Written by Gideon ReichentalPublished: 2nd October 2025Last update: 20th May 2026
So how much does it cost to hire a security guard? The exact cost of a security guard hire service depends on a number of considerations, however, as an indication, the typical cost of a security guard in the UK can vary widely between £35 to £200 an hour.
Some firms will charge hourly rates, and others will provide a fixed quote, but it’s always advisable to have a clear indication of costs before going ahead. This helps manage your budget effectively, and ensure there aren’t any unpleasant surprises.
As mentioned, there are many factors that affect the price so let’s look at some of the most significant factors to consider when calculating your security costs.
Need a quote quickly? The quickest way to find out how much a security guard will cost for your business is to get in touch with us with your details here. We can provide a no-obligation quote.
Contents
Key takeaways
UK security guard costs typically range from £35 to £200 per hour.
Some firms charge hourly rates while others provide fixed quotes for services.
Exact security guard hire costs depend on multiple considerations and requirements.
Get a clear cost indication before committing to a security guard service.
Average Security guard cost factors explained
Safety and security are always important considerations for businesses, events and sites. Hiring a professional security guard not only gives a positive impression about the status of your business but prevents disturbances and provides peace of mind that your business is protected but what are the factors that affect the cost?
You may think that there is a significant variance in the prices mentioned above – this is because there are a number of factors that affect the cost of a security guard.
How long will your hire period be?
The duration of a security appointment is likely to vary considerably. You might be considering contracting a guard for:
A fixed number of regular hours.
A full-time position.
A one-off event.
A temporary site security requirement.
Usually, a longer-term contract will be more cost-effective in terms of cost per hour. You’ll benefit from the economy of scale if the work is ongoing, long-term or for an extended period, there are cost savings available.
However, for many businesses, security requirements are prone to change. Having a security guard available during peak times provides valuable assurances when assets need protection, or while specific events or activities are taking place.
Hiring a professional for limited scope work will be slightly more expensive on an hourly basis than a longer-term contract, but brings added value in removing any ongoing cost liability.
Do you require a security dog?
K9 security provides an added layer of protection as the dogs act as a strong visual deterrent for those looking to breach security. Dog units can respond faster, cover larger areas of ground, and can be used for a wider range of purchases (such as sniffer dogs for drug detection).
If you require a security dog patrol, you will need to hire personnel who are trained dog handlers and have the appropriate vehicle, signage and equipment to provide a safe service which may increase the cost of security guard hire.
What type of event are you running?
Security guards are often assigned to a diverse range of events. As multi-faceted professionals, they can help with several requirements and provide services for all types of occasions.
Examples of scenarios when a security guard is required include:
The type of security guard, their experience, and the resources required are dependent on the type of event you’re running.For example, significant events may need more than one member of staff, who must be experienced in crowd control. Events where minors are likely to be present need security guards well-trained in managing disturbances when younger people are present.
Do you need specialised guarding?
Security guards cover a broad range of services. If you need an in-depth and hands-on approach to every aspect of site safety, this more comprehensive level of security is likely to need a higher budget.
Other sites require simple patrols when venues are closed or not in use, although overnight patrols and unusual hours may be more expensive than daytime shifts.
Security guard costs vary significantly based on factors like location, shift patterns, experience level, and specific duties required-a 24-hour service in London will cost considerably more than the same coverage in a regional area, so getting a tailored quote based on your exact requirements is essential to understanding your actual budget.
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What location do you need security guards for?
Your security guard will need to travel to your site or venue, so a remote location may be more expensive to guard, given the additional travel time required.
Some locations will present specific challenges, and others will carry more rigorous security requirements depending on how public access is, and how many entry and exit points are available.
Examples of service variations dependent on location include:
Public events hosted in large buildings such as corporate offices or schools will require private access areas to be cordoned off, or guarded.
Ticketed or restricted entry sites will require entrance security, verification of passes or tickets, and scrutiny of credentials.
Open spaces such as outdoor sites require more rigorous crowd control and a high level of awareness around entrance points and potential risk factors.
Enclosed places will require additional security checks around fire safety management.
Locations with heavy traffic demand more precise control of the flow of traffic, pedestrian access and crowd control.
In any location, a security guard can keep your site running smoothly and ensure that only authorised visitors gain entry. However, the diversity of location and type of venue will have an impact on the overall cost.
What is the experience of the security guard?
It is always advisable to hire security guards who have substantial experience and hold relevant qualifications and accreditations. Specialised events and bespoke services are likely to cost more but are essential for providing adequate protection for sites or occasions carrying a higher risk.
Choosing security personnel in your local area will reduce travel costs, and have the added benefit of local, on the ground knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a security patrol cost?
Security patrol costs vary depending on the frequency of patrols, the size of the site, and whether you require foot patrols, mobile patrols or both. As a guide, mobile patrol services typically start from £25 per visit, while more frequent or complex patrol patterns will increase the overall cost. Sites that require detailed reporting, wider coverage or additional checks (such as lock/unlock services) may also pay a higher rate.
What is the average security guard cost per month?
Monthly costs depend on the number of hours covered. A standard security guard rate of £35 to £200 per hour can translate to anywhere from £4,000 to £18,000+ per month for regular daily cover. Businesses requiring 24/7 security or multi-guard coverage will see a higher monthly total. Most providers offer reduced hourly rates for long-term contracts.
How much does private security cost in the UK?
Private security services in the UK can range widely depending on the type of service required. Specialised services such as close protection, dog handling or event security can cost £50 to £150 per hour. Costs depend on risk level, location, duration, and the experience of the personnel provided.
How much does 24-hour security cost?
A full 24/7 security presence generally involves rotating shifts of multiple guards. For a single-guard 24-hour cover, organisations may expect costs from £15,000 to £30,000+ per month, depending on the hourly rate, risk level and site complexity. Higher-risk environments may require more than one guard per shift, which increases cost significantly.
What is the cost of residential security patrol?
Residential patrols tend to be more affordable than fixed guarding because they are shared across multiple properties or completed on a scheduled route. Prices typically depend on location, number of visits per night, and whether additional checks (doors, windows, garages, outbuildings) are required. Premium services like rapid response or alarm integration may incur additional costs.
The expertise of your security guards is invaluable to your peace of mind, so it is worth stretching your budget where possible to hire outstanding personnel who have the experience to manage your events, sites, staff and assets effectively. Many security companies seem to offer a good service when you read the sales literature, but they’re unreliable, leading to potentially costly breaches. If you’re looking to speak with an experienced security guard hire specialist about manned guarding services, get in touch with Clearway today.
Gideon is an experienced property specialist with almost ten years dedicated to the field of vacant property security and services. With a strong commitment to customer service and operational support, he has built extensive expertise in protecting vulnerable and unoccupied buildings through practical, risk-based security solutions.
His experience includes directly managing portfolios of more than 200 vacant properties, alongside senior management responsibility for wider portfolios exceeding 2,000 properties. This has given him a detailed understanding of the challenges involved in securing vacant assets, from preventing trespass, theft, vandalism, and arson to helping clients maintain compliance, reduce liability, and protect long-term property value.
Gideon has strong technical knowledge of the measures used to secure vacant properties, including steel security screens and doors, monitored alarm systems, CCTV, mobile response, site inspections, and temporary fire and life safety solutions. At Clearway, he supports the delivery of tailored protection strategies designed around the specific risk profile of each property, helping clients secure and manage unoccupied assets with confidence.
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