24/7 security typically costs $18,000-$36,000 per month for one continuously staffed, unarmed guard post, with an average near $25,500. Location, armed status, required experience, and whether the contract includes patrols or monitoring can change the quote substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One unarmed guard post | $18,200/month | $25,500/month | $36,400/month | $25-$50 per billed hour, 168 hours weekly |
| One armed guard post | $26,200/month | $34,900/month | $48,000/month | $36-$66 per billed hour |
| Electronic monitoring | $50/month | $150/month | $500/month | Remote alarm or video service; no on-site guard |
What one 24-hour guard post costs each month
A single post requires 168 staffed hours per week, or 8,736 hours per year. At typical agency billing rates of $25-$50 per hour for unarmed coverage, that works out to about $2,100-$4,200 per week and $218,400-$436,800 annually; a $35 hourly rate totals about $305,800 per year.
For standard unarmed coverage, budgeting roughly $25,000-$26,000 per month is a practical starting point. The estimate assumes one guard is on site at all times, ordinary access, and no holiday premium or special equipment. Assumptions: U.S. commercial property, agency-provided guards, continuous single-post coverage.
How hourly guard rates build into the contract
Most security companies quote a billable hourly rate, rather than charging separately for every expense. The following breakdown illustrates how a $35 hourly unarmed rate may be allocated; actual agency accounting and contract formats vary.
| Quote component | Typical hourly share | Monthly equivalent | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guard wages | $19-$24 | $13,800-$17,500 | Base pay for 730 monthly hours |
| Payroll taxes and benefits | $3-$6 | $2,200-$4,400 | Employer taxes, insurance, and benefits |
| Supervision and dispatch | $2-$5 | $1,500-$3,650 | Scheduling, field checks, and communication |
| Training, uniforms, and equipment | $1-$3 | $730-$2,200 | Basic uniform, radio, and required training |
| Agency overhead and margin | $2-$7 | $1,500-$5,100 | Administration and business costs |
Compare the quoted hourly rate and the included duties, not just the monthly total. Confirm whether holidays, relief coverage, supervision, and incident reports are included or billed separately.
How armed status, location, and post duties change rates
Armed guards often bill at $36-$66 per hour, about 25%-45% above comparable unarmed service, because of licensing, training, liability, and equipment requirements. A high-risk site may require additional experience or a supervisor, raising the rate further. Armed coverage should match documented site risks and local rules.
Local labor markets also matter. Major metropolitan areas and high-wage coastal markets can run 15%-35% above national midrange estimates; smaller cities and rural areas may be 10%-20% lower, though limited contractor availability can erase that discount. A lobby post with visitor logs generally costs less than a guard assigned to frequent rounds, vehicle checks, or access-control duties.
Coverage scope is a bigger budget lever than a small change in the guard’s hourly wage. A quote should state whether one guard remains at a fixed post, performs patrols, handles deliveries, or monitors cameras while covering other tasks.
Why 168 weekly hours require five or more guards
One person cannot safely cover a 24/7 post alone. At 40 hours per worker per week, 168 hours equals 4.2 full-time schedules before vacation, sick leave, training, and shift handoffs. Agencies commonly assign five or six guards to maintain continuity and provide relief.
The contract’s billed hours remain 168 per week even though several employees rotate through the schedule. Directly employing guards may show lower wages, but the buyer must also budget recruiting, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, benefits, overtime, scheduling, and backup coverage. Agency rates generally consolidate those responsibilities into the hourly charge.
What patrol routes and site conditions add to the bill
More than one staffed post multiplies labor quickly: a second continuously staffed post adds another 168 hours weekly. A supervisor who visits rather than remaining on site may add roughly $50-$125 per visit or be included in the agency rate. Vehicle patrols, required checkpoints, remote locations, and difficult parking or access can also increase charges.
Initial setup may include site assessment, post orders, access procedures, and guard training. Ask whether setup is included or carries a one-time fee of about $100-$1,000. Holiday coverage may be included, billed at a premium, or handled under a separate minimum. Get every expected extra charge listed before comparing bids.
When electronic monitoring costs less than a live guard
Remote alarm monitoring often costs $50-$150 per month, while monitored video services commonly fall around $100-$500 monthly, excluding cameras, installation, and internet upgrades. These options can reduce expense at a low-traffic site, but they do not provide an on-site person to intervene, verify visitors, or respond physically.
A hybrid plan can use cameras and alarms overnight with a live guard during busy hours. For example, reducing a post from 168 to 40 weekly hours cuts billed guard time by 128 hours; at $35 per hour, that is about $4,480 less per week before monitoring costs. Choose the coverage pattern around actual risk and response needs, not the lowest rate alone.
How to lower a 24/7 security quote without weakening coverage
Define the required duties and hours before asking for bids. If a guard does not need to remain at a fixed desk, compare scheduled patrols, remote monitoring, or limited-hour coverage. Separate essential tasks from optional services such as package handling, reception, or routine maintenance.
Request at least three written proposals using the same post orders, shift schedule, guard qualifications, and holiday terms. Check the hourly rate, minimum contract length, overtime rules, cancellation fees, insurance, and replacement-guard policy. Consistent bid specifications make low prices easier to evaluate and reduce surprise charges.
What to verify before signing a year-long guard contract
Ask whether the rate is fixed or can rise during the term, and how much notice the provider gives before changing prices. Verify applicable state guard licensing, required firearms credentials for armed work, proof of insurance, supervisor availability, and the process for reporting incidents. Requirements vary by state and by type of property.
Confirm that the provider has enough trained relief staff to cover absences without leaving the post empty. A low quote that excludes relief, holiday coverage, or required reporting may cost more once add-ons are applied. A complete estimate should specify coverage hours, staffing standards, included equipment, extra fees, and annual price adjustments.