For anyone hiring security in california
How much does a security guard cost per hour in San Diego?
Short answer
In San Diego in 2026, MT Security & Investigations charges $18 to $35 per hour for unarmed guards, $28 to $55 for armed guards and $35 to $75 for event officers, with a four-hour minimum. Long contracts with more weekly hours cost least. Overnight, holiday and same-day shifts cost 10 to 25 percent more.
Typical monthly totals
| Coverage | Hours a month | Unarmed estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 8 hours a night, every night | About 240 | $4,320 to $8,400 |
| 12 hours a night, every night | About 360 | $6,480 to $12,600 |
| Weekends only, 24 hours | About 208 | $3,744 to $7,280 |
Use the estimator on our pricing page for your own hours, or read the full San Diego security cost guide.
Why quotes differ between companies
The hourly rate has to cover the officer's wage, payroll taxes, workers' compensation, liability insurance, supervision and training. A quote far below the market usually means one of those is being skipped, and you find out which one after an incident.
This is general information from a security company, not legal advice. Laws change and details matter, so confirm anything important with your attorney.
Talk to the owner, not a call center.
Call any hour. Michael or a supervisor answers, asks a few questions, and you have a written quote within about two hours.