Cost of Hiring Security Guards: A Detailed Breakdown of What to Expect and Why Mobile Surveillance Units Might Be a Better Option

Cost of hiring security guards is one of the first questions property owners, event planners, and business managers ask when they begin evaluating their safety needs. Whether you’re protecting a construction site, retail store, office building, or large-scale event, security guard services offer peace of mind and tangible protection against threats like theft, vandalism, trespassing, and more. However, costs can vary significantly depending on multiple factors. In this blog post, we’ll explore the average cost of hiring security guards, the variables that impact pricing, and why adding—or replacing guards with—a mobile surveillance unit might be the smarter and more cost-effective solution.

Cost of Hiring Security Guards: What You Should Know Upfront

Cost of hiring security guards will typically start at $25 to $60 per hour, per guard. These rates vary based on location, level of threat, the experience of the guards, licensing requirements, whether guards are armed or unarmed, and if services are needed during nights, weekends, or holidays.

In general:

• Unarmed guards cost between $25 to $35 per hour
• Armed guards cost between $35 to $60+ per hour
• Off-duty police officers can cost anywhere from $50 to $100+ per hour

These figures assume standard urban or suburban markets. In high-risk areas or for specialty services (e.g., VIP protection), the cost can rise sharply.

Cost of Hiring Security Guards: Factors That Influence Pricing

Cost of hiring security guards is influenced by several factors:

1. Type of Guard Needed: Armed guards receive more training and carry a weapon, which naturally drives up their hourly rate. They’re suited for high-threat environments such as banks, dispensaries, and events with a potential for violence.
2. Hours and Shifts: Around-the-clock security or after-hours patrols often incur higher rates. Holiday or overnight staffing typically commands premium pricing.
3. Location and Market: Urban areas with a higher cost of living (e.g., New York, Boston, Los Angeles) will have significantly higher rates than rural regions.
4. Level of Experience and Licensing: Veteran guards with law enforcement or military backgrounds, or those with specialized training (like conflict de-escalation or CPR), may come at a premium.
5. Risk Level of the Assignment: High-crime zones or sensitive facilities (like data centers or government buildings) require guards with greater situational awareness, which adds to the cost.
6. Number of Guards Needed: Naturally, staffing multiple guards increases the total hourly cost, though companies might offer small volume discounts.

Cost of Hiring Security Guards: Monthly and Annual Estimates

Cost of hiring security guards on a long-term basis adds up. Here’s what you can expect for a single, unarmed security guard:

• 8 hours/day x 5 days/week at $30/hr = $4,800/month
• 24/7 coverage = $21,600/month (720 hours x $30/hr)
• Annual 24/7 coverage = over $250,000/year

Multiply that by two or more guards, and you’re easily approaching a six-figure annual investment. For smaller businesses or sites with tight budgets, this may be out of reach.

Cost of Hiring Security Guards: When Mobile Surveillance Units Are the Smarter Option

Cost of hiring security guards can be significantly reduced—or even avoided—by integrating or substituting with a mobile surveillance unit (MSU). These are self-contained, high-tech surveillance trailers or towers equipped with:

• Multiple high-resolution security cameras
• Infrared and thermal imaging for night surveillance
• Motion detection with real-time alerts
• Loudspeakers and strobe lights for deterrence
• Live remote monitoring services

Cost of Hiring Security Guards vs. Mobile Surveillance Units

Mobile surveillance units are often a fraction of the cost of live security guards. A typical rental might run:

• $2,000 to $4,000/month, depending on features and services
• Add-on remote monitoring for $500 to $1,000/month

Compared to the $21,600/month for a 24/7 live guard, a full-service MSU with monitoring can provide round-the-clock protection for less than 25% of the cost.

Benefits of Mobile Surveillance Units

1. Cost-Effective Protection: As noted, the total monthly cost is far lower than hiring a security guard—especially for 24/7 coverage.
2. 24/7 Monitoring with Fewer Human Limitations: Cameras don’t blink, fall asleep, or become distracted. Mobile surveillance units can cover wide areas continuously.
3. Real-Time Alerts: Most MSUs can send real-time alerts to property owners or central stations, allowing for rapid law enforcement response.
4. Deterrence: Just the presence of a large mobile surveillance unit with lights, cameras, and motion-activated warnings can deter would-be criminals.
5. Evidence Collection: Unlike live guards who may only witness incidents, MSUs record everything. This footage is crucial for investigations, prosecutions, or insurance claims.
6. Scalability: Need more coverage? Simply add another unit instead of onboarding and training new staff.
7. Low Maintenance: Units are solar-powered or run on generators, requiring little manual upkeep, especially when managed by a professional security vendor.

Best Use Cases for Mobile Surveillance Units

• Construction Sites
• Parking Lots
• Remote or Rural Locations
• Warehouse Perimeters
• Events and Festivals
• Cannabis Dispensaries or Grow Facilities
• Temporary Projects or High-Risk Zones

They can either supplement existing guard services by monitoring areas out of line-of-sight or completely replace the need for physical guards in certain applications.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Security Investment

Cost of hiring security guards can be justified for high-risk environments, crowd control, or properties requiring human interaction. But the modern approach to site security often favors hybrid solutions—blending human presence with technology like mobile surveillance units.

If budget, coverage, and efficiency are key concerns, you might be better served by choosing a mobile surveillance unit instead of security guards—or at least in combination with one or two instead of a full security team.

The most effective strategy balances deterrence, detection, and documentation while staying within your budget. Consulting with a professional security vendor will help you find that balance.

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