How much does event security cost in the US?

Reference price: $35 – $60 USD per guard/hour (pre-tax). Per guard per hour. Venue type, crowd size, alcohol service, insurance requirements and minimum-hour policies (usually 4–6h) move the rate. Armed or supervisor positions bill higher.

Range estimated from the cost model; request quotes for an exact price.

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Event Security prices by city

Los Angeles

$40 – $69 USD per guard/hour

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Sacramento

$35 – $60 USD per guard/hour

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San Diego

$39 – $66 USD per guard/hour

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San Jose

$42 – $72 USD per guard/hour

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San Francisco

$44 – $75 USD per guard/hour

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Riverside

$33 – $57 USD per guard/hour

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Irvine

$39 – $66 USD per guard/hour

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Anaheim

$38 – $65 USD per guard/hour

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Fresno

$32 – $54 USD per guard/hour

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Oakland

$40 – $69 USD per guard/hour

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Long Beach

$39 – $66 USD per guard/hour

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Bakersfield

$32 – $54 USD per guard/hour

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Chicago

$39 – $66 USD per guard/hour

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Pre-tax reference prices. Bay Area markets (San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland) reflect the highest prevailing wages in the country.

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Questions about event security pricing

How much does event security cost in the US?

The reference price runs from $35 to $60 USD per guard/hour, pre-tax. Per guard per hour. Venue type, crowd size, alcohol service, insurance requirements and minimum-hour policies (usually 4–6h) move the rate. Armed or supervisor positions bill higher.

What factors change the price of event security?

The city (prevailing wages and cost of living), the schedule and coverage required, armed vs unarmed staffing, officer profile and experience, and the risk level of the site. That's why it pays to compare several quotes.

Do the prices include tax?

These are pre-tax reference prices. Whether sales tax applies to security services depends on the state; each company's formal quote will itemize any applicable taxes.

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