How much does it cost to start a security company?

A security company costs $10,000 to $100,000 to start. A small unarmed guard service starts at $10,000 to $25,000 for licensing, insurance, uniforms, and marketing. An armed security company with patrol vehicles and multiple guards requires $50,000 to $100,000. Insurance and licensing are the largest fixed costs since security companies face strict state regulations.

How much do security companies charge?

Security companies charge $15 to $35 per hour for unarmed guards and $25 to $60+ per hour for armed guards. Event security runs $25 to $50 per guard per hour with minimums. Mobile patrol services charge $15 to $30 per patrol check. Annual contracts with commercial properties provide the most stable revenue at $3,000 to $15,000 per month per site.

Is a security company profitable?

Security companies operate on margins of 10 to 25 percent on guard services. The key to profitability is billing rate versus pay rate since a guard paid $15/hour and billed at $25/hour generates $10/hour gross margin. Companies managing 20+ guards on long-term contracts can generate $500,000 to $2 million+ in annual revenue. Recurring contracts make revenue highly predictable.

Security Company Startup Cost Comparison

Philadelphia, PA vs Chicago, IL

Philadelphia, PA

$18,000 - $127,000

COL Index: 114.5

Chicago, IL

$20,000 - $109,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense	Philadelphia, PA	Chicago, IL	Difference
Licensing & Registration	$3,600 - $26,600	$5,600 - $10,900	+83%
Uniforms & Equipment	$2,000 - $15,000	$2,000 - $15,000	Same
Patrol Vehicle	$2,000 - $20,000	$2,000 - $20,000	Same
Insurance & Bonding	$3,000 - $15,000	$3,000 - $15,000	Same
Guard Training Program	$1,000 - $8,000	$1,000 - $8,000	Same
Marketing & Contract Bidding	$1,000 - $8,000	$1,000 - $8,000	Same
Working Capital (2 Months)	$5,700 - $34,400	$5,400 - $32,300	+6%
Total Estimated Cost	$18,000 - $127,000	$20,000 - $109,000	+12%

Local Market Factors

Factor	Philadelphia	Chicago
Cost of Living Index	114.5	107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr)	$20 - $55	$25 - $65
Labor Rate Index	1.12	1.15
Sales Tax	8%	10.25%
Minimum Wage	$7.25/hr	$15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee	$125	$150

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