Guide
What goes into an hourly rate for a licensed security officer, which factors move the price, and how to compare quotes like for like.
Knowing what sits behind an hourly rate makes it easier to compare security quotes and spot one that cuts corners. On Guard Security Solutions, a Scottish event and site security company, explains the costs behind a security guard's rate in Scotland, the factors that raise or lower it, and how to compare quotes. On Guard does not publish rates; each job gets a free written quote, most within 24 hours.
Security rates depend on the requirement, so On Guard Security quotes each job individually instead of publishing a rate card. The main drivers are the type of officer and the training the role needs, the hours, the location and the notice given.
A close protection officer, a CCTV-licensed officer or a safeguarding-trained officer costs more than a general event steward. Surcharges may apply over holiday periods and for antisocial-hours or overnight shifts, depending on the job. The rest of this guide explains the factors behind any security company's price.
Most of an hourly rate goes on the officer's pay and the legal costs of employing them. Published figures show the floor that every employer starts from:
An SIA sector profile on recruitment and retention found that guarding pay is usually set at the National Living Wage. It listed rising company costs including vetting, uniforms, training, insurance, equipment and recruitment. A security company's rate also covers supervision, scheduling, cover for sickness and holidays, and its own insurance.
Two quotes for "a security guard" can differ widely because they describe different jobs. The main factors are:
These services are built differently, so they are quoted differently. A static guard is on site for every hour booked, so the cost follows the hours. A mobile patrol officer visits for a set time and then moves on, so the cost follows the number and length of visits. Keyholding and alarm response combine a standing arrangement with callouts when an alarm activates.
When comparing, ask how each part is charged: per hour, per visit, per month or per callout. For a site that only needs regular checks, patrols can cost less than a guard on site. A site that needs someone there all the time needs a static guard. Our guide to manned guarding vs mobile patrols compares the two in detail.
A quote can only be as accurate as the brief. Send the security company:
A site walk before the job lets the company check the layout and price the right number of staff.
Put every quote on the same basis before comparing prices. Check:
A price well below the rest can mean corners are being cut on pay, supervision or licensing. Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, a company that supplies security through unlicensed operatives commits an offence. On conviction on indictment the maximum penalty is five years in prison, a fine, or both.
SIA guidance also warns security suppliers that they may be liable if subcontracted staff are unlicensed or have no right to work. Ask who will actually work on your site, and check their licences on the SIA register of licence holders on GOV.UK.
An accurate price starts with a clear brief and a look at the site. On Guard Security has more than 65 security personnel working across Scotland, every one SIA licensed. On Guard provides manned guarding, mobile patrols, door supervisors, event security, keyholding and alarm response. Every shift is supervised and the same team is kept on a client wherever possible.
Get in touch with the site, dates and hours, and we will learn about your location and requirements, then provide a free, tailored quotation and security plan or loss prevention plan. See manned guarding in Edinburgh, or retail security in Edinburgh at Christmas and retail security in Glasgow at Christmas.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not professional, legal or training advice. Every site and event is different and must be planned in line with the law and the requirements of the local authority, and around the expected footfall, the location, and the local and national threat level. Always take advice specific to your site or event from a qualified security provider and the relevant authorities. On Guard Security Solutions accepts no liability for decisions made on the basis of this guide.
For help planning security for your site or event in Edinburgh, Glasgow or anywhere in Scotland, contact us today.
FAQs
There is no single figure, because the rate depends on the officer's role and training, the hours, the location and the notice. Any rate has to cover at least the National Living Wage of £12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over, plus employer National Insurance, holiday pay, pension, supervision and insurance. On Guard quotes each job in writing.
Often. Bank holiday, Christmas and Hogmanay rates vary between companies. On Guard may add a surcharge for holiday periods and for overnight or antisocial-hours shifts, depending on the job, and shows it in the written quote. Ask every company to do the same.
Mobile patrols can be cheaper than a static security guard, for empty or lower risk sites, because a patrol officer visits for a set time and then moves on. A static guard is on site for every hour booked but gives constant presence. Compare both on the same dates and hours.
Practice varies between employers. The statutory fee is £204 for applications received from 1st April 2026, and a licence must be held for licensable work whoever pays for it.
Send the site, dates, hours and what the officers will do. We learn about your location and requirements, with a site walk where needed, then provide a free, tailored quotation and a security plan or loss prevention plan. Any holiday or overnight surcharge is shown in the written quote.
Do you need a price for a security officer, door supervisor or patrol at your site?
Contact us on WhatsApp or email us today with the site, dates and hours to receive a free written quotation and security plan.
Google reviews
"Dean and his staff are always professional, reliable and well-presented at every event. They handle situations calmly and confidently, while also staying approachable and respectful to guests and staff."
"No matter the location, whether it is Larbert, Troon, Aberdeen, Livingston, Bathgate, Inverness, Shetland, Stornoway or anywhere in between, the standard of service is always professional, reliable and well organised."
"Working alongside their team is always an absolute pleasure. Their staff is highly trained, incredibly reliable, and handles event operations with the utmost composure."
"After the first day Dean pointed out a potential security risk which I was not aware of. He also came to the site several times to check if everything is ok."
"Dean and his team are professional, reliable, well-presented, and understand the fairground and attractions industry extremely well."
"Absolutely fantastic service from the team at on guard needed last minute security and they were spot on 10/10"
"Dean and his team have been excellent. Flexible, professional and clearly understand the best approach to each individual situation."
"As an SIA-certified Close Protection specialist, his strategic preparation was spot on, and the subsequent execution left nothing to be desired."
"Dean is always a great asset in the team and his staff all align with our values of delivering above and beyond service."
"We use On guard for many of our events around Scotland. There a great bunch of guys & gals with great management and knowledge of licensing and policies."
Learn about us
A Scottish event and site security company with more than 65 SIA licensed personnel, led by founder Dean Waters, who has over 15 years in the security industry. We work across Edinburgh, Glasgow, the central belt and beyond, for events, commercial sites, construction and private clients.
Watch the video below to learn more about us
Contact us
Tell us your location or locations, dates and what you need covered. We will learn about your requirements and send a written quotation and security plan, usually within 24 hours.
Or call +44 7348 955836 · dean@onguardsecurity.uk