How Much Does a Security Guard Cost in Denver?

If you are considering hiring a security guard for your business or property in Denver, the first question is usually about cost. Here is the short answer. As of 2025, typical Denver-area market rates run about $18 to $30 an hour for an unarmed guard and about $25 to $45 an hour for an armed guard. Your exact price depends on the hours, the property, and how many officers you need. Below is the full breakdown.

Average Security Guard Rates in Denver

Security guard pricing varies based on the type of service, the level of training required, and the hours you need covered. As of 2025, these are the typical market ranges across the Denver metro area. They are general industry figures, not a RavenWolf quote, so treat them as a starting point for your budget:

Unarmed security guards: about $18 to $30 per hour. This covers professional officers who handle patrols, access control, and incident reporting. Most commercial properties, retail stores, and residential communities fall into this category.

Armed security guards: about $25 to $45 per hour. Armed officers carry higher licensing requirements, insurance costs, and training standards. Businesses like cannabis dispensaries, jewelry stores, and financial institutions typically need armed coverage.

Executive protection: about $50 to $150 or more per hour. Close protection for individuals requires specialized training, advance planning, and often a team rather than a single officer. Pricing depends heavily on the threat level and scope of the engagement.

What Affects the Price

Several factors determine where your quote falls within these ranges.

Hours and schedule. Overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays typically cost more. A 24/7 contract will have different pricing than weekday business hours only.

Number of officers. A single guard at one entrance costs less than a team covering multiple access points across a large property.

Type of property. A construction site with expensive equipment may require armed coverage. A retail store during business hours may only need an unarmed presence.

Contract length. Short-term or event-based security often costs more per hour than an ongoing contract. A longer commitment gives the security company scheduling stability, which usually translates to better rates.

Special requirements. Background checks beyond the standard screening, specific certifications, or vehicle patrols add to the cost.

Want a real number for your Denver property? Call RavenWolf at (720) 443-3980 for a free site assessment and a custom quote.

How to Budget for Security

Start by identifying what you actually need.

Do you need a guard on site during business hours only, or around the clock? Is the threat level high enough to require armed officers? Do you need one person or a team?

Most Denver security companies will do a free site assessment and provide a custom quote. Take advantage of that. A good security company will not try to sell you more than you need. If you are not sure what level you need, a security consultation maps your risks first.

One More Thing to Consider

The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. A security company that pays its officers minimum wage attracts a different caliber of professional than one that invests in training, vetting, and fair pay. When you are trusting someone to protect your business, your people, and your property, the quality of that person matters.

RavenWolf LLC provides armed and unarmed security services across the Denver metro area. Every officer is background-checked, licensed, and trained. Call (720) 443-3980 for a free consultation and custom quote.

Related service: Unarmed Security · Serving Denver