--- title: What Does It Cost to Hire a Security Guard? description: What is the true cost of hiring a security guard? Let's take a closer look at the most common security guard hiring costs and how to save on training. image: https://blog.defencifytraining.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Defencify_2_520x500_f9dd4c62-613b-47d4-92d3-a63ca8945a87.jpg --- [![Defencify_Logo-01](https://blog.defencifytraining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Defencify_Logo-01.webp?height=60&name=Defencify_Logo-01.webp)](https://blog.defencifytraining.com/) Courses [Alabama](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/alabama-courses) [Arizona](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/arizona-security-guard-training) [California](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/california-bsis-security-guard-training) [Colorado](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/colorado-security-guard-training) [Delaware](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/delaware-security-guard-training) [Georgia](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/georgia-security-guard-training) [Hawaii](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/hawaii-security-guard-training) [Idaho](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/idaho-courses) [Illinois](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/illinois-security-guard-training) [Kansas](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/kansas-courses) [Kentucky](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/kentucky-courses) [Minnesota](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/minnesota-security-guard-training) [South Dakota](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/south-dakota-courses) [Tennessee](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/tennessee-security-guard-training) [Texas](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/texas-security-guard-training) [Utah](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/utah-security-guard-training) [Wyoming](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/wyoming-courses) [On-demand Courses](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/training-on-demand) [Firearm Training](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/firearm-training) [Advanced Competencies](https://defencifytraining.com/collections/advanced-competencies) [Try Free](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/free-courses-signup) Academy [Overview](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/academy) [Certification Bundle](https://defencifytraining.com/products/products-defencify-academy-certification-bundle) [Bronze](https://defencifytraining.com/products/defencify-academy-bronze-certification) [Silver](https://defencifytraining.com/products/defencify-academy-silver-certification) [Gold](https://defencifytraining.com/products/defencify-academy-gold-certification) [For companies](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/b2b) [Hub](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/b2b) [Academy](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/business-academy-architect) [Architect](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/academy-architect) [PostReady](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/business-postready) [ProficiencyCheck](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/business-proficiency) The five verticals [Security Guard Training](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/contract-security) [Casino Gaming Security Training](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/casinos-gaming) [Museum Cultural Property Protection Training](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/museums-cultural-institutions) [Campus Security Clery Act Training](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/higher-education) [Event Venue Security Staff Training](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/venues-events) [Pricing](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/pricing-plans) [Case Studies](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/case-studies) [About](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/about-us) [Post A Job](https://jobs.defencifytraining.com/) Resources [Blog](https://defencifytraining.com/blogs/news) [Newsletter](https://defencifytraining.com/blogs/newsletter) [State licensing guide](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/security-guard-license-requirements) [Forms](https://go.defencifytraining.com/helpful-forms?_gl=1*1vmh3ly*_gcl_au*MTkyMTAxMTMyNC4xNzgxNjQ0NDc1Li0uLS4xNzg3Nzc4MDUzLjE0MTYyOTg2NzEuMTc4ODcxMTE0NC4xNzg4NzgzMzAx*_ga*MjMyODY2NTA2LjE3Mzk4MjI2OTg.*_ga_WC63KMCQWW*czE3ODg3ODI3ODYkbzIzOCRnMSR0MTc4ODc4MzMwMSRqNjAkbDAkaDA.) 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What are the actual security guard hiring costs? How can you ensure this investment will pay off? Let's look closer at hiring costs and how to improve retention. ## How Much Does Hiring a New Security Guard Cost? The average cost of a new hire is [close to $4,700](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/16562-cost-of-hiring-an-employee.html). Here's a breakdown of the most common hiring expenses you'll have to cover. ### Administrative Costs Your HR department needs to advertise the job opening. After that, recruiters have to review applications and conduct interviews. You should account for several hours of work for this process. Outsourcing recruiting to an agency can be a good option if you have a small HR department. However, these partners can charge [15 to 30%](https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/cost-of-hiring-employees) of what you'll pay the new hire during their first year for this service. A security guard's median salary is [$37,000 a year](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/security-guards.htm), so outsourcing recruiting can cost $5,500 to $11,000. You'll also face additional fees if you decide to promote the job listing to reach more candidates. Plus, recruiting a security guard entails conducting a thorough background check, which can cost more than $200 per candidate. ### Training and Certification Costs Most states require an active certification for security guards. To obtain this credential, guards must complete accredited training and submit an application. If you opt for in-person training for your new hires, you'll likely incur the following costs: - Hiring a professional instructor. - Renting a training space. - Purchasing training materials. - Paying wages for new hires during training. You can offset the cost of training by enrolling large cohorts, but in-person security training can quickly cost thousands. Once new hires have finished training, they should apply for their guard card. Costs vary based on the state and certification needed. For instance, in Arizona, the [Department of Public Safety](https://www.azdps.gov/content/basic-page/109) charges $50 for an unarmed guard card and $100 for armed guards. ![A businessman holds a shield symbol with a dollar sign, representing the protection and management of security guard hiring costs.](https://blog.defencifytraining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/securities%20(2)-1.jpg?width=1024&height=512&name=securities%20(2)-1.jpg) ### Onboarding Costs Onboarding is crucial for the success of your new hires. During this process, security guards will review your company policies, sign their employment contract, submit their payroll information, and sign up for any digital employee management solutions you might use. Onboarding is also about becoming familiar with a new workplace and new procedures. Typically, experienced employees will show new hires around, which means paying wages for everybody involved for at least a full day. ## How to Cut Security Guard Hiring Costs and Boost Retention Cutting HR or administrative costs isn't a smart decision. It's important to select an employee who is the best match possible for the job. You shouldn't skip on the onboarding process either. This stage is crucial for giving new hires the confidence and knowledge they need to succeed in their new role. The best way to cut security guard hiring costs is to opt for [online training](https://blog.defencifytraining.com/reduce-training-costs) rather than in-person classes. You can save thousands by not hiring an instructor or paying for a training space. Online training has many additional benefits: - You don't need to onboard large cohorts to make training cost-effective. - It's a convenient experience that allows new hires to train on their own time and at their own pace. - New hires can review some of the training material again if needed without slowing down the rest of the cohort. - You can easily tailor the training experience to your specific needs and add or remove courses as required. An optimal training and onboarding experience can enhance satisfaction, resulting in lower turnover. Since it usually takes [33% of an employee's salary](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/hr-statistics-trends/) to replace them, [focusing on retention](https://blog.defencifytraining.com/boost-retention-with-top-tier-security-guard-training) right away for new hires is an investment you won't regret. ## Discover Online Security Guard Training With Defencify Defencify is a leading provider of digital training solutions for the security industry. Our goal is to offer an engaging training experience that prepares security guards for real-world scenarios with all the convenience of remote 24/7 training. See for yourself how online training can prepare your security guards for success by [testing four of our courses for free](https://defencifytraining.com/pages/demo). [Security Guard](https://blog.defencifytraining.com/tag/security-guard) [![Blog - Banner 2](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6781809/interactive-176508990522.png)](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJ%2BYddGPjyDOgFQevWjh90NoQQ96th92VTiDRlnIUlTVgvw6oYJ4mxAIOpYvRYsn9MwsuEJwslEEdOeV99%2FwCDoX6Lh5JEFtSf%2BeDLcsjDLouPLxdvk472urfIsUYXuyHpOjzlLrlkWKPN4TnkGnWjFHJyc8d8SQGKs9ypqGxf1OAuW8TGWXuQH31L9qcTTPw%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=176508990522&portalId=6781809) ## Similar posts Security Guard ### [Your Guide to Hiring a Security Guard](https://blog.defencifytraining.com/blogs/news/your-guide-to-hiring-a-security-guard) Are you looking into hiring a security guard? We explore the top security guard skills, personality traits, and certifications new hires should have. Dynamic Dreamz Oct 3, 2024 Hiring ### [Defencify Security Guard Training Compresses Days to Hire](https://blog.defencifytraining.com/blogs/news/defencify-security-guard-training-compresses-days-to-hire) Learn how Defencify security guard training Compresses Days to Hire with customized security guard courseware shaving more time off your hiring... Dynamic Dreamz Dec 1, 2021 Hiring ### [High-Quality Security Guard Training With Defencify In Time For the Holidays](https://blog.defencifytraining.com/blogs/news/high-quality-security-guard-training-with-defencify-in-time-for-the-holidays) During the busy holiday season, many companies are looking to hire more security guards quickly. While the onboarding process can be time consuming,... 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