“How much does a security guard cost?” is usually the first question we hear. The honest answer is that it depends on what the guard is protecting, for how long, and whether the post needs an armed or unarmed officer. This page explains what drives security guard cost in Boston and across Massachusetts, shares Hub Security and Investigative Group’s event security rates, and explains how to get an accurate quote for anything else.

Hub’s Event Security Rates

For event security, Hub’s rates are:

Unarmed event security officers: about $50 to $100 per hour.
Armed event security officers: $100 or more per hour.

Where an event falls in that range depends on the event, the hours and the risk. Hub does not bill under $50 an hour. For other kinds of coverage, such as a regular post at a building, overnight warehouse coverage or mobile patrol, call for a quote; the factors below set the price.

What Determines Security Guard Cost

Armed or unarmed. Armed officers cost more. Most sites only need unarmed officers; armed coverage makes sense for a specific, known risk. See when to hire armed guards.
Hours and schedule. When the coverage happens and for how long, including overnight, weekend and holiday hours, is part of every quote. A recurring schedule and a one-time event are quoted differently.
Number of officers. Larger sites and events need more officers. Our event security staffing guide explains how we count.
Type of post. A static guard at one entrance, a roving patrol, a concierge desk and an executive protection detail are different jobs.
Risk level. A quiet office lobby and a late-night venue with an open bar are priced differently.
Static guard vs. mobile patrol. If a property only needs checks rather than a full-time guard, mobile patrol can cost much less.

What You Get for the Price

The lowest hourly rate isn’t always the lowest cost. When comparing quotes, ask each company:

Are the officers your own employees, or subcontractors? (All Hub officers are Hub employees.)
Is the company licensed in Massachusetts? (Hub holds Private Detective Firm License #LP0203L, issued through the Massachusetts State Police Certification Unit.)
How much liability insurance do you carry? (Hub carries $3 million in general liability insurance.)
Is there a 24/7 dispatch line? (Hub’s is (617) 857-1200.)
What training do officers have? (Hub’s new hires complete Massachusetts Crowd Manager certification, CPR, First Aid and Narcan training.)

For a longer list, see our guide to hiring a security company.

Ways to Control Security Costs

Cover the hours that matter. Many properties only need coverage at night, on weekends or during events.
Use mobile patrol where a full-time guard isn’t needed, and a static guard only where it is.
Start unarmed unless there is a specific, known risk that calls for armed coverage.
Fix lighting, locks and cameras first; good physical security can reduce the officer hours you need.
Book event coverage early, so the staffing plan isn’t built in a rush.
Share the cost. Condo associations and multi-tenant buildings can spread one officer across many owners.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

Tell us the address or venue, the dates and the hours.
Describe what you need protected and what has been happening.
Tell us whether you think you need armed or unarmed coverage, or ask us to recommend.
For larger sites, we’ll suggest a walk-through before quoting.

New accounts are typically matched with an officer within 24 to 48 hours of an approved quote. Hub Security and Investigative Group was founded in 2004 by police officers and serves Boston and communities across Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum number of hours?

Minimums depend on the job. Ask when you request a quote.

Why do armed guards cost more?

Armed posts require additional qualifications and carry more responsibility and risk, which is reflected in the rate.

Can I get a price over the phone?

For a straightforward event, often yes. For a building or recurring post, we usually need a few details or a walk-through first.

Get a Security Guard Quote

Call (617) 857-1200, with dispatch staffed 24/7, or request a quote online.

Security Guard Cost in Boston and Massachusetts