From 1 April 2027 the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over rises by 50p, or 3.9%, to £13.21 an hour. A security officer working 48 hours a week will earn £24 a week more, about £1,248 a year. Manned guarding is priced mostly on officer hours, so security contract prices will rise from April too.
The new rates from April 2027
| Rate | Now (April 2026) | From April 2027 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Living Wage (21 and over) | £12.71 | £13.21 | 50p (3.9%) |
| 18 to 20 year olds | £10.85 | £11.27 | 42p (3.9%) |
Security officers must be 18 or over to hold an SIA licence, so the 16 to 17 and apprentice rates rarely apply in security.
What it means for a security officer's pay
Examples at the adult rate, before tax, based on 52 paid weeks and no shift premiums.
Full-time equivalent (FTE): a security officer on 48 hours a week earns £32,972.16 a year from April 2027, up from £31,724.16. On 42 hours it's £28,850.64, and on 54 hours £37,093.68.
| Hours a week | Weekly pay now | Weekly pay from April 2027 | Extra each week | Annual pay now | Annual pay from April 2027 | Extra each year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 hours (FTE) | £533.82 | £554.82 | £21.00 | £27,758.64 | £28,850.64 | £1,092 |
| 48 hours (FTE) | £610.08 | £634.08 | £24.00 | £31,724.16 | £32,972.16 | £1,248 |
| 54 hours (FTE) | £686.34 | £713.34 | £27.00 | £35,689.68 | £37,093.68 | £1,404 |
Working more than 48 hours a week on average needs the officer's written agreement to opt out of the Working Time Regulations limit.
What it means for security contracts
A 24-hour, 7-day post needs 168 officer hours every week. At the new rate, the minimum pay alone for that post rises by £84 a week, or £4,368 a year, before employer National Insurance, pension, holiday, training, supervision and control room costs.
- Contracts already running: most pass on National Living Wage rises each April. Check what your contract says, and talk to your security provider early so the change is in your budget.
- New quotes and tenders: any guarding quote for work after 31 March 2027, or a 12-month contract that runs past that date, should be priced at £13.21 an hour from April.
- Real Living Wage contracts: the Real Living Wage rises to £14.10 an hour (outside London), which accredited employers must pay by 1 May 2027.
The same applies to mobile patrols, keyholding and alarm response and lock and unlock services, which are also priced mainly on officer time.
How SPS Security prices fairly
Our quotes show officer hours, pay rates and what's included. We tell you upfront how National Living Wage and Real Living Wage rises will be handled over the contract. Our free guarding estimator gives a quick indication, and we price every site properly after a visit.
Sources
- LPC recommendations take the National Living Wage to £13.21, GOV.UK, 28 October 2026
- Real Living Wage rates for 2026/27, CIPP
FAQs
How much will a security officer earn from April 2027?
At least £13.21 an hour if aged 21 or over, or £11.27 at 18 to 20. On 48 hours a week that's £32,972.16 a year before tax.
How much does a 24/7 security officer post cost?
It depends on the site, shift pattern and pay rate. Our guarding estimator gives a quick indication, and we price every site properly after a visit.
Will my security contract price go up?
If your contract passes on National Living Wage rises, yes, from April 2027.
Should a 12-month guarding quote starting before April 2027 include the new rate?
Yes. Any hours worked from 1 April 2027 should be priced at £13.21 or more, so a 12-month quote that runs past 31 March 2027 should allow for the rise.