Cost to Hire Security Guards in Australia – 2026

It appears that each business has been overpaying for security guards because of their ignorance of the pricing structures. 

Are you thinking of hiring security guards in Australia? How about researching the price ranges to expect for the services? 

Great thought! Prices are never usually published anywhere online, and even if you approach the service providers, all they will give you are random price ranges.

Security guards can be hired in Australia within price ranges that differ from $25 to $150 per hour in 2026. Most businesses offer their services that cost between $40 to $80 per hour. It depends on whether the services are specialised and in which regions they work.

Not to worry at all! This guide will provide information on different aspects of hiring security guards, such as costs, services offered, operating hours, and risk.

What Is the Cost To Hire Security Guards in Australia? (Security Prices 2026)

The points below discuss how much it costs to hire a security guard based on the type of role they play in the security services. 

• • General Security Guard
    $25-$50 per hour

Applicable for low-security facilities such as small retail shops and residential properties. Perfect for daytime services.

• • Advanced Security Guard
    $40-$75 per hour

Ideal for offices, shopping malls, and other moderate-risk areas. Trained and certified guards for complete security.

• • Specialised Security Guard

$80-$150+ per hour

High-risk areas, VIP guarding, and similar tasks need specialised training and certification of the guards to ensure safety.

Security Guard Costing by Service Types (Complete Table of Comparison)

The table covers all major security service types with 2026 pricing. Australia-wide coverage, most thorough costing comparison ever.

In case you are looking to hire more than 10 guards for any kind of event or entering into a long-term contract, almost all the security firms in Australia may give you a discount of 10%-20%.     

Analysis of Each Hiring Security Guard Service

1. Static Security Guards ($35-$60 per hour)

This type of security guard is hired specifically to be present at one place during their working shift, usually at entrances, exits, and reception areas. They control the flow of traffic and make sure there is no unauthorised entry. The places where this particular security measure is commonly used are shopping malls, hospitals, housing blocks, and schools.

2. Mobile Patrol Security ($25-$80 per visit)

In contrast to static guards, mobile patrol guards visit different sites according to a particular schedule. This type of security is widely used by small companies, parking lots, and warehouse facilities that do not need continuous security monitoring 24/7. Mobile patrol security costs in Australia are more economical because one guard may visit several sites within one shift.

PRO TIP: If you combine mobile patrol security with surveillance cameras, you will save up to 15% on securing your business facility compared to the hiring of a regular security guard.

3. Construction Site Security ($35 – $70/hr)

Construction site security costs are higher due to the expensive items that are usually left unattended during the night on the site. It is because construction sites are left open and unprotected. This type of security will thus always require a contract on weekends and overnights. The increased charges are due to the difficult conditions under which this security works. Overnight contracts could also be arranged for about $3,000–$8,000 per month.

4. Corporate Security ($40 – $75/hr)

The corporate security guards serve more than one purpose. They act as representatives of the company, receiving guests and making deliveries. The corporate security services cost in Australia is more than that of others, and they are specially trained, unlike other guards.

5. Event Security Guard ($35 – $80/hr)

Crowd management at events is important, whether it is a small birthday party or a big event with up to 5,000 guests. The cost of a guard differs depending on the number of guests, whether there is going to be alcohol consumption or not, and whether the event is indoor or outdoor. A small corporate event might require two security guards, whereas concerts may require more than twenty security guards for a more comprehensive security system.

A rough idea of the total event security cost in Australia can be estimated through the number of guards needed for an event type:

Factors Affecting the Price To Hire Security Guards in Australia

The price of a security guard in Australia is not random. There are valid reasons why the price offered may be $40 per hour for security services in Australia, whereas another quotation might be $90 per hour for the same services. Some of the factors affecting how much security guards cost to hire in Australia are:

Location

Security services in Sydney and Melbourne will be 10% to 15% more expensive than in rural areas. It is due to the high cost of living in these areas.

Experience & Qualifications

A security guard who has 10 years of experience and first aid training, along with other licenses, will have a higher price compared to a newly qualified security guard.

Risk Level

The security of an office is relatively cheaper than that of a cash transport vehicle. Higher risk translates to higher accountability, higher training, and higher costs as well.

Shift Timing

Night shift, weekend shift, and holiday shift all qualify for extra rates in accordance with Australia’s Security Services Industry Award. Be prepared to pay additional charges ranging from 15% – 30%.

Equipment Requirements

If the guards need the use of any equipment, such as radios, bodycams, torches, transport vehicles, or alarm response kits, these will most definitely be an extra charge to your hourly rate.

Duration of Contract

Hourly rates are generally lower if you sign a long-term contract (6-12 months). Single-day bookings or last-minute hires cost extra money.

Pricing consistency may also be tied to how the providers make contracts, with companies such as AMG Security known for their practice of having consistent charges within long contracts compared to variable fees.

Superannuation and Insurance: 

According to Australian laws, security companies must pay 11.5% superannuation for their employees (2026) and have insurance cover. It goes into making up your hourly rate.

Security Guard Prices Compared by City

How to Hire Security Guards to Save Costs

It is possible to hire good-quality security guards without costing too much. Some of the best ways include:

Combining Security Services

Combining static security with mobile patrols or using a guard together with surveillance cameras is the best money-saving trick. Research conducted by Australian security companies reveals that this strategy can help save between 10-15% of the cost without compromising on the level of security.

Entering into Long-Term Contracts

Security firms appreciate loyal clients and offer discounts to those who hire their services for extended periods of time. Signing a contract for 6-12 months may result in savings of 10-20%.

Think Wisely About Your Hourly Guards

Do you actually need full-time guards or peak-hour guards? You may benefit from saving a lot of money by hiring guards on an hourly basis during periods when risk exists.

Consider Using Technological Ways 

Technology like CCTV, alarm monitoring, and access control can help reduce the number of guards. Think of technology as a means of increasing the efficiency of your guards, not replacing them.

Choose Local Security Providers

Security providers operating in regional and suburban areas charge 10-15% less in fees than their counterparts in metropolitan areas. Moreover, their guards are also equally qualified and licensed.

Avoid Late Bookings

Booking guards ahead of time will always be beneficial. Late bookings for security services always come with additional fees. If you will need guards after six weeks, book them today.

Cost To Hire Australian Security Guards in the Future

In accordance with the current tendencies in the security industry, it is possible to predict:

• • There will be a rise in costs related to the services provided by Australian security guards by 5-8% each year because of the growth in salary, superannuation payments, and the cost of living. Therefore, when you want to find the price now, keep in mind that it will probably be higher next year.

• • There are several trends in the field that have contributed to the reduction in expenses related to security services. The introduction of CCTV systems using artificial intelligence, drones for surveillance, and automatic alarm systems made it unnecessary to provide 24-hour monitoring in some cases. It means that firms that apply new technologies in providing security services will experience stable or reduced costs.

Final Words 

The hiring of security guards in Australia in the year 2026 follows many considerations of different factors, such as those related to the needs, risk, and cost of the business. Security guards’ rates range between $25 per hour for general guards to above $150 per hour, depending on the services offered, among other considerations like time, place, and length of the contract. Various approaches that businesses can consider in order to reduce their costs by up to 20% include the utilisation of static and mobile guards, technology, booking ahead, and hiring local security firms. In addition, with the advent of new technology, including AI in CCTVs, drones, and alarms, the future of security looks promising.

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