Find a Security Guard Service near you
The average rating for Bark Security Guard Services is 4.77, based on 92,764 reviews
5/5
based on 92,764 reviews
Need protection, but not sure of the cost? Read our handy guide to find out how much your security guard will charge for their services.
A security guard is someone who is employed to protect property or a person. They can also enforce crowd control at events, or work as door staff for pubs, clubs and similar venues. Their presence will ensure any situations don’t spiral out of control, especially in drinking establishments. Security can also offer reassurance to the public as well as preventing theft or criminal damage.
To become a security guard, the individual has to be trained with an organisation such as SIA. As well as offering protection, the security officer may also be trained in fire evacuation or first aid skills.
The cost of hiring a security guard ranges between £10 and £20 per hour, depending on the experience of the security guard and where you are based in the UK.
| Average cost (per hour) | £15 |
| Minimum cost (per hour) | £10 |
| Maximum cost (per hour) | £20 |
Typically, the cost of security isn’t expensive as it falls in line with the national minimum and living wage. However, for specialist work such as private protection or armed security, expect the cost to be much higher.
The cost of hiring security varies depending on several factors, including:
Type of security
The venue type
Time
Experience
Location
Security spans a broad range of duties, from keeping a watchful eye over a retail store to protecting someone’s life. There are also security officers who transfer cash to the bank on behalf of businesses, known as CIT (cash-in-transit security). Though typically, CIT officers will operate as part of an ongoing contract, rather than be paid on an hourly rate.
Private bodyguards are more expensive, costing upwards of £50 per hour especially in London.
| Type of security | Highest average price | Lowest average price |
| Door staff | £20 | £10 |
| Bodyguard | £50 | £40 |
The type of venue you need security for could also affect the price. For example, in larger buildings you may have to hire additional security to cover the floor space. The same is also true for high-risk situations, where multiple access points need to be secured. But for smaller or general security work, one to two officers will usually suffice.
How many hours do you need to hire a security officer for? Retail venues will likely hire security to patrol all day, whereas pubs and clubs have shorter opening hours in comparison. If security has to fill out reports after their shift or stay late to deal with the police, this may also incur extra fees especially if hiring through an agency.
Security guards will vary in experience. Due to the physical demands of the job, it’s unlikely you will find a security officer who has spent decades on the job. Though, there will be individuals who have vast experience in different environments who will be more of an asset to your company than those who are new to the field.
The location of any service you wish to hire is always going to impact the price, and security is no exception. In line with national fluctuations in wages, London is typically the most expensive place at £20 per hour, with the North East coming in cheapest at £10 per hour.
Remember, for private or specialist security services, the costs will be more expensive across the board.
| Location | Average security cost (per hour) |
| Midlands | £12 |
| London | £20 |
| North East | £10 |
| North West | £14 |
| South Wsst | £17 |
In many cases, security is essential for the protection of all those who use your building, or the valuable items that are stored within it. Compared with relying on CCTV, security guards are there to catch perpetrators in the act. In fact, even their very presence can be a huge deterrent to criminals and trouble causers. If you want peace of mind, then a security guard is certainly worth the investment.
Find the best professional for the job on Bark today.
The average rating for Bark Security Guard Services is 4.77, based on 92,764 reviews
5/5
based on 92,764 reviews
