets?
To make all of this more concrete, it helps to look at realistic ranges in specific states where Citywide operates.
Texas: Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin
Texas is a large and diverse market. Dense urban cores, sprawling suburbs, industrial zones, and active construction create constant demand for:
Construction site security
Warehouse and logistics security
Corporate and office building coverage
Retail and shopping center security
Hotel and event security
In major Texas metros like Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, a typical client might see:
Unarmed guards: often mid twenties to mid thirties per hour for steady, low to moderate risk posts
Armed guards: frequently mid thirties to fifties per hour, depending on risk, location, and requirements
Construction and logistics sites that run nights and weekends may land on the upper side of those ranges because:
The risk of theft and vandalism is higher
Schedules are long and sometimes require solo posts
Clients expect detailed reporting and responsive supervision
Georgia: Atlanta and Surrounding Areas
In Georgia, Security Company Atlanta serves a mix of:
Corporate offices and high rise properties
Retail and mixed use developments
Distribution and warehouse facilities
Event venues, churches, and schools
Typical cost patterns with a reputable provider in Atlanta:
Unarmed guards: generally mid twenties to high thirties per hour, anchored by risk and building type
Armed guards: often mid thirties up into the sixties per hour for higher risk posts or locations with elevated exposure
As with Texas, design matters. A corporate office that needs a professional lobby presence weekdays during business hours will usually pay less overall than a sprawling, open air property that wants coverage 7 nights a week.
Ohio: Columbus, Cincinnati, and Other Metros
In Ohio, Security Company Columbus and Security Company Cincinnati support:
Downtown offices and mixed use properties
Suburban corporate campuses
Warehouses and manufacturing sites
Universities, churches, and community facilities
While the cost of living profile differs from coastal metros, professional security providers still have to cover the same core cost stack. That is why it is common to see:
Unarmed guards: usually mid twenties to low or mid thirties per hour
Armed guards: often mid thirties to around fifty per hour, depending on the specific assignment
Clients in Ohio often compare the monthly security spend against the cost of a single theft, shutdown, or serious incident. When you frame it that way, investing in the right level of coverage at a realistic rate becomes much easier to justify.
State-by-State Cost Overview
We already walked through Texas, Georgia, and Ohio. Now let us look at the rest of the key states where
Citywide Security Company operates, and what realistic provider costs look like in each market.
Remember, these are what clients typically pay a licensed provider, not individual guard wages.
Indiana – Security Guard Services in Indianapolis
In and around Indianapolis, demand is strong from:
Apartment communities and HOAs
Light industrial and warehouse facilities
Healthcare and office properties
Events and special programs
If you are working with a professional provider like
Security Company Indianapolis, you will usually see:
Unarmed guards: about $25–$35+ per hour for most commercial posts
Armed guards: roughly $35–$55+ per hour, depending on risk and location
Overnight security for construction or warehouse sites will generally fall toward the upper end of those bands, especially if you want detailed reporting and active patrols, not just a body at a desk.
Kentucky – Retail & Event Security in Louisville
Louisville has a mix of:
Retail centers and malls
Healthcare facilities
Warehouses, yards, and light industrial sites
Event venues and nightlife
A reputable company such as
Security Company Louisville typically bills:
Unarmed guards: about $25–$35+ per hour
Armed guards: often $35–$55+ per hour
Client profiles here often include:
Retailers needing evening and weekend coverage
Parking garages and structures that want patrols and visual deterrence
Healthcare and office buildings that want a professional lobby presence during high traffic times
Arizona – Private Security in Phoenix
The Phoenix metro area has grown rapidly and includes:
Large logistics and warehouse hubs
Construction and development projects
Corporate offices and mixed-use complexes
Residential communities and HOAs
With a serious provider like
Security Company Phoenix, you can expect:
Unarmed guards: generally $25–$38 per hour
Armed guards: commonly $35–$55+ per hour
Phoenix is also a good fit for blended programs that combine
security patrol services with limited on-site coverage, especially for business parks and HOAs that do not need a guard parked at one post all night.
Nevada – Event & Venue Security in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is one of the most security-intensive markets in the country, with constant demand from:
Hotels and casinos
Large events, festivals, and conventions
Nightlife venues and VIP movements
A provider such as
Security Company Las Vegas typically prices services around:
Unarmed guards: roughly $25–$40+ per hour, especially for events and venues
Armed or specialized posts: usually $40–$70+ per hour
You are often paying to solve specific problems:
Keeping queue lines safe and orderly
Screening guests and managing bag checks
Protecting brand reputation in very public environments
Here, the quality of the guard team and supervision often matters more than shaving a couple of dollars off the hourly rate.
California – Security Guard Services in Los Angeles
Los Angeles sits near the top of the cost spectrum due to:
High cost of living
Tight labor market
Regulatory and licensing complexity
If you engage a professional provider like
Security Company Los Angeles, real-world billing usually looks like:
Unarmed guards: about $30–$45+ per hour
Armed guards: around $40–$75+ per hour, and more for high-end executive work
In LA, you see everything from basic lobby security to film studio gates to VIP details. For higher-profile and higher-risk assignments, the rate reflects not just the guard in the field, but also the insurance, training, and supervision behind them.
Florida – Security Guard Services in Jacksonville
Jacksonville combines:
Port and logistics facilities
Industrial and energy operations
Commercial office and retail properties
Residential communities and HOAs
Working with a provider such as
Security Company Jacksonville, typical billing ranges are:
Unarmed guards: roughly $25–$35+ per hour
Armed guards: often $35–$50+ per hour
In this kind of port-adjacent market, the conversation often centers on inventory protection and liability; one major loss event can easily outweigh a year of predictable security spend.
New York – Security Guard Services in New York City
New York City is one of the most expensive, tightly regulated, and demanding security markets.
A serious provider like
Security Company New York will usually be in this neighborhood:
Unarmed guards: often $38–$45+ per hour
Armed or specialized guards: typically $55–$80+ per hour
Sectors that drive pricing in NYC include:
Corporate headquarters and Class A office towers
Luxury hotels and residential buildings
Financial institutions and high-end retail
Executive and VIP details, often paired with
executive protection services
Here, “cheap” security is usually a false economy. Clients care more about reliability, professionalism, and brand impact than squeezing the lowest possible rate.
Service-Type Breakdown: What Different Services Really Cost
Across all these states, the main cost drivers are service type, risk, and schedule. Here is how common service types line up with the ranges you have seen.
Construction Site Security
Typical buyers: General contractors, developers, owners.
Common needs:
Nightly protection for tools, equipment, and materials
Gate control and truck check-in
Deterrence against copper theft, vandalism, and trespassers
If you work with a company that knows the category, like Citywide’s
construction site security services, you can expect:
Unarmed guards: usually $25–$38+ per hour
Armed guards: often $35–$60+ per hour, reserved for very high-risk sites
Because construction jobs are temporary but intense, many projects run 10–12 hour shifts, 6 or 7 days per week. That is where thoughtful schedule design can save thousands per month compared to simply asking for “someone there all the time.”
Warehouse & Logistics Security
Typical buyers: 3PLs, manufacturers, distributors, and fleet operators.
You are usually defending:
High-value inventory
Trailers and vehicles
Busy yards and dock doors
With a provider that specializes in
warehouse security services, pricing often falls at:
Unarmed guards: roughly $25–$38+ per hour
Armed: when needed, $35–$55+ per hour
Because the risk of a single large theft is so high, most warehouse and yard clients evaluate cost in terms of loss prevention and operational continuity, not just hourly rate.
Corporate & Office Building Security
Typical buyers: Property managers, asset managers, and corporate users.
Core tasks:
Lobby security and visitor management
Badge and access control
After-hours patrols and lock-ups
Here, a solution like Citywide’s
corporate security services is usually built around:
Unarmed guards: about $25–$40+ per hour, depending on city and building profile
Armed: mainly for elevated threat or special situations
This segment is as much about brand and tenant experience as it is about hard security, which is why many owners prefer a slightly higher rate from a provider that can supply polished, well-trained lobby officers.
Retail & Shopping Center Security
Typical buyers: Strip centers, malls, single-tenant big box sites.
What they need:
High-visibility deterrence
Eyes on entrances, exits, and parking lots
Support with shoplifting, disorderly conduct, and loitering
Using a focused program like Citywide’s
retail security services, you are usually looking at:
Unarmed guards: around $25–$35+ per hour
Armed guards: selectively used, at $35–$55+ per hour, in higher risk zones
Most retail programs concentrate coverage around evenings, weekends, and peak seasons, which lets you protect staff and customers without over-spending on quiet hours.
Residential & HOA Security
Typical buyers: Gated communities, apartment complexes, high-rise residential.
Common coverage:
Gatehouse or lobby control
Patrols of parking areas, amenities, and common spaces
Response to noise complaints, disturbances, or suspicious activity
Citywide’s
residential security services are usually priced at:
Unarmed guards: about $25–$35+ per hour
Armed: mainly when there is a clearly documented risk profile
Many communities start with a mix of weekend, evening, and patrol-focused coverage, then adjust up or down as incident data comes in.
Event Security Services
Typical buyers: Venues, churches, schools, corporate planners, promoters.
Event clients often need:
Check-in control and bag checks
Stage and backstage protection
Crowd and line management
With a specialized team like Citywide’s
event security services, you will typically see:
Unarmed event guards: roughly $25–$45 per hour
Armed or high-risk event teams: often $40–$70+ per hour
Events come with minimum hours per guard, setup and breakdown time, and sometimes holiday premiums, so it is important to ask the provider to spell out exactly how the total event cost is calculated, not just the hourly rate.
Hidden Costs and Fine Print to Watch For
Even when the hourly rate looks fair, the way the contract is structured can change what you actually pay.
Things to watch:
Minimum shift lengths
Many companies require 4, 6, or 8 hour minimums per shift.
Holiday and weekend multipliers
Confirm which holidays are billed at a higher rate and by how much.
Short-notice deployments
“We need guards tonight” can come with extra fees because of the scheduling scramble.
Remote site or travel charges
Very remote, spread-out or hard-to-staff sites might add mileage or travel stipends.
Equipment and vehicle costs
For security patrol services, confirm if fuel and vehicles are built into the rate or billed separately.
Cancellation and change terms
Understand how much notice you must give to reduce hours, cancel events, or change schedules without penalty.
A transparent provider will walk you through those items in plain language before you sign.
How to Read and Compare Security Quotes
When you receive proposals from different companies, make sure you can clearly answer these questions for each quote:
What is the hourly rate by post and by guard type?
How many hours per day and days per week are included?
What is the total weekly and estimated monthly cost?
What services are explicitly included in the rate (supervision, reports, technology)?
What triggers higher rates or extra fees (holidays, short-notice requests, special events)?
That makes it much easier to compare a quote from Citywide against a competitor on equal footing, rather than getting distracted by a slightly lower headline rate that hides weak coverage or surprise charges.
Final Takeaways: Turning Cost Into an Investment
By now, the answer to “How much does private security usually cost?” should feel far more concrete:
Unarmed guards from a serious provider: usually $25–$40+ per hour
Armed guards: commonly $35–$75+ per hour
Mobile patrols and hybrids: often $1,000–$5,000+ per month, depending on city, frequency, and footprint
The real win is not finding the absolute lowest number; it is:
Choosing the right mix of on-site, patrol, and technology
Matching coverage to your real risk
Partnering with a provider that is licensed, insured, and invested in doing the job properly
If you want help running the numbers for your own site in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Atlanta, Phoenix, Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Louisville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Jacksonville, or New York, you can always start with a no-pressure quote request on the main
Citywide Security Company site or on the specific city page that matches your location.
