Calculator: How Much Do Security Guards Cost?

Concerned by a recent spike in local crime, a business decides it’s time to beef up its security. Managers meet to debate the best approach. One side argues for hiring traditional security guards. But how much will security guards cost, they wonder? And is it the best protection option for their property?

The other group proposes a modern solution: Deep Sentinel, a system combining AI technology with live surveillance by remote guards. Can this tech-based system protect the business? How do the two options stack up?

The debate, at its heart, boils down to cost and effectiveness.

Security Guard Costs: More Than Meets the Eye

The average hourly rate for a security guard in North America varies, but here’s a general idea:

• Unarmed Guard: $15–$30/hour
• Armed Guard: $25–$50/hour
• Highly Specialized Guard (ex-military, executive protection): $50+/hour

These are just the base rates. Don’t forget:

• Overtime: If your guard works more than 40 hours a week, you’re paying time-and-a-half.
• Benefits: Health insurance, paid leave, etc. These can add 20-30% to your labor costs.
• Uniforms and equipment: This could be another few hundred dollars per guard upfront, plus occasional replacements.
• Training: Ongoing training is essential, and it’s not always free.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This protects you if your guard gets injured on the job, but it’s an added expense.
• Turnover: High turnover means constant recruitment and training costs.

It all adds up. Quickly.

Understanding the Average Security Guard Costs

Hiring security guards is often the first thought to improve security, but they can be quite an investment. According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly wage for a security guard in the United States is $19.03. This rate fluctuates based on factors such as geographic location, the guard’s experience, the size of the monitoring area, and the specific demands of the job.

For a business needing 24/7/365 coverage, this translates into an annual cost ranging between roughly $130,000 ($15/hour) to $438,000 ($50/hour) for continuous coverage. The cost at the average hourly rate? $166,000.

Even if you only need overnight coverage, it can still get costly. Let’s say your business operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., meaning you need guards for 12 hours. Your team of four guards now costs $83,000 per year for base wages. For some businesses, that’s attainable. For many, it’s not.

And that’s just the cost for one guard per shift. A larger property will need more guards for better coverage.

Calculating Your Security Guard Costs

Let’s calculate how much security guards might cost at your business. Find the number of hours you need coverage in the left column. Follow along that row to explore what you might pay for onsite patrols.

 

And that’s just for one guard. Depending on the size and configuration of your building, you’ll probably need multiple guards per shift. Plan for at least one guard per entrance and an additional guard for any level above the ground floor. Multiply that number with what you found in the chart above.

As you can see, the cost of security guards is out of reach for many businesses.

The Hidden Costs of Benefits

Hourly wage rates only scratch the surface. There are significant additional expenses associated with hiring security guards. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave can increase these costs substantially.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), benefits can add approximately 30% to the base salary.

• Average civilian worker? Add 31%.
• Average private sector worker? Add 29.5%.
• Average state and local government worker? Add 38%.

For a single guard in the private sector, this could mean thousands of additional dollars, depending on the total compensation package and hourly rate.

Managing Risk with Worker’s Compensation

The risk of injury is constant in security work, which can lead to costly worker’s compensation claims. Security work is more hazardous than typical civilian jobs, given the physical nature and risk of confrontation involved.

Industry data suggests that worker’s compensation claims can add thousands per year per guard, though this figure can spike dramatically if serious injuries occur. Security guards experience an average of 42,000 non-fatal injuries in the United States each year.

Plan for it. But remember, you’ll have to plan for that cost, too.

Real-World Security Guard Failures: A Sobering Reality

The monetary cost of security guards isn’t the only concern. Their shortcomings are costly in a different way.

• Human Error and Misconduct: There have been incidents where security guards have been involved in criminal activities themselves or have inadvertently facilitated them by not adhering to protocols. For instance, Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital faced a significant breach when several security guards improperly accessed and snooped on the medical records of 419 individuals. This breach violated privacy laws, leading to a $240,000 settlement.
• Physical Security Lapses: Despite having guards, commercial properties can still face significant security challenges. For example, security personnel might miss important cues or incidents due to fatigue, lapses in attention, or simply human error. This issue escalates during high-traffic periods or in complex environments where the sheer volume of activity can overwhelm individual guards.
• Ineffective Response to Emergencies: Security guards handle a wide range of responsibilities, from patrolling and monitoring to emergency response. However, there can be failures in effectively managing these duties, especially in critical situations where quick, decisive action is necessary. For instance, guards may not always effectively deter crime or may be slow to respond to emergencies due to inadequate training or oversight.
• Technology and Training Deficiencies: Limited budgets might mean that training and technology are low priorities. Insufficient training or tools can also compromise the effectiveness of security guards.

These examples illustrate that, while security guards can be great protectors, they are also fallible. Enhancing an onsite security team with technology and continuous training is vital for improving efficacy.

The Deep Sentinel Difference: Smarter Protection

There’s good news: There are affordable alternatives to the traditional security guard model.

Deep Sentinel presents a modern, efficient choice over onsite patrols. The camera surveillance system combines AI with human oversight to provide comprehensive security coverage. By using deep learning to do the “heavy lifting” of threat detection, this solution cuts down on costs, errors, and inefficiencies. The human touch is still there to provide real, powerful protection.

Here’s how Deep Sentinel is revolutionizing the industry:

• Proactive Surveillance: Deep Sentinel’s cameras are always watching, never tire, and don’t need breaks.
• AI-Powered Detection: Advanced algorithms identify potential threats instantly.
• Live Intervention: Real humans step in to deter criminals with verbal challenges and, if needed, contact law enforcement.
• No Human Error: Deep Sentinel doesn’t get distracted, fall asleep on the job, or make mistakes due to fatigue.
• Cost-Effective: The monthly subscription fee for Deep Sentinel is significantly lower than hiring even one guard—as low as $100/month.

Deep Sentinel’s AI security camera system requires a modest upfront investment and a tiny slice of the operational costs compared to traditional security guards. Plus, it’s more effective at predicting and preventing crime. That sounds like a win-win.

Protect Your Assets and Your Wallet

Security is non-negotiable, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Choosing between security guards and innovative solutions like Deep Sentinel is a significant decision that impacts not only a property’s safety but also its financial health.

Traditional security guards cost too much for many businesses. It’s a good option that’s simply not sustainable. Thankfully, technology like Deep Sentinel is leveling the playing field, giving owners and managers powerful, affordable protection.

While security guards offer a human element that many find reassuring, the financial analysis clearly illustrates the high costs involved—far beyond their hourly wages. On the other hand, technology-driven solutions like Deep Sentinel promise enhanced security at a much lower price point, showcasing how incorporating technology can revolutionize traditional industries.

If you’re tired of the escalating limitations and costs of security guards, it’s time to explore a smarter solution. Contact us today, and let’s talk about your security needs.

Related Resources

• Deep Sentinel vs. Onsite Security Guards
• Is Hiring Security Guards Worth It?
• About the Deep Sentinel Surveillance Guards
• Deep Sentinel Guards: Best in the Business