Pay figures for security work vary a lot, so here is what the data says and why the numbers differ.
The averages
Indeed data from March 2026 put average UK guard pay at about £13.51 an hour, roughly £28,100 a year full time. Another Indeed page reports a higher average of £14.27 an hour, with a typical range from £12.71 to £17.99. Treat these as guides rather than promises. Security Jobs BoardIndeed
The legal floor
From 1 April 2026 the National Living Wage is £12.71 an hour for those aged 21 and over, and no SIA-licensed role can legally pay under that. If a job advert offers less to a guard over 21, something is wrong. K4training
What changes your pay
- Location. London typically pays more than the rest of the UK, by an estimated 15 to 25 percent. Security Jobs UK
- Type of site. Retail usually pays less than static or industrial guarding, and mobile patrol sits in between.
- Nights and lone working. Many employers pay a premium, but it isn’t automatic, so check your contract.
- Your licence. CCTV and door supervision often pay differently from standard guarding.
- Experience. Supervisory and specialist roles pay more.
The part salary guides ignore
An hourly rate is only useful if you’re actually paid it, in full and on time. Many guards work shifts for several companies, each with its own rate, pay date and expenses. It’s easy to lose track of who owes you what.
Tip: log every shift with the company, site, rate and break as you finish it. Shiftaan calculates your expected pay per shift and shows what’s still unpaid, so a late or short payment stands out immediately.
Know what you’re owed. Shiftaan works out your expected pay for every shift and shows you what’s still unpaid. Start tracking at shiftaan.com