How Much Do Security Guards Cost in the UK? 2026 Prices

```html

Security guard costs in the UK vary significantly depending on location, guard type, hours worked, and specialist training required. As of 2026, you can expect to pay between £15 and £35 per hour for standard security personnel, with premium services in London and major cities commanding rates 30–50% higher. This guide breaks down the real costs of hiring security guards, regional price differences, hidden fees, and how to get better value without compromising safety on your premises.

UK Security Guard Hourly Rates: What You'll Actually Pay

The baseline cost for a standard security guard in the UK starts at around £15–£18 per hour in rural areas and smaller towns, rising to £20–£25 in provincial cities, and £28–£35+ in London and the South East. These figures assume a trained, SIA-licensed guard working standard hours (days or early evenings). Out-of-hours work, late night, weekends, and bank holidays typically cost 25–50% more on top of the base rate.

Several factors push costs higher: specialist training such as cash-in-transit, close protection, or event security; geographic location; contract length; and guard experience. A security operative with 5+ years' experience or specialist certifications will cost 15–25% more than an entry-level guard. London's premium is substantial—expect to pay 40–50% above national averages for comparable services in the capital, with West End and financial district sites at the top end.

The National Living Wage for 2025/26 is £11.44 for workers aged 21+, but security companies typically pay guards £13–£16 base salary plus employer costs, resulting in the hourly charges you see quoted. Companies operating below these ranges often struggle with staff retention and may deploy less-experienced personnel.

Minimum Night-Time Rate and Anti-Social Hours Premiums

Night-time security work carries mandatory premiums in the UK. The standard uplift for evening shifts (6 p.m.–11 p.m.) is 10–15% above day rates, whilst overnight shifts (11 p.m.–6 a.m.) attract 20–35% premiums. Weekend and bank holiday surcharges typically add another 15–25% to the base rate.

A guard costing £20 per hour on a weekday morning might cost £23–25 in the evening and £26–32 overnight. For a 24-hour venue requiring round-the-clock cover, you'll need to budget for multiple guards at tiered rates rather than one person working all hours. This is both legal and practical—lone workers carry higher risk, and fatigue becomes a safety issue.

Some clients negotiate flat daily rates rather than hourly, which can work out cheaper for longer shifts. A guard might cost £160 for an 8-hour day shift or £220 for a 12-hour overnight shift. Fixed-day pricing often incentivises longer hours and can reduce administrative overhead for the security firm.

SIA Licensing, Training, and Accreditation Costs

Every uniformed security guard in the UK must hold a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence, valid for three years. The SIA charges £136 for a three-year standard licence or £51 for a one-year renewal. However, security companies typically pass these costs to clients or build them into labour charges, so you don't pay separately when hiring.

Guards may hold multiple SIA endorsements: Door Supervision (bouncers), Security Guarding (standard), Cash and Valuables in Transit (CvT), Close Protection, and CCTV operators. Each adds £17–£30 to their certification. A multi-skilled guard with three endorsements will cost significantly more—typically 10–20% above a standard guard—due to their broader capability and training investment.

Accreditation bodies such as the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and National Security Inspectorate (NSI) certify security companies. Firms holding these credentials often charge 5–15% more but offer better insurance, vetting standards, and recourse if service fails. When comparing quotes, check whether the provider is BSIA-approved or NSI Gold—it's worth the premium.

Enhanced DBS checks, required for all guards, cost the employer £17.50 but are typically absorbed into service fees. Some firms offer their own training in alarm response or conflict de-escalation, which can reduce on-site deployment times but adds to overall contract cost.

Regional Price Variations: London, Southeast, and Beyond

UK security guard prices follow clear regional patterns. Here's the 2026 breakdown by region:

• London: £28–£40+ per hour for standard guards; premium sites (West End, Canary Wharf, City) pay £35–£50+. Close protection and specialist roles exceed £60/hour.
• Southeast (Surrey, Sussex, Essex, Kent): £22–£28 per hour; commuter-belt towns near London command the higher end.
• Major cities (Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff): £18–£25 per hour; commercial districts and business parks pay top rates in these regions.
• Provincial towns and smaller cities: £15–£20 per hour; competitive market with less specialist demand.
• Rural areas: £14–£17 per hour; fewer security companies and longer response times.

The London premium is driven by property costs, competition for skilled staff, higher client expectations, and increased regulatory complexity. A security firm's head office in London has higher overhead, which flows through to guard rates. If your business is near a major transport hub, expect to pay 10–20% more than areas 10 miles further out.

Contract Types: Hourly vs. Fixed-Day vs. Annual Retainers

How you arrange payment affects your total cost. Most UK security providers offer three pricing models:

Hourly contracts are the standard for short-term needs: events, temporary cover, or peak trading periods. You pay only for hours used, with premiums for unsocial times. This suits businesses with variable requirements.

Fixed-day or shift-based contracts lock in a price for a full shift, typically 8–12 hours. Companies often offer a 5–10% discount versus hourly rates for predictable, regular work. If you need a guard every Tuesday and Thursday for 12 hours, fixed-day pricing works better financially.

Annual retainers commit to a set number of hours or shifts per month across 12 months. Businesses securing annual contracts often receive 10–25% discounts versus ad-hoc rates. The downside is that you're locked in, and early exit may trigger penalties. Annual contracts suit retailers, warehouses, and offices with stable, year-round security needs.

Bundled services—guard plus CCTV monitoring, alarm response, or key-holding—often cost less per hour than purchasing each service separately. A firm providing three services might discount the bundle by 15–20% versus standalone quotes.

Hidden Costs and What's Included in Security Guard Quotes

The hourly rate you're quoted may or may not include all expenses. Always clarify what's covered:

• Uniform and equipment: Some firms charge a one-time uniform deposit (£50–£150) or include it in the daily rate. Check whether hi-vis clothing, body armour, or communication devices are provided or your cost.
• Vehicle provision: If a guard patrols between sites or arrives in a marked vehicle, mileage costs or vehicle hire may be additional (typically £1–£3 per hour).
• Insurance: Reputable firms carry public liability (£1–£10m) and employers' liability insurance. This is legally required and built into quotes; budget for it as part of value, not an extra.
• Call-out fees: Emergency or last-minute deployment may carry a surcharge (£25–£75 per job) on top of hourly rates.
• Minimum charge hours: Some firms impose a minimum booking, for example, 4 hours minimum even if you only need 2 hours. Clarify this upfront.
• Cancellation penalties: Cancelling within 48 hours of a booked shift may incur 50% of the guard's fee. Check terms.
• Travel time: If a guard must travel from the firm's base, perhaps 45 minutes away, some charge partial rates for travel or a fixed mobilisation fee. Others absorb this in their pricing.

Request an itemised quote. A transparent provider will break down hourly rate, allowances, premiums, and any extras clearly.

How to Get Better Value Without Cutting Corners

Security is not an area to chase the cheapest quote. A guard paid below-market rates may be undertrained, demotivated, or absent when needed. However, you can achieve good value with these strategies:

Book longer contracts. A 12-month commitment typically saves 10–20% versus monthly bookings. Even a 3-month trial period reduces rates by 5–10%.

Be flexible with hours. Accepting a slightly later start time or earlier finish can reduce premium surcharges. A guard starting at 6 a.m. costs less than one starting at 5 a.m.

Pool resources with neighbours. If you share a building or retail park, joint security (one guard covering multiple units) cuts per-unit costs by 30–50%.

Combine services. A firm offering guard plus CCTV plus alarm monitoring often bundles cheaper than three separate providers. Expect 15–25% savings.

Use remote or hybrid models. CCTV monitoring with occasional in-person patrols costs less than full-time on-site cover and may be sufficient for lower-risk premises.

Check accreditation. BSIA or NSI-approved firms sometimes offer slightly better rates due to efficiency and lower insurance claims, offsetting the vetting premium.

Negotiate with multiple quotes. Request bids from 3–5 local providers. Prices vary 20–30% due to utilisation, location, and overhead—competition works in your favour.

What Affects Security Guard Pricing Most

Beyond location and hours, several factors materially shift costs:

• Risk profile: High-risk sites such as cash handling, valuables, late-night venues, or problem locations pay 20–50% premiums due to specialist training and insurance claims history.
• Lone working: A single guard requires more intensive training and insurance; two or more guards reduce per-head rates.
• Site complexity: Multi-building campuses, industrial sites, or venues requiring security protocols cost more to manage than simple single-room retail.
• Compliance burden: Sectors such as healthcare, finance, and hospitality face tighter regulations (safeguarding, data protection, alcohol licensing). Guards in these roles cost 10–25% more.
• Emergency response requirement: Firms committing to rapid response (under 10 minutes) charge higher retainers than scheduled visit services.
• Specialisms: Event security, crowd management, cash escorts, and close protection command 30–100% premiums over standard guarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a security guard cost per hour in the UK?

Standard security guard costs range from £15–£18 per hour in rural areas, £20–£25 in provincial cities, and £28–£35+ in London. Night shifts, weekends, and specialist training increase rates by 20–50%. Your exact cost depends on location, hours, and guard experience.

Do I need to pay for SIA licensing separately?

No. The SIA licence (£136 for three years) is the guard's legal requirement, not yours. Security companies either cover this internally or build it into their quoted hourly rate. You should never be invoiced separately for SIA fees.

Are annual security contracts worth the discount?

Yes, if your need is genuine and stable. Annual contracts typically save 10–25% versus ad-hoc bookings. However, exit penalties can apply, so only commit if you're confident in the relationship and have a 3–6 month trial first.

What's included in a security guard's hourly rate?

The base hourly rate covers the guard's time and basic liability insurance. Clarify whether uniform, equipment, travel time, call-out fees, and mileage are included or billed separately. Request an itemised quote from each provider.

How do I know if a security company is legitimate?

Check that the firm is BSIA-approved or NSI-certified, all guards hold valid SIA licences (searchable on the SIA website), and the company has public liability insurance of at least £1m. Ask for references from similar clients and verify their trading history.

```