Security companies send quotes before taking on a new site, event, or contract. Clients often compare several bids, looking at hourly bill rate, guard qualifications, insurance coverage, and what is included such as supervision, reports, and vehicles. A clear quote shows exactly what coverage the client is getting.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
Coverage gaps and extra guards are the most common source of billing disagreements. Write down exactly which hours and posts are included.
State whether guards are armed or unarmed, licensed, and whether they have any special training such as CPR or crowd management.
Listing tasks such as patrols, access control, visitor check-in, or alarm response sets clear expectations about what guards will and will not do.
Putting premium rates in the quote avoids pushback when they appear on the first invoice.
Clients need to know that cancelling late still costs something, because you have already scheduled and committed staff.
If radios, patrol vehicles, cameras, or tour wands are billed separately, say so and list the rate.
Clients want proof of liability coverage and licensing, and need to know the term, renewal, and notice required to end the contract.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Unarmed security guard (static post) | per hour | $25-45 |
| Armed security guard | per hour | $40-75 |
| Event security / crowd control | per hour | $30-55 |
| Mobile patrol (vehicle drive-by with report) | per visit | $25-60 |
| Fire watch | per hour | $30-50 |
| Executive or personal protection | per hour | $60-150 |
| Overnight construction site guard | per hour | $28-50 |
| Patrol vehicle or equipment add-on | per shift | $20-75 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Start with guard pay, then add payroll taxes, workers' compensation, liability insurance, uniforms, supervision, and overhead, then add profit. Many small operators bill at about 1.3 to 1.6 times the guard's hourly wage, depending on region and post type.
Clients with ongoing needs often prefer a predictable figure. Show the hourly rate and the total side by side so the math is clear.
Events run long and often need extra guards. Include a setup and teardown window and a clear rate for hours beyond the agreed end time.
For example, quote unarmed guard plus mobile patrol as one option and armed guard as another. Clients can see what the extra cost buys without you rewriting the quote.
Fourteen to thirty days is common. Labor costs and guard availability change, so set an expiration date and state that rates are subject to change after it.
Yes, when possible. A walk-through shows the size of the property, lighting, entry points, and risks, which affect how many guards and what type are needed. Many companies do it for free for contract bids.
Many companies include a basic site walk-through in the quote. A detailed written risk assessment with recommendations is often billed separately, either as a flat fee or hourly, and credited toward the contract if the client signs.
Yes. A signed contract or accepted quote with scope, rates, term, and cancellation terms protects both sides. Some states also have rules about what security contracts must include, so check your local requirements.
Use the Security Guard invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Security Guard invoice template