Understanding security guard costs helps you budget appropriately and avoid surprises. In Los Angeles, professional security guard services range from cost-effective unarmed coverage to premium armed protection, with pricing influenced by service type, coverage hours, and specialized requirements.
Since 1997, Scaife Protection Services has provided transparent, competitive security pricing throughout Los Angeles County. Use our Build-Guard online quote tool to get instant pricing estimates customized to your specific security needs, or continue reading to understand what affects security guard costs.
Security Guard Pricing Overview
Unarmed Security Guard Costs
Unarmed security guards provide professional access control, patrols, monitoring, and incident reporting without firearms. This cost-effective option works well for office buildings, retail stores, residential properties, and facilities requiring visible security presence.
Typical Unarmed Guard Applications:
- Office building lobby and reception security
- Retail store loss prevention
- Residential community patrol and access control
- Parking lot and garage monitoring
- General facility security and reporting
Our unarmed security guards maintain the same licensing, background checks, and professional training as armed guards, delivering reliable protection at lower cost.
Armed Security Guard Costs
Armed security guards carry firearms and provide enhanced deterrence for high-risk environments, valuable assets, or facilities in high-crime areas. Premium rates reflect additional licensing, firearms training, insurance requirements, and increased liability.
When Armed Guards Are Cost-Justified:
- High-value inventory (electronics, pharmaceuticals, jewelry)
- Cash-intensive businesses and banking operations
- Properties with previous security incidents
- Facilities in high-crime neighborhoods
- Cannabis dispensaries and licensed facilities
- Executive protection and personal security
While armed guards cost more than unarmed personnel, the enhanced protection often prevents costly theft, vandalism, or violent incidents. Learn more about armed security services →
Mobile Patrol Costs
Mobile patrol services provide cost-effective security for multiple locations, vacant properties, or sites requiring periodic checks rather than continuous guard presence. Per-visit pricing makes this economical for properties needing intermittent coverage.
Mobile Patrol Cost Benefits:
- Lower cost than stationary guards
- Coverage for multiple properties simultaneously
- Flexible visit frequency based on risk level
- GPS-verified patrol documentation
- Alarm response included
What Affects Security Guard Costs?
Service Type and Requirements
The type of security service directly impacts pricing:
- Armed vs. Unarmed: Armed guards require additional licensing, firearms training, insurance, and qualifications
- Stationary vs. Mobile: Dedicated guards at single locations cost more than patrol services covering multiple sites
- Specialized Services: Construction security, warehouse protection, and industry-specific expertise may require additional training
Coverage Hours and Schedule
Total billable hours significantly affect both per-hour rates and total costs:
Volume Pricing Advantages:
- Higher weekly hours often qualify for better rates
- Consistent schedules improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs
- 24/7 coverage allows for optimized guard scheduling
- Long-term contracts may offer volume discounts
For example, a single guard post requiring 24/7 coverage (168 weekly hours) typically qualifies for more competitive rates than occasional or limited-hour coverage due to scheduling efficiency and guaranteed volume.
Holiday and Overtime Rates
Special circumstances affect pricing:
- Holiday Rates: Typically 1.5x standard hourly rate for major holidays
- Overtime: Guards working beyond standard shifts may incur premium rates
- Emergency Deployment: Same-day or rush deployment may include mobilization fees
- Short-Term Assignments: Temporary coverage may carry higher rates than long-term contracts
Location and Risk Factors
Property location and risk level influence pricing:
- High-crime neighborhoods may require armed guards or enhanced security measures
- Remote locations requiring longer guard commutes may include travel time
- Facilities with previous incidents often need upgraded security levels
- Hazardous environments requiring special equipment or training
Additional Services and Technology
Enhanced security capabilities affect total costs:
- CCTV Monitoring: Live surveillance monitoring in addition to physical patrols
- Access Control Systems: Electronic card readers, biometric scanners
- Alarm Response: Guaranteed response to security system alerts
- Fire Watch Services: Required when sprinkler systems are offline
- Patrol Vehicles: Marked security vehicles for mobile patrols
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How to Get Accurate Security Guard Pricing
Use the Build-Guard Online Quote Tool
The fastest way to get accurate security guard pricing is through our Build-Guard online quote system. This transparent tool lets you:
- Select service type (armed, unarmed, mobile patrol)
- Choose coverage hours and schedule
- Specify location and property type
- Add special requirements or services
- Receive instant pricing estimates
No pressure, no obligation—just transparent pricing based on your actual needs. The Build-Guard tool provides realistic cost ranges so you can budget appropriately before scheduling a consultation.
Schedule a Free Security Assessment
For complex security needs or specialized requirements, we provide complimentary on-site security assessments. During this consultation, we:
- Evaluate your property's security vulnerabilities
- Assess risk factors and threat levels
- Recommend appropriate security measures
- Provide detailed, customized pricing proposals
- Answer questions about coverage options
Contact us at (323) 786-8140 or inspector@scaifeprotection.com to schedule your free assessment.
Provide Detailed Requirements
The more specific your requirements, the more accurate your quote. When requesting pricing, include:
- Property type and size
- Desired coverage hours and days
- Number of guards needed
- Armed vs. unarmed preference
- Special requirements (bilingual, specific certifications)
- Start date and contract duration
- Any equipment or technology needs
Understanding Security Guard Contract Costs
What's Included in Security Guard Rates
Professional security guard hourly rates cover more than just guard wages. Your investment includes:
- Guard Wages: Competitive pay to attract qualified professionals
- Payroll Taxes: Employer portions of Social Security, Medicare, unemployment
- Workers' Compensation Insurance: Protection for injured guards
- General Liability Insurance: $1,000,000+ coverage for incidents
- Licensing and Compliance: PPO license fees, BSIS compliance, guard certifications
- Training: Initial and ongoing professional development
- Supervision: Field supervisors, management oversight, quality control
- Uniforms and Equipment: Professional appearance and tools
- Technology: Guard Dashboard, GPS tracking, reporting systems
- Administrative Support: Billing, HR, scheduling, client communication
Understanding these components helps explain why professional security costs more than simply hiring individuals—you're paying for comprehensive, legally compliant, insured protection.
Hidden Costs to Avoid
Beware of security companies offering unusually low rates. They may cut corners that create liability risks:
- Unlicensed Guards: Lack proper BSIS licensing and training
- Inadequate Insurance: Insufficient coverage exposes you to liability
- Minimal Training: Unprepared guards create security gaps
- No Supervision: Guards work without oversight or quality control
- Employee Misclassification: Independent contractors avoiding payroll taxes and insurance
Learn how to verify legitimate security companies →
Payment Terms and Billing
Most security companies bill weekly or bi-weekly for services rendered:
- Net 7-14 day payment terms are standard
- Detailed invoices showing hours worked, guard names, and services provided
- Some contracts require deposits or retainers
- Emergency or rush deployment may require upfront payment
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Security
Hidden Costs of Hiring Guards Directly
Some businesses consider hiring security guards as employees rather than contracting with professional companies. However, direct hiring creates significant hidden costs:
- Payroll Administration: Payroll processing, tax withholding, reporting
- Benefits and Insurance: Health insurance, workers' comp, unemployment insurance
- Liability Insurance: Separate security liability policy required
- Licensing Compliance: Individual guard licensing, training records, compliance monitoring
- Scheduling and Management: Finding coverage for call-outs, vacations, shifts
- Training Costs: Initial and ongoing security training programs
- Equipment and Uniforms: Purchasing and maintaining security gear
- Legal Compliance: Labor law compliance, employment regulations
Professional security companies handle all these administrative burdens, often making contracted services more cost-effective than direct employment once all factors are considered.
Cost of Security Incidents
Professional security guard costs are modest compared to potential security incident expenses:
- Equipment Theft: Construction sites lose an average of $300,000-$1,000,000 per major theft incident
- Inventory Shrinkage: Warehouses experience 1-3% inventory loss without proper security
- Vandalism and Repairs: Property damage often exceeds months of security costs
- Liability Claims: Injuries from inadequate security create expensive lawsuits
- Business Interruption: Security incidents disrupt operations and revenue
- Insurance Premiums: Incidents drive up property and liability insurance costs
Investing in professional warehouse security, construction protection, or building security prevents far costlier security failures.
How to Reduce Security Guard Costs
Optimize Coverage Hours
Strategic scheduling reduces unnecessary costs while maintaining protection:
- Focus coverage on highest-risk hours (overnight, weekends)
- Use mobile patrols for lower-risk periods instead of stationary guards
- Combine technology (CCTV, alarms) with guard services for efficient coverage
- Consider unarmed guards during lower-risk daytime hours, armed guards overnight
Commit to Higher Volume
Larger commitments often qualify for better rates:
- Longer contract terms may secure volume pricing
- Multiple properties under single contract improve efficiency
- Consistent schedules allow better guard assignment and reduce turnover
- 24/7 coverage enables optimized scheduling and competitive rates
Use Technology Effectively
Technology extends guard effectiveness without adding personnel:
- CCTV systems allow one guard to monitor larger areas
- Access control systems reduce manual checkpoint monitoring
- Alarm systems trigger targeted guard response rather than constant presence
- Mobile patrol apps verify coverage without adding supervision costs
Choose the Right Service Level
Match security level to actual risk:
- Don't pay for armed guards when unarmed personnel provide adequate protection
- Use mobile patrols for lower-risk properties instead of stationary coverage
- Reserve 24/7 coverage for facilities truly requiring round-the-clock protection
- Adjust security levels based on seasonal risk changes
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Guard Costs
How much do unarmed security guards cost in Los Angeles?
Unarmed security guard rates vary based on total hours, location, and service requirements. Use our Build-Guard quote tool to get instant pricing estimates customized to your needs.
How much do armed security guards cost?
Armed security guards command premium rates due to additional licensing, firearms training, insurance requirements, and increased liability. Costs vary by coverage hours and location. Request a quote for specific pricing.
What's the difference between per-hour and per-visit pricing?
Stationary guards bill hourly for continuous on-site presence. Mobile patrol services charge per visit, checking multiple properties throughout shifts. Per-visit pricing is cost-effective for properties needing periodic checks rather than constant coverage.
Do security companies charge more for holidays?
Yes. Holiday rates typically run 1.5x standard hourly rates for major holidays when guards work instead of spending time with families. Plan ahead for holiday coverage to budget appropriately.
Can I get security guards for just one night or event?
Absolutely. We provide security for single events, short-term projects, and temporary needs. However, per-hour rates for short-term assignments may be higher than long-term contract rates due to mobilization costs and scheduling inefficiencies.
What's included in your security guard rates?
Our rates include licensed guards, supervision, training, insurance (general liability and workers' comp), uniforms, equipment, Guard Dashboard technology, and comprehensive reporting. You receive complete, legally compliant security service.
Do you offer discounts for long-term contracts?
Yes. Longer contract commitments and higher weekly hour volumes often qualify for more competitive pricing due to improved scheduling efficiency and reduced administrative overhead. Contact us to discuss volume pricing options.
How do Los Angeles security guard costs compare to other cities?
Los Angeles security guard costs align with California's higher wage standards, strict licensing requirements, and increased insurance costs. While rates exceed less-regulated markets, you receive professionally licensed, insured protection meeting California's rigorous standards.
What payment terms do you offer?
Standard payment terms are Net 7-14 days from invoice. We bill weekly or bi-weekly for services rendered, with detailed invoices showing hours, guard assignments, and services provided.
💰 Get Instant Security Guard Pricing
No more waiting for quotes. Use our Build-Guard online tool to select your services and see transparent pricing immediately. Armed, unarmed, mobile patrol—get instant estimates for all options.
Get Transparent Security Guard Pricing Today
Understanding security guard costs helps you budget appropriately and make informed decisions. Whether you need unarmed guards for general security, armed protection for high-risk environments, or specialized services for construction sites or warehouses, Scaife Protection Services provides transparent, competitive pricing.
Three ways to get accurate pricing:
- Instant Online Quote: Use our Build-Guard tool for immediate price estimates
- Phone Quote: Call (323) 786-8140 to discuss your needs with our security experts
- Free Assessment: Schedule an on-site security evaluation for detailed, customized pricing
Contact Scaife Protection Services now:
🎯 Competitive Rates, Professional Service
Since 1997, Scaife Protection Services has delivered professional security at competitive rates throughout Los Angeles County. PPO #12958 | $1,000,000 insured | Same-day deployment available. Call (323) 786-8140 for transparent pricing.