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Security Guard Prices in the US 2026

How much each private security service costs in the US: reference ranges by service and city, with the factors that move the price. Pre-tax estimates.

Beware of quotes that are too cheap

The loaded labor cost of a single 12-hour guard post (a $16/hr market wage + payroll taxes, workers' comp, insurance, uniforms and supervision) is roughly $7,900 per month. A proposal far below that figure usually means staff without insurance or benefits, or an unlicensed operator — a legal risk that lands on the client.

Prices by service type

ServiceReference range
Security Guards$8,000 – $12,800 USDestimated
Armed Security Guards$10,800 – $17,300 USDestimated
Mobile Patrol$600 – $2,500 USDestimated
Event Security$35 – $60 USDestimated
Executive Protection$15,000 – $35,000 USDestimated
Corporate Security$8,800 – $14,100 USDestimated
Warehouse & Industrial Security$8,000 – $12,800 USDestimated
Residential & HOA Security$7,500 – $12,000 USDestimated
Construction Site Security$8,000 – $12,800 USDestimated
Alarm Monitoring$30 – $200 USDestimated
Video Surveillance & CCTV$1,000 – $5,000 USDestimated
Fire Watch Services$28 – $45 USDestimated
Security Consulting$2,500 – $25,000 USDestimated

National pre-tax reference ranges. Rows marked “estimated” are based on the cost model rather than verified market prices. Click a service to see prices by city.

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What determines the price

  • City: Prevailing wages and cost of living. Bay Area markets carry the highest labor costs in the country.
  • Schedule and coverage: A single 12h shift vs 24/7 coverage (which requires 2–4 officers per post and multiplies the cost).
  • Armed or unarmed: An armed officer (permits, firearms qualification and higher insurance) costs roughly 35% more.
  • Level and profile: Experience, certifications, languages and the type of facility raise the rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does private security cost in the US in 2026?
It depends on the service. An unarmed security guard post costs between $8,000 and $12,800 per month for a 12-hour daily post (billed roughly $22–$35/hr); mobile patrol runs $600–$2,500 per property per month; alarm monitoring starts around $30 per month. The final price varies by city, schedule, armed vs unarmed staffing and service level.
Why does a guard cost more than their hourly wage?
Because the billed rate is not the guard's wage. It covers the wage plus payroll taxes, workers' compensation, liability insurance, uniforms, supervision, training and the company's margin — typically a 1.6–1.8× markup over the wage. The loaded labor cost of a single 12-hour post at a $16/hr market wage is roughly $7,900 per month, so a quote far below that figure usually means underpaid or misclassified staff, missing insurance, or an unlicensed operator.
Why do prices vary between cities?
Private security is labor-intensive (70–80% of cost is labor). Bay Area markets (San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland) have the highest prevailing wages and insurance costs in the country; Los Angeles, San Diego and Chicago sit above the national baseline; Central Valley markets like Fresno and Bakersfield are more cost-competitive.
Do these prices include tax?
The ranges shown are pre-tax reference prices. Whether sales tax applies to security services depends on the state; formal quotes from companies will itemize any applicable taxes and fees.
How do I get an exact price?
Use the online cost calculator for a personalized estimate in 30 seconds, or request free formal quotes from licensed companies in your city. You'll receive proposals at no cost and with no obligation.