Why use this tool?
Security guarding is typically the largest component of a security budget, but many businesses commission it without a clear understanding of what it should cost. Pay rates, shift patterns, additional duties and regional factors all affect the price.
This estimator helps you build a realistic cost model before requesting formal quotes — so you can compare proposals more confidently and identify where a different model (such as a hybrid of guarding and patrols) may be more proportionate.
Who should use this?
Before you begin
This estimator provides indicative planning figures for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire — not fixed contract prices. Actual costs depend on site complexity, vetting requirements, contract length and service design. Use the estimates for budgeting and early-stage comparison before requesting a formal quote.
Security Guarding Cost Estimator
Estimate the likely cost of manned security guarding for your site. This guided security officer cost calculator helps you build an indicative guarding model based on site type, shift pattern, pay basis and risk level — so you can compare security contract pricing before requesting a formal quote.
Not sure if full-time guarding is the right approach? The estimator will also help you consider whether mobile patrols, keyholding or a hybrid security model may be more suitable.
What type of site are you looking at?
This helps us tailor the estimate to your type of premises.
What are you looking to do?
This helps us provide the right recommendations.
Where is the site?
1 officer, night shift, 7 nights per week
Base rate: from £18.25 per hour.
Shift assumption: 10pm–6am (8 hours) × 7 nights = 56 hours per week.
Indicative weekly benchmark: from £1,022, before shift-pattern premiums, holiday cover or site-specific requirements.
Important: This is an illustrative ‘from’ benchmark based on the published indicative hourly rate, not a quotation. Actual pricing depends on shift pattern, site location, contract length and specific officer requirements, such as SIA specialism or dog handling. Assumes one officer working the stated hours. Rates are reviewed annually, or quarterly where set by contract terms; figures may not reflect current pricing.
Understanding your results
The estimator produces an indicative annual cost range covering:
Weekly officer hours based on your shift pattern
Low and high cost range based on pay basis and regional factors
Indicative charge rates including employer overheads and margin
Comparison prompts for alternative models such as hybrid security
Limitations: These are planning figures for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire — not fixed prices. Actual costs depend on site complexity, vetting requirements and contract length. Use the estimate for budgeting and early-stage comparison.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using pay rate as the charge rate
Charge rates include employer NI, pension, holiday accrual, management overhead and margin. A £12/hr pay rate typically results in a charge rate of £18–£22/hr depending on the provider and service design.
Not accounting for shift premiums
Night shifts, weekends and bank holidays often carry rate uplifts. An estimate based only on standard day rates will understate the true cost.
Assuming 24/7 guarding when it is not needed
Many sites only need guarding during specific risk periods. A hybrid model with patrols or monitoring covering quieter hours may be more proportionate and cost-effective.
Comparing quotes without standardising the rota
Two quotes covering different shift patterns are not directly comparable. Always align hours, days and duties before comparing provider costs.
What happens next?
Review your estimate and decide whether the guarding model fits your site risk profile.
Use the Security Cost Planner to compare guarding costs alongside patrols and keyholding.
Open the Hybrid Security Review to test whether a blended model could suit your site.
Request a formal quote from SPS Security for a tailored proposal.
Share the estimate internally to support budgeting discussions.
Security Guarding Cost Estimator — FAQs
These are indicative planning figures for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. They give a realistic cost range for budgeting and early-stage comparison. Actual costs depend on site complexity, shift patterns and service design.
You can choose from National Living Wage, Real Living Wage, the SPS recommended rate, or enter a custom rate. The tool adds employer overheads and typical margin to produce a charge rate.
Not always. For many sites, a combination of guarding during peak hours with mobile patrols or keyholding overnight may be more proportionate. The estimator flags this where relevant.
Yes. After generating an estimate, the tool links directly to the Security Cost Planner and Hybrid Security Review so you can compare.
Yes. No login, no obligation. Use it as many times as you need.
The pricing is calibrated for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. It may give a reasonable indication for nearby areas, but regional rates vary.
Services commonly recommended
Based on your results, one or more of these services may strengthen your security arrangements.
Security Guarding
SIA-licensed officers for on-site protection
Learn moreMobile Patrols
A lighter alternative for lower-risk periods
Learn moreKeyholding & Alarm Response
Out-of-hours cover without full-time presence
Learn moreIntegrated Security
Guarding combined with patrols and monitoring
Learn more