How much does security guards cost in the US?
Reference price: $8,000 – $12,800 USD per guard post/month (pre-tax). One guard covering a 12h daily post, billed at $22–$35/hr unarmed. Varies with schedule (day/night), officer experience and site requirements. 24/7 coverage requires 2–4 officers per post.
Range estimated from the cost model; request quotes for an exact price.
Cost floor: the loaded labor cost of a 12-hour guard post is roughly $7,900/month. Distrust quotes far below that: they usually mean staff without insurance or benefits, or an unlicensed operator.
Security Guards prices by city
$9,200 – $15,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in Los Angeles$8,000 – $13,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in Sacramento$8,800 – $14,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in San Diego$9,600 – $15,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in San Jose$10,000 – $16,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in San Francisco$7,600 – $12,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in Riverside$8,800 – $14,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in Irvine$8,600 – $14,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in Anaheim$7,200 – $12,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in Fresno$9,200 – $15,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in Oakland$8,800 – $14,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in Long Beach$7,200 – $12,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in Bakersfield$8,800 – $14,000 USD per guard post/month
See companies in ChicagoPre-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 security guards pricing
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