With security becoming an increasingly important concern for businesses, the demand for security guards is rising. Whether you run a small business or a large corporation, the cost of hiring a security guard is an important consideration.
This guide will provide an overview of the costs associated with hiring a security guard and tips on getting the most bang for your buck. Let’s get started.
Hourly Rate To Hire Security Guards
The hourly rate for a security guard can vary depending on several factors, including experience, location, and type of business.
However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $25 per hour for a basic security guard. If you require a more experienced or highly trained security guard, you may pay up to $30 per hour.
Armed Guards Vs. Unarmed Guards
Unarmed security guards are typically less expensive than their armed counterparts. Armed security guards usually start at around $38 per hour, while unarmed security guards may start as low as $16 per hour.
Related: Unarmed vs Armed Security Guards: How To Know What You Need
Experience
For areas that require a higher level of security, you may need to hire a more experienced guard. These guards usually have law enforcement or military experience and can start at $25 per hour.
Location
The location of your business will also affect the hourly rate for security guards. If you are located in a high-crime area, you can expect to pay more for security than if you were located in a low-crime area.
Type Of Business
Your business type will also affect the hourly rate for security guards. If you have a high-value product or service, you can expect to pay more for security than a low-value product or service.
Specialized Training
Some security guards may have specialized training, such as CPR or first aid. These guards may start at a higher hourly rate than those without specialized training.
Read more: Security guard training for NYC
Time Of Day
In some businesses, the time of day may also affect the hourly rate for security guards.
For example, a nightclub may need to hire security guards available to work late-night hours. These guards may start at a higher hourly rate than those available to work during the day.
Contracts With A Private Security Firm
Most private security companies require you to sign a contract to hire their services.
The length of the contract will vary depending on the company, but you can expect to sign a one-year contract. Some companies may offer a discount if you sign a longer contract.
Equipment And Training
In addition to the hourly rate, you will also be responsible for the cost of equipment and training for your security guards. The equipment cost will vary depending on your type of security system.
Whether you have a simple alarm system or a more sophisticated security system, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for the equipment. The training cost will also vary depending on your type of security system.
A simple alarm system may only require a few hours of training, while a more sophisticated security system may require several training days.
Cost-Saving Strategies
- Evaluate Your Security Needs. If you only need a security guard for specific hours or days, consider hiring a part-time or on-call security service instead of a full-time one.
- Get Multiple Bids From Different Companies. This will ensure you get the best rate possible for the services you need. Get bids from at least three companies for armed and unarmed guards.
- Think About Your Budget. When considering your budget for security guards, remember to factor in the cost of training, uniforms, and other necessary supplies. Also, ensure a realistic idea of how many hours per week you will need a security guard on duty.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the cost of hiring security guard services can vary depending on the number of hours required, the type of service needed, and the geographical location.
The average hourly rate for a security guard is $15-25 per hour. However, some companies may charge a flat rate as low as $10 per hour.
When choosing a security company, it is important to compare rates and services to find the best value for your money.
Joseph Ferdinando
Joseph Ferdinando is the visionary founder of Building Security Services, a leading security company renowned for its comprehensive security services. With an illustrious career spanning over 40 years in the security industry, Joseph has been instrumental in elevating the standards of security guard services for a broad spectrum of businesses and organizations. As an influential member of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) in both New York and New Jersey chapters, Joseph has played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and practices.