How Much Do Security Guards Cost in Melbourne?
private security services Melbourne if you are comparing security guard services in Melbourne, price is usually one of the first things you want to know. The difficulty is that there is no single hourly rate that applies to every security job.
Published Melbourne security providers currently advertise standard guard rates across a fairly broad range, with some quoting around $38–$75 per hour depending on the service, while other published guides put standard static guards around $45–$60 per hour and higher rates for night work, events and specialised duties. These figures are indicative market pricing rather than a regulated Melbourne-wide price.
The final cost depends on the type of security required, the hours, site risk, number of guards, qualifications, location and length of the booking.
What Is the Typical Cost of a Security Guard in Melbourne?
For a straightforward static security requirement, a useful starting point is to expect quotes somewhere in the mid-$40s to $70s per hour, although actual prices can fall outside this range depending on the circumstances.
One Melbourne provider currently publishes a general range of $38–$75 per hour, while another gives approximately $45–$60 per hour for daytime static guards and $55–$75 per hour for night or weekend work. These are individual providers’ published figures, not an official industry price schedule.
Specialised security can cost more. For example, published Melbourne pricing guides show higher rates for crowd control, specialised officers and other higher-risk assignments.
The most useful way to compare quotes is therefore not simply asking, “How much per hour?” Instead, ask what is included in that hourly rate and what duties the officer is expected to perform.
What Determines Security Guard Costs in Melbourne?
Several factors can change the price considerably.
1. Type of security service
A security officer standing at a building entrance has different responsibilities from an officer managing an event, construction site or high-risk property.
Common services include:
- Static security guards
- Construction site security
- Retail security
- Warehouse security
- Concierge security
- Event and crowd control
- Mobile patrols
- Alarm response
- Loss prevention
- Specialised security services
Mobile patrols are also commonly charged per visit rather than as a simple hourly guard rate. Published Melbourne pricing guides currently show mobile patrol pricing varying according to the number of visits, distance, timing and service requirements.
2. Time and day of the shift
A weekday daytime shift generally has different labour costs from a Saturday night or public holiday.
The Security Services Industry Award 2020 sets minimum employment rates and penalty rates for covered security workers. From 1 July 2026, the ordinary minimum hourly rate listed for a Level 1 Security Officer is $28.42, while the listed rates increase for nights, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
For example, the award lists a Level 1 rate of:
- $28.42 per hour for ordinary day work
- $34.59 for night work
- $42.63 on Saturday
- $56.84 on Sunday
- $71.05 on a public holiday
These are employee minimum pay rates, not the amount a client should expect to pay a security company. A provider also has business costs such as insurance, supervision, rostering, administration, equipment, training and other employment-related expenses.
3. Number of guards required
One guard working at a single access point will naturally cost less than a team covering several entrances or a large event site.
The number of guards required should be based on the actual site and risk rather than simply choosing the lowest staffing level.
For example, a warehouse with one controlled entrance may have very different requirements from a large industrial property with multiple access points, valuable equipment and substantial after-hours movement.
4. Risk level and duties
Security companies may charge more when officers have additional responsibilities or qualifications.
The quote may need to account for duties such as:
- Access control
- Visitor screening
- Incident response
- CCTV monitoring
- Patrols
- Alarm response
- Detailed reporting
- Crowd management
- Emergency procedures
- First aid responsibilities
The more complex the assignment, the more important it is to compare the proposed scope of work rather than comparing hourly prices alone.
How Much Does Event Security Cost in Melbourne?
Event security pricing can differ substantially from standard static guarding.
Published Melbourne provider guides currently show event and crowd-control rates commonly sitting above basic daytime static guarding, with some published ranges around $55–$85 per hour, depending on crowd size, risk and responsibilities.
However, an event quote can also depend on:
- Event duration
- Venue layout
- Number of entry points
- Expected attendance
- Alcohol service
- Crowd behaviour risks
- Required number of licensed personnel
- Event operating hours
- Security responsibilities
- Set-up and pack-down requirements
For this reason, organisers should ask for a written staffing plan rather than simply requesting an hourly rate.
Does a Long-Term Security Contract Cost Less?
It can.
Ongoing contracts give a security provider more predictable staffing and rostering requirements than a one-off booking. Some Melbourne providers state that longer contracts can attract lower hourly pricing compared with casual or short-notice bookings.
However, there is no universal discount percentage that applies to every security company.
When comparing a long-term contract, look at the total cost over the contract period rather than just the advertised hourly figure.
Check:
- Minimum contracted hours
- Contract length
- Cancellation conditions
- Rate review provisions
- Public holiday charges
- Replacement guard arrangements
- Additional call-out charges
- Equipment costs
- Reporting and supervision
- GST treatment
A slightly higher hourly rate may provide better value if it includes stronger supervision, reporting and reliable coverage.
Why You Should Be Careful With Very Cheap Security Quotes
The cheapest quote is not necessarily the lowest-cost security solution.
A security provider has to operate within employment, licensing and business requirements. The Fair Work Security Services Industry Award establishes minimum rates and other employment conditions for covered workers.
Victoria also has specific private security licensing requirements. Since 19 June 2025, private security activities in Victoria have been licensed activities, including security guard and crowd controller activities.
Before accepting a quote, check whether the company and guards are appropriately licensed. Victoria Police maintains a public register containing licence information, including authorised activities and expiry information.
A quote that looks dramatically cheaper should therefore prompt questions about exactly what is included rather than an immediate decision.
What Should Be Included in a Security Guard Quote?
A professional quote should clearly explain what you are paying for.
Ideally, it should identify:
- Number of guards
- Shift hours
- Security duties
- Location
- Start date
- Minimum booking period
- Night, weekend or public holiday rates
- Equipment supplied
- Supervision arrangements
- Incident reporting
- Patrol requirements
- Cancellation terms
- Additional charges
- GST
You should also ask whether the quoted price is for a licensed officer appropriate to the duties being performed.
Victoria Police states that most private security activities require appropriate licensing and that most activities require approved training relevant to the activity.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Security Company
Before accepting a quote, ask:
Is the business properly licensed?
Check the provider through the Victorian private security register.
Are the guards licensed for the required activity?
A company being licensed does not remove the need to ensure individual officers are appropriately authorised.
What exactly will the guard do?
Ask for the duties to be written into the proposal.
Are there minimum hours?
A low hourly rate may be less attractive if the provider requires a long minimum booking.
Are night, weekend and public holiday charges different?
Make sure these are clear before signing.
Is GST included?
Ask whether the advertised price is GST-inclusive or exclusive.
What happens if the assigned guard cannot attend?
A replacement and escalation process should be clear.
How are incidents reported?
Find out whether you receive written shift or incident reports.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a provider based only on hourly price
A security guard is only useful if the coverage, duties and supervision match the risk.
Comparing different services as though they are identical
A static guard, mobile patrol and crowd controller perform different functions. Compare equivalent services.
Ignoring penalty-rate periods
Night shifts, weekends and public holidays can change the underlying labour cost. The award contains different rates for these periods.
Not checking licensing
Victoria Police provides a public register specifically so businesses and individuals can check private security licence and registration information.
Accepting a vague quote
A quote should clearly state the number of officers, hours, duties and additional charges. Otherwise, two apparently similar quotes may actually provide very different levels of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a security guard cost per hour in Melbourne?
Published Melbourne security providers currently advertise standard security rates broadly around $38–$75 per hour, although individual quotes can be higher or lower depending on the service, timing, risk and contract.
Is security more expensive at night?
It can be. Night work attracts higher employee penalty rates under the Security Services Industry Award, which can contribute to higher client pricing.
How much does event security cost in Melbourne?
Event security is generally more expensive than basic static guarding when additional crowd-management responsibilities or higher staffing levels are required. Published Melbourne provider guides currently show event and crowd-control pricing in ranges such as $55–$85 per hour, but the actual quote depends on the event.
Is mobile patrol cheaper than a security guard?
It can be, particularly when you only need periodic site checks rather than continuous coverage. Mobile patrols are commonly priced per visit, so compare the number and timing of visits with the cost of continuous guarding.
Do security guards in Victoria need a licence?
Yes. Private security activities in Victoria are licensed, and security guard is one of the regulated activities. Businesses can also check licence information through the Victoria Police public register.
Should I choose the cheapest security company?
Price should be compared alongside licensing, staffing, duties, supervision, reporting, insurance and contract conditions. A lower hourly figure does not necessarily mean the same level of coverage or service.
Final Thoughts
The cost of security guards in Melbourne depends on much more than an hourly figure. Published market pricing provides a useful starting point, but the right price for your property depends on the type of security, hours, risk level, staffing requirements and contract arrangements.
When comparing providers, ask for a detailed written quote and check exactly what is included. Most importantly, verify that the relevant business and security personnel are appropriately licensed in Victoria.
If you need ongoing protection, event security, after-hours coverage or site security, a professional provider can assess the property and recommend a suitable level of coverage before you commit to a contract.
