If you’ve ever looked into hiring security guards in Los Angeles, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating: nobody wants to give you a straight answer about pricing. Most companies say “it depends” or ask you to fill out a contact form just to get a ballpark figure.
The truth is, security costs really do vary quite a bit in LA. But there are some general price ranges that can help you plan your budget. Whether you’re running a small business in Koreatown, managing a residential community in the Valley, or organizing an event in Downtown LA, understanding what drives security pricing will help you make smarter decisions.
Average Security Guard Costs in Los Angeles
Let’s start with the numbers most people want to know.
Unarmed security guards in Los Angeles typically cost between $25 and $40 per hour. The lower end of that range usually applies to basic posts like checking IDs at an entrance or monitoring a quiet office building. The higher end covers guards with more experience or those working in busier, more demanding environments.
Armed security guards run between $35 and $55 per hour. The price difference reflects the additional training, licensing, insurance, and liability involved with carrying a firearm. Companies like Uniworth Security and others in the LA market set their armed guard rates based on the guard’s experience level and the specific risks at each location. If you’re trying to decide whether you need armed protection, our guide on armed security guard services explains what situations call for this level of security.
Mobile patrol services using marked security vehicles typically range from $45 to $70 per hour. These patrols cover multiple locations or large properties like shopping centers and apartment complexes. The vehicle, fuel, GPS tracking, and added mobility all factor into the cost. Many businesses find that mobile patrol security offers better coverage for large properties than static guards alone.
Event security is usually quoted per guard per shift, with prices ranging from $200 to $400 for a standard 8-hour event. Concerts, festivals, and high-profile gatherings often need specialized crowd management training, which pushes costs toward the higher end.
Fire watch services fall between $30 and $50 per hour. Fire watch guards monitor buildings when fire alarm systems are temporarily offline—usually required by insurance or the fire department.
What Affects Security Guard Prices?
Understanding why prices vary so much helps you figure out what you’ll actually pay.
Location matters more than you’d think. A guard working in Beverly Hills or downtown’s Financial District costs more than one posted in a quieter neighborhood like Eagle Rock. High-crime areas also command higher rates because the work carries more risk. Guards working in areas with recent security incidents or gang activity expect premium pay.
Armed versus unarmed makes a big difference. Armed guards need a firearms permit from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), pass regular shooting qualifications, carry expensive liability insurance, and undergo psychological evaluations. All of this gets baked into the hourly rate. Not every situation needs an armed guard, though. Most retail stores, office buildings, and residential properties do fine with unarmed security.
Time of day and shift length change the price. Night shifts typically cost 10-20% more than day shifts. Guards working overnight from 10 PM to 6 AM deal with higher risks and fewer people around to help if something goes wrong. Graveyard shifts also disrupt normal sleep schedules, so companies pay more to fill those slots.
Contract length gives you negotiating power. A one-time event or emergency coverage costs significantly more per hour than signing a six-month or one-year contract. Security companies prefer stable, long-term clients because it means consistent work for their guards. That stability translates into better rates for you.
Experience and training level affects quality and cost. A guard with ten years of experience and additional certifications in crisis management or emergency response costs more than someone fresh out of guard card training. But experienced guards also handle situations better, reducing your liability risk. If you’re curious about what training guards need in California, check out our post on what is a guard card and the licensing requirements.
Special equipment or technology requirements add cost. If you need guards using specific software, body cameras, metal detectors, or other specialized equipment, expect to pay extra. Some companies include basic equipment in their rates, while others charge separately for anything beyond a uniform and flashlight.
Emergency or last-minute requests come with premium pricing. Need security guards tomorrow? You’ll probably pay 25-50% more than standard rates. Companies have to pull guards from other assignments or call people in on short notice, which means paying overtime or shift premiums.
Armed vs Unarmed Security What's the Cost Difference?
This question comes up constantly, and it’s not just about the price difference.
Think about a jewelry store in the Diamond District versus a co-working space in Santa Monica. The jewelry store deals with high-value merchandise and a real theft risk. Armed guards make sense there—the visible deterrent alone prevents most problems. That store might pay $45 per hour for armed coverage during business hours.
The co-working space needs someone to check IDs, accept deliveries, and help visitors find the right suite. An unarmed guard at $28 per hour handles that perfectly. Putting an armed guard there would make tenants uncomfortable and waste money on security you don’t need.
Here’s a practical way to think about it: armed security makes sense when you’re protecting high-value assets, dealing with aggressive threats, or working in genuinely dangerous areas. Unarmed security works great for access control, customer service, basic monitoring, and maintaining a professional presence.
The cost difference—usually $10 to $15 per hour—adds up quickly. For a 24/7 security post, that’s an extra $3,650 to $5,475 per month. Make sure you actually need armed guards before paying for them.
What Different Types of Clients Pay in Los Angeles
Small businesses like restaurants, retail shops, or professional offices typically spend $2,000 to $6,000 per month for part-time security coverage. That might be an unarmed guard during peak business hours or overnight when the building is closed. Many small businesses share patrol services with neighboring shops to split the cost.
Residential communities—HOAs, apartment complexes, and gated neighborhoods—usually budget $4,000 to $12,000 monthly for security. Larger complexes with multiple entry gates, parking structures, and amenities need multiple guards or 24-hour coverage. Smaller communities might just need evening and overnight patrols. If you’re managing an HOA or residential property, our team serves communities throughout Long Beach, Santa Ana, and Oceanside with customized residential security solutions.
Event organizers face huge pricing swings based on event size and type. A small private party might need two guards for four hours at $600 total. A music festival with 5,000 attendees needs a whole team—sometimes 20+ guards—which can run $8,000 to $15,000 for a weekend event.
Construction sites need security primarily to prevent theft of tools, equipment, and materials. Most general contractors budget $3,500 to $8,000 per month for overnight guards and weekend coverage. Some use mobile patrols instead of static guards to save money while still checking the site multiple times per night. We’ve written a detailed guide on construction site security if you’re dealing with jobsite protection challenges.
Retail stores in busy shopping districts or malls usually spend $3,000 to $7,000 monthly for security. Stores dealing with shoplifting issues often bring in guards during peak shopping hours—weekends and evenings—rather than paying for full-time coverage.
Warehouses and distribution centers need 24/7 security but often use a mix of armed guards, unarmed guards, and mobile patrols to manage costs. A typical warehouse might spend $8,000 to $18,000 monthly depending on the value of stored goods and the facility’s size.
Hidden Costs People Don't Expect
Even when you think you’ve budgeted correctly, surprise expenses pop up.
Overtime catches a lot of clients off guard. If your guard needs to stay late because your event runs long or an incident requires documentation, you’re paying time-and-a-half after 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. That $35/hour guard suddenly costs $52.50 per hour.
Holiday rates typically run 1.5x to 2x normal pricing. Guards working Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve expect premium pay. If you need security on Christmas Day, you might pay $60-80 per hour for a guard who normally costs $35.
Parking fees in Downtown LA, Century City, or other high-cost areas add $15-30 per shift. Some security companies include parking in their rates; others pass the cost directly to clients.
Long shifts get expensive fast. A standard 8-hour shift costs less per hour than a 12-hour shift because of meal break requirements and fatigue factors. Some companies charge more for shifts longer than 10 hours.
Travel fees apply when guards need to drive to remote locations. If your site is in Malibu, Palmdale, or another area outside the company’s normal service zone, expect a $50-150 travel charge per shift.
How to Budget for Security Guard Services
Start by figuring out how many hours you actually need. Most people overestimate or underestimate because they haven’t thought it through carefully.
Ask yourself: Do you need 24/7 coverage, or would 12 hours per day work? Can you get by with evening and overnight coverage only? Would mobile patrols checking your property every few hours accomplish your goals instead of a static guard?
Get quotes from at least three companies—and make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. One company quoting $32 per hour might include uniforms, equipment, and supervision. Another at $28 per hour might charge separately for those items, making them actually more expensive.
Ask security companies these specific questions:
- What’s included in your hourly rate?
- Do you charge extra for uniforms, equipment, or supervision?
- What are your overtime and holiday rates?
- Is there a minimum number of hours per shift or per month?
- What happens if I need to cancel or reduce hours?
- Do you have insurance, and how much coverage do you carry?
Monthly contracts almost always save money compared to daily or weekly rates. If you know you’ll need security for at least three months, negotiate a contract. Companies like Uniworth Security typically offer 10-15% discounts for long-term agreements because it gives them staffing stability.
Consider mixing different types of coverage. You might use armed guards during high-risk hours and unarmed guards during low-risk times. Or combine static guards at main entry points with mobile patrols checking the rest of your property.
Making the Right Choice
Security guard costs in Los Angeles vary because every client’s needs are different. A warehouse in Vernon faces different risks than a boutique on Rodeo Drive. An apartment complex in Northridge has different concerns than a construction site in Playa Vista.
The key is understanding what drives pricing so you can make informed decisions. Don’t just pick the cheapest option—you usually get what you pay for in security. But don’t overpay for services you don’t need either.
Get detailed quotes that break down exactly what you’re paying for. Ask about experience levels, insurance coverage, and how the company handles problems. Check references and make sure the guards will actually show up when they’re supposed to.
Most security companies in LA, including established providers like Uniworth Security, will give you a free assessment and quote if you explain your situation clearly. Take advantage of that. The half-hour you spend talking to a professional can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
