How Much Does Security Services Cost in CA?
Security services in California typically cost between $20-$50 per hour or $1,500 to $15,000+ monthly, depending on service type, location, and risk level.
Security Service Costs in California (USD)
| Service Type | Hourly Rate | Monthly Estimate |
| Unarmed Guards | 20–50 | 1,500–4,000 |
| Armed Guards | 30–80 | 2,500–6,500 |
| Event Security | 25–100 | N/A (per event) |
| Residential Patrols | 25–60 | 2,000–5,000 |
| Cybersecurity Monitoring | 100–150 | 3,000–10,000+ |
| Surveillance Installation | 500–5,000+ (one-time) | N/A |
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Security Guard in California?
Hiring a security guard in California typically costs $20–$80 per hour or $1,500–$6,500+ monthly, depending on whether the guard is armed or unarmed, their experience, and your location.
Unarmed Guards:
- Hourly: 20–50
- Monthly (Full-Time): 1,500–4,000
- Ideal for low-risk settings like retail stores, residential patrols, or basic event security.
Armed Guards:
- Hourly: 30–80
- Monthly (Full-Time): 2,500–6,500+
- Required for high-risk environments such as construction sites, banks, or VIP protection.
Key Cost Factors:
- Location: Urban areas (e.g., LA, SF) cost 10–20% more than rural regions.
- Experience: Guards with specialized training (e.g., cybersecurity, crisis management) charge higher rates.
- Shifts: Overnight or holiday shifts may incur extra fees.
- Insurance & Licensing: Reputable firms include liability coverage in their pricing.
How Much Does Security Patrol Services Cost in CA?
Security patrol services in California cost $25–$80+ per hour or $1,800–$7,000+ monthly, depending on patrol type (vehicle vs. foot), frequency, location, and risk level.
Cost Table for Security Patrols in California (USD):
| Patrol Type | Hourly Rate | Monthly Estimate |
| Residential Foot Patrol | 25–40 | 1,800–3,000 |
| Vehicle Patrol (Commercial) | 35–80 | 4,000–7,000+ |
| Armed Patrol Units | 60–150+ | 5,000–10,000+ |
| K-9 Unit Patrols | 80–120+ | Custom Quote |
Key Cost Drivers:
- Frequency: Daily patrols cost less per visit than sporadic checks.
- Location: Urban areas (e.g., LA, SF) charge 15–25% more than rural zones due to fuel, labor, and insurance costs.
- Equipment: GPS-tracked vehicles, body cams, or thermal drones add 10–20% to rates.
- Contracts: Long-term agreements (6+ months) often reduce hourly fees by 10–15%.
Why You Might Pay More:
- After-hours emergencies incur premium rates (100–100–200/hour).
- Large properties (e.g., industrial sites) require more time per patrol, raising costs.
- Reporting requirements: Detailed logs or real-time updates may increase fees.