Private home security guard cost typically runs $25-$75 per hour per guard, with an average of about $40-$55 for standard residential coverage. The final quote depends on armed status, shift length, location, required duties, and whether the guard is employed directly or supplied by a security company.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unarmed guard | $25/hour | $35-$45/hour | $60/hour | Standard residential patrol or access monitoring |
| Armed guard | $35/hour | $50-$65/hour | $90/hour | Licensing, experience, and risk affect rates |
| Eight-hour shift | $200 | $320-$440 | $720 | One guard; before special fees |
| 24/7 coverage | $18,000/month | $25,000-$38,000/month | $65,000/month | Continuous staffing generally requires multiple guards |
What one residential guard costs per shift
For a typical home with ordinary access and no unusual threat assessment, a security company may charge $25-$60 per hour for an unarmed guard and $35-$90 for an armed guard. An eight-hour shift commonly totals $200-$480 unarmed or $280-$720 armed. Rates usually represent the company’s bill rate, not the guard’s take-home wage.
For a single evening shift, budget roughly $300-$500 for unarmed coverage or $400-$700 for an armed guard. These estimates assume one guard, an eight-hour shift, and routine duties such as monitoring entrances, checking the property, and reporting incidents.
Assumptions: U.S. metro-area vendor pricing, standard residential duties, normal access, and no dedicated vehicle or specialized equipment.
How guard labor and company fees shape the quote
A quote can include more than the guard’s hours. Ask whether the hourly rate covers supervision, insurance, uniforms, dispatch, travel, and reporting, and whether the provider bills a minimum shift or charges separately for a vehicle.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Unarmed guard labor | $25-$60 per hour | Experience, schedule, and local wages |
| Armed guard labor | $35-$90 per hour | Required credentials and assignment risk |
| Site assessment | $0-$500 per visit | May be waived or included in a contract |
| Marked vehicle | $5-$25 per hour extra | Patrol mileage and vehicle requirements |
| Short-notice or holiday service | 10%-50% above standard rate | Urgency, date, and staffing availability |
When labor is itemized, a basic estimate can be checked with . For example, 40 hours at $45 per hour equals $1,800 before any separately listed charges.
Compare the complete billed rate and minimum commitment, not just the advertised hourly wage. Some providers require four- to eight-hour minimums, while others set weekly or monthly minimums for recurring assignments.
Which guard credentials and property risks raise rates?
Armed coverage generally costs more because the assignment requires additional licensing, training, and risk controls. A guard assigned to a gated entrance may cost less than one expected to make frequent vehicle patrols, manage visitor screening, or provide close protection.
Coverage scale also matters: one guard can monitor a compact property, but a site over 5 acres or with multiple separated entrances may need patrol time or a second guard. A request for 24-hour staffing means 168 coverage hours each week, typically scheduled across several employees to allow for days off and shift changes.
Scope changes can add more than a small hourly premium. State licensing rules, documented threat concerns, remote access, poor lighting, and long travel distances can change staffing needs or provider availability.
How much do guards cost in different U.S. markets?
Rates vary with local labor costs and provider supply. A rural or lower-cost market may fall 10%-20% below the national midrange, while a major coastal city may run 15%-35% higher. High-demand areas and short-notice assignments can exceed those ranges.
These are planning adjustments, not fixed regional tariffs. For an unarmed guard with a $40-per-hour baseline, a rural quote might be around $32-$36 per hour; a high-cost urban quote could be $46-$54. Armed work, holidays, and specialized duties may widen the difference.
What do common home security schedules add up to?
Shift totals help compare quotes on the same basis. The examples below use estimated company rates and exclude unusual travel, equipment, and rush charges.
| Coverage example | Rate assumption | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| One unarmed guard, 8 hours | $35-$50 per hour | $280-$400 per shift |
| Armed guard, 10 hours for an event | $50-$75 per hour | $500-$750 per shift |
| Unarmed guard, 12 hours daily for 30 days | $35-$55 per hour | $12,600-$19,800 per month |
Continuous coverage costs substantially more than occasional shifts because all scheduled hours must be staffed. At 168 hours per week and $35-$55 per hour, one-post coverage can reach about $25,500-$40,000 per month before contract adjustments.
When does armed coverage change the home guard budget?
Choose the assignment based on documented needs and local law, not simply the highest available credential. An armed guard may be appropriate for a specific elevated risk, but an unarmed guard can often handle access control, visible presence, and routine property checks at a lower rate.
For a guard who will patrol a large property, confirm whether the quote includes a vehicle, mileage, communications equipment, and written activity logs. Clarifying duties before signing helps prevent an hourly rate from expanding through add-ons or an unexpectedly larger crew.
How can a homeowner lower the guard service price?
Limit coverage to the hours and locations that need a person on site. For example, use scheduled evening shifts rather than round-the-clock staffing when the concern is limited to overnight access. Ask providers to price both an unarmed and armed option when the assignment does not require an armed post.
Obtain at least three written quotes with identical hours, duties, credentials, and minimum-shift terms. Compare holiday premiums, cancellation rules, overtime billing, and renewal increases. A longer contract can reduce the hourly rate, but only when the cancellation terms and service standards are clear.
Before hiring, verify that the company and assigned guards meet state and local licensing requirements. Request proof of liability coverage, ask who supplies replacement staff for absences, and confirm whether the quote includes a site assessment. These checks help avoid paying for coverage that does not match the actual property risk.