How much do security guards cost?
Security guard and patrol rates in south-east Queensland, 2026
Published · Last updated
A licensed security guard in Brisbane is typically charged out at $45 to $70 an hour on weekdays. Rates rise on weekends and public holidays, commonly reaching $90 to $140 an hour on a public holiday. Mobile patrols are usually priced per visit, from about $25 to $60, which is far cheaper than a guard on site when you only need regular checks.
These are indicative charge-out rates for south-east Queensland in 2026, including GST. They are what the security company bills you, not what the officer is paid.
Typical rates
| Service | Typical charge-out rate |
|---|---|
| Static guard, weekday | $45 – $70 per hour |
| Static guard, Saturday | $55 – $85 per hour |
| Static guard, Sunday | $65 – $100 per hour |
| Static guard, public holiday | $90 – $140 per hour |
| Crowd controller for venues and events | $50 – $85 per hour (weekday) |
| Mobile patrol, scheduled visit | $25 – $60 per visit |
| Alarm response attendance | $60 – $150 per call-out |
Most providers set a minimum shift of three to four hours, so a two-hour job is usually billed as the minimum.
Why rates differ so much
Security officers are employed under the Security Services Industry Award, which sets minimum pay plus loadings for nights, weekends and public holidays. On top of wages, a provider’s rate covers superannuation, workers’ compensation, insurance, licensing, training, supervision and a margin. Be cautious of rates well below the ranges above. They can mean officers are being underpaid, or that corners are cut on licensing and insurance, which becomes your problem if something goes wrong on your site.
Choosing the right service
- Static guarding puts an officer on site for the whole shift. It suits construction sites, retail, concierge desks and short-term high risk periods.
- Mobile patrols visit a site several times a night at irregular times, check doors and gates, and report back. They suit warehouses, schools and vacant properties.
- Alarm response sends a patrol only when your alarm is triggered. It pairs well with monitored alarms.
- Crowd control covers licensed venues and events, where officers need the specific crowd controller licence class.
What a good quote includes
A clear quote states the hourly or per-visit rate for each day type, the minimum shift, how incident reports are delivered, and the insurance the company holds. Check that both the security firm and the individual officers are licensed for the work. In Queensland, security licences are issued by the Office of Fair Trading, which has a public licence search.
Compare guard and patrol providers serving Chermside, Everton Park and other Brisbane suburbs.