As a security company, a question we get asked a lot is how much do security guards cost? And honestly, there is no exact answer to this question. The cost of security can vary. But how much does it cost to hire security guards? We’ll be discussing this as much such as the different factors that affect the cost of security and how much security guards can cost yearly.
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How Much Do Security Guards Cost?
The cost of hiring a security guard can vary depending on several factors. These can include the type of service required, the location, the duration of the service, and the level of expertise needed. Each situation is unique, so pricing will be influenced by these elements. This ensures that the security provided meets your specific needs.
As some broad guidance, manned security guarding can generally cost anything from £10 to £25 an hour.
However, the price will ultimately depend upon the duties you wish security guards to complete and where they will be completing them. These are just two of the factors that can greatly impact on the price you will end up paying for the protection of your business.
What Are The Factors That Affect The Cost Of Hiring Security?
Many factors will influence the cost of a security guard. We’ve listed some of the top factors that affect the cost of security below:
Number Of Security Guards
The number of guards you require is an important factor that can affect the overall price of your security protection. When hiring security for your business, it’s important to know how many guards you will need to properly ensure the safety of your assets. The more guards you require the higher the cost will be. Multiple guards, however, will be a requirement for certain businesses.
Duration Of Security Contract
How long you need security protection will also play an important role in the cost of security. The duration of a security contract 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 job.
- A temporary site security requirement.
- A last-minute security requirement.
The length of the contract you request will affect the price you pay massively. This is because a long-term contract will be more cost-effective in terms of cost per hour. Some security companies will even do deals or reduced prices if you sign a longer contract. In addition, if you require security at short notice, you’re likely to pay more because the security company will have to arrange cover quickly.
The time that you require the security will also affect security guard prices. If you need security cover during peak times you’ll likely be quoted a higher rate. You can also expect the price to rise if you need cover a peak time at the last minute.
Location
The location of the business you need security for impacts the price because different locations carry different crime rates. Places with higher crime rates will pose more risk to the safety of security guards, therefore the price will be higher. We’ve listed some of the most popular areas in the UK and their current percentage of crime compared to current the national crime rate.
| London, England | 81% |
| Liverpool, England | 144% |
| Manchester, England | 138% |
| Sheffield, England | 117% |
| Cardiff, England | 99% |
According to Payscale, security guards who work in London earn an average of 8.4% more than guards who work in other areas. The lowest salaries for security personnel can be found in Manchester which is currently 3.9% less than average.
Security Guard Duties
The duties security guards undertake also impact the price you pay. One of the lowest costing services is static and construction security guards, this is because their main role is to patrol the empty site. Therefore, they cost less than say a retail security guard whose role requires them to talk to the public, show them around and deal with shoplifters.
More expensive security services include security guard supervisors and door supervisors who manage a team of guards. Door supervisors would also be stationed at pubs, events, or weddings where they may have to deal with people drinking, which would be more demanding than other roles. Alternatively, security guards with dogs and mobile patrol security guards will be more expensive due to the extra maintenance charge for the car and looking after the dog.
All of these are factors to consider when you’re looking to hire security for your business. Although the price is important and needs to be considered, the effectiveness of the security measures should be the top priority.
Security Guard Services
The type of security guard service you hire can also affect the price of security. Security guards cover can provide a wide range of services. If your business needs a more in-depth and hands-on approach, then it’s more likely that you’ll end up paying more.
Some businesses will only require simple patrols when premises are closed or not in use making their cost lower. While other businesses may require twenty-hour security protection or overnight patrols at unusual hours, which can be more expensive than daytime shifts.
Security Guard Hire Price UK
So, how much does a security guard cost in the UK? Honestly the price of security guards will be individual to you and your business. This is because it depends on the exact service you want and need, where your business is located, the length of contract you require, and the number of guards.
The lowest price would be anything from £10 per hour and the highest could be up to £60 per hour. These are the general prices that you can expect to pay for security guard services, and for the protection of your business.
Arguably one of the most expensive kinds of security to hire is mobile patrol security. This because it often includes the cost of looking after the car as well as the guard. In contrast to this, general static guarding is often one of the cheapest serviced you could acquire. This is because they need no equipment to complete their job, therefore there is no extra cost added to your price.
How Much Does A Security Guard Cost Per Hour?
As we mentioned above, the cheapest price that a security guard cost per hour is normally £10. While the average price of hiring a security guard is typically between £10 and £15. How much security guards cost per hour will depend on the amount of experience that the guard has and the area that they are working in. Busier city areas such as London will pay their security officers more to help to cover the cost of living.
How Much Do Security Guards Cost Yearly?
According to Indeed, a security guard can cost businesses on average around £20,421 each year. However, this amount often depends on the type of service that guard is providing, the amount of experience they have, and the location where they are working.
How Much Does Private Security Guards Cost?
The cost of private security guards, like normal security officers, will vary. As it will often depend on the amount of security guards you require, the type of services you are hiring, and the location that your business is in.
How Much Do Security Companies Charge In The UK?
The price that security companies charge in the UK can vary depending on the security guard service you require, and how many guards you will need. Here at Region Security Guarding, we take pride in our motivated and dedicated team of security guards, who can provide you with leading security services at the best price.
We pride ourselves in our competitive security guarding rates. With our price promise guarantee in place, we will try to meet or beat all our competitors’ rates without decreasing the standard of the security we provide, so you can protect your business at the price you want. Our price match allows us to:
- Try to beat any competitor’s current rate on your proposed project.
- Provide only the best and most cost-effective solutions based on your needs and budget.
- Verify our competitors’ service and rate, we can try to match it or offer you a better deal.
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So, How Much Do Security Guards Cost?
Overall, there is no exact amount of how much security guards will cost. As most businesses will require a personalised security service, and the amount that they end up paying for security protection will depend on the location that their business is in, how long they require security guards, and the number of guards they need.
If you you’d to learn more about security guards, why not check out our blog? Where you can find articles about how to become a security guard and where security officers work.
