How much does a security guard cost in the UK?

Security pricing in the UK is almost always hourly for guarding, or per visit / per callout for mobile patrols and alarm response. The exact figure depends on where your site is, when you need cover, the type of officer and the risk involved, but the ranges below give you a realistic starting point.

Typical UK security rates (2026)

These are indicative rates plus VAT. Dog (K9) handlers, close protection and specialist roles are priced individually. Our own minimum charge is £24.50/hr for any manned service; you can get an instant estimate here.

What affects the price

• Location: rates are typically higher in London and major cities than in smaller towns.
• Time and day: nights, weekends and bank holidays usually carry a premium over standard daytime hours.
• Officer type and licence: a door supervisor, close-protection officer or dog handler costs more than a standard security officer.
• Risk level: high-value sites, lone-worker roles and higher-conflict environments attract higher rates.
• Duration and commitment: ongoing contracts and longer shifts are usually cheaper per hour than one-off ad-hoc cover.
• Number of officers: larger deployments can attract better per-officer rates.
• Urgency: same-day and emergency cover can carry a modest callout premium because of the speed of mobilisation.

What should already be included

Be careful comparing a low headline rate against a fair one. A proper quote should include, at no extra cost:

• A valid SIA licence for every officer and BS7858 screening.
• Public and employers' liability insurance for the deployment.
• Uniform, basic equipment and a 24/7 control room monitoring the shift.
• Live reporting, GPS clock-in, an occurrence log, welfare check-calls and photo incident reports.

One-off cover vs an ongoing contract

For a single emergency, expect to pay the standard hourly or callout rate with no lock-in. For regular or multi-site cover, a contract usually brings a better per-hour rate, consistent officers who know your site, and one consolidated invoice. You should never be tied in just to get started.

How to get an accurate quote

The fastest way to a firm figure is to share your site postcode, the dates and hours, how many officers you need and the type of site. Use our instant estimate tool for a ballpark, or call the 24/7 control room on 0800 471 4792 for an exact, no-obligation quote, often within minutes.

Related reading