Commercial Security Guard Cost Estimator
Free tool: Estimate security guard cost by location type, coverage hours, guard type (unarmed/armed), patrol vs stationary, and risk level. Get a range + scope + proposal text.
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Commercial
Security Guard Cost Estimator
Get a realistic hourly + monthly range in under a minute — plus a scope and proposal you can send.
tl;dr
Commercial Security Guard Cost Estimator Free tool: Estimate security guard cost by location type, coverage hours, guard type (unarmed/armed), patrol vs stationary, and risk level. Get a range + scope + proposal text.
Enter coverage details
How Much Do Security Guards Cost?
Security guard services typically cost $18 to $35+ per hour for unarmed guards and $25 to $50+ per hour for armed guards, depending on location, coverage hours, and risk level. Monthly costs depend on total coverage hours.
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What Affects Security Guard Pricing
Guard type is the biggest factor. Armed guards require additional licensing, training, and insurance — and cost significantly more than unarmed guards.
Coverage hours determine monthly cost. 8 hours/day for 5 days is the baseline; 24/7 coverage multiplies costs significantly and typically requires multiple guards.
Site type and risk level affect pricing. High-risk sites (construction, high-value retail, nightlife) command premium rates. Low-risk sites (lobbies, parking lots) cost less.
Coverage style matters. Stationary posts are standard. Patrol routes (foot or vehicle) require more training and accountability. Vehicle patrols add equipment costs.
Overnight and weekend rates are often higher due to shift differentials and reduced availability of qualified guards.
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Hourly vs. Monthly Contracts
Most commercial clients contract monthly for predictable coverage. Hourly billing works for events or temporary needs. Longer contracts often negotiate volume discounts.
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Who Uses This Calculator
Security companies use it to quote prospects quickly. Property managers and facility managers use it to budget security programs or validate vendor proposals.
Enter your coverage requirements to get an hourly and monthly range, plus a proposal you can send.
Find customers for security services
Writly answers the calls you miss, books the job, and collects the deposit for your security services business.
More Security Guard Services tools
security contract proposal template generator
free tool: generate a security services proposal: scope, hours, slas, reporting, staffing, licensing/insurance notes, and payment terms. includes email + follow-ups.
security incident report template generator
free tool: generate a security incident report template with timeline, parties involved, evidence, actions taken, escalation, and signatures. export to pdf.
security patrol route planner (simple)
free tool: generate a patrol route plan with checkpoints, cadence, and reporting requirements based on site type and risk level.
security post orders generator
free tool: generate security post orders by site type and coverage style. includes duties, patrol routes, incident reporting, escalation, and client sign-off.
security service level recommender (guard vs patrol vs hybrid)
free tool: get a recommended security setup based on site type, incidents, hours, and budget sensitivity. outputs a clear recommendation + justification message.
security shift log template generator
free tool: generate a security shift log template: patrol times, checkpoints, incidents, visitor logs, and notes. includes a manager summary message.
Frequently asked questions
Guard type (armed/unarmed), coverage hours, site risk level, and patrol requirements.
Often, yes—depending on coverage expectations and response requirements.
The most significant factors are guard type (unarmed vs. armed), coverage hours, and risk level of the area.
While primarily designed for commercial properties, the tool can provide estimates for large residential complexes like apartment buildings.
The estimates are based on current industry rates and typical scenarios; however, actual costs may vary based on specific provider quotes and regional factors.
Yes, there is a toggle option for overnight coverage, which adjusts the cost estimate accordingly.
No, it's optional, but providing a city can refine the estimate by considering regional cost variations.
Estimates vary by local labor rates, licensing requirements, insurance, post orders, and contract terms. Use as a planning range.
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Stop missing security services customer callsExample: Commercial Security Guard Cost Estimator in action
Sample inputs — Site type: Retail plaza · Guard type: Unarmed · Coverage hours per day: 8 · Days per week: 5 · Coverage style: Stationary post · Risk level: Low · Overnight coverage: false
Estimated hourly range
$18 – $25
Estimated monthly range
$3,118 – $4,330
Suggested scope of service
- Unarmed guard coverage
- 8 hours/day, 5 days/week
- Stationary post at retail plaza
- Officer check-ins and incident reporting
- Patrol logs and documentation
- Uniform and equipment provided
- Licensed, bonded, and insured
Proposal text (copy/paste)
COMMERCIAL SECURITY GUARD PROPOSAL ==================================== SITE INFORMATION ==================================== Site Type: Retail plaza Location: your area Risk Level: Low ==================================== COVERAGE SUMMARY ==================================== Guard Type: Unarmed Coverage Style: Stationary post Hours Per Day: 8 Days Per Week: 5 ==================================== SCOPE OF SERVICES ==================================== • Unarmed guard coverage • 8 hours/day, 5 days/week • Stationary post at retail plaza • Officer check-ins and incident reporting • Patrol logs and documentation • Uniform and equipment provided • Licensed, bonded, and insured ==================================== ESTIMATED INVESTMENT ==================================== Hourly Rate: $18 – $25/hour Monthly Estimate: $3,118 – $4,330/month Based on approximately 173 hours/month. ==================================== TERMS ==================================== • 30-day initial term, month-to-month thereafter • 2-week written notice for cancellation • Background-checked, trained officers ==================================== NEXT STEPS ==================================== 1. Site assessment (free) 2. Finalize post orders 3. Begin coverage Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Outreach message (copy/paste)
Hi — we provide unarmed security guards for retail plazas in your area. Quick question: who handles security there? We offer stationary post coverage with guaranteed response times and full documentation. Happy to share quick pricing if helpful!
About Commercial Security Guard Cost Estimator
The Commercial Security Guard Cost Estimator is an essential tool for businesses looking to secure their premises effectively. By inputting specific factors such as site type, guard type, and risk level, users can obtain a detailed cost estimate tailored to their unique needs. This tool not only provides a cost range but also generates a comprehensive scope and proposal text, streamlining the process of planning and budgeting for security services. Understanding the nuances of security costs helps businesses allocate resources wisely, ensuring safety without overspending.
How it works
- Select your site type, guard type, and other relevant details.
- Input the coverage hours per day and days per week.
- Choose coverage style and risk level to refine the estimate.
- Receive an hourly and monthly cost estimate, along with a detailed scope and proposal text.
When to use it
- Property managers assessing security costs for commercial properties.
- Business owners planning security budgets for new locations.
- Security firms preparing proposals for prospective clients.