How Much Does Armed Security Cost Per Hour in Houston?

If you are comparing security options for a business in Houston, cost is often the first question—and the hardest to answer. Armed security pricing varies widely, even within the same city. One company may quote $38 per hour, while another quotes $65 or more for what appears to be the same service.

The difference usually comes down to risk, training, compliance, and accountability.

This guide explains how much armed security costs per hour, what affects pricing, and how Houston businesses can budget accurately without cutting corners on safety.

Key Takeaways

• Armed security in Houston typically costs $40 to $70+ per hour

• Rates rise with risk level, licensing, and experience

• 24/7 armed coverage often ranges from $18,000 to $45,000 per month

• Armed guards cost more than unarmed due to training, insurance, and liability

• The lowest hourly rate often excludes key protections and compliance

Quick Answer: How Much Does Armed Security Cost?

For most Houston businesses, armed security hourly rates fall between $40 and $70 per hour. Specialized roles—such as executive protection, high-threat locations, or off-duty law enforcement—can exceed $90 to $100 per hour.

That range reflects:

• Texas licensing requirements

• Firearms training and requalification

• Higher insurance coverage

• Increased legal responsibility

To put this into perspective, unarmed security in Houston often ranges from $25 to $40 per hour. The price difference exists for a reason.

According to national wage and benefits data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Protective Service Occupations, armed roles involve higher compensation, risk exposure, and training costs than standard guard positions.

Why Armed Security Costs More Than Unarmed Guards

Armed security is not simply “unarmed security with a gun.” The cost reflects a higher professional threshold.

Training and Commissioning

In Texas, armed guards must hold a Level III commission and complete firearms training, legal instruction, and regular requalification under the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Program.

These requirements increase overhead for legitimate security firms and directly impact hourly rates.

Insurance and Liability

Armed security contracts require higher general liability, firearms liability, and workers’ compensation coverage. Businesses benefit from this protection, but it increases the provider’s cost base.

Risk Exposure

Armed guards are assigned where violence, robbery, or serious threats are possible. The rate reflects the expectation that the guard can respond decisively and lawfully under pressure.

Armed Security Hourly Rates in Houston: What Influences Pricing?

1. Risk Level of the Site

Risk is the largest pricing factor.

Higher-risk sites include:

• Cash-heavy retail

• Cannabis facilities

• Hospitals and emergency rooms

• High-crime commercial zones

• Late-night operations

• Industrial sites with valuable equipment

Low-risk sites, even with armed guards, tend to stay closer to the lower end of the pricing range.

2. Experience of the Officer

Armed guards with military, law enforcement, or executive protection backgrounds command higher rates. These professionals bring judgment, situational awareness, and calm decision-making that cannot be taught quickly.

Entry-level armed guards cost less, but may not be appropriate for complex or volatile environments.

3. Coverage Schedule

Short-term or irregular shifts usually cost more per hour. Long-term assignments with consistent schedules allow security firms to offer more stable pricing.

Most providers require daily minimums of 4 to 8 hours, even if fewer hours are worked.

Armed Security Pricing by Service Type

Commercial Armed Security

Typical range: $40–$55 per hour

Common for:

• Retail locations

• Warehouses

• Construction sites

• Office buildings in higher-risk areas

This is the most common armed security category for Houston businesses.

Event Armed Security

Typical range: $45–$70 per hour

Pricing depends on:

• Crowd size

• Alcohol presence

• Event duration

• Location and entry points

Large or high-profile events often require supervisors and coordination with law enforcement, which increases cost.

Executive Protection

Typical range: $75–$125+ per hour

This includes:

• Plainclothes armed protection

• Advance planning

• Route assessment

• Secure transportation coordination

Rates reflect discretion, experience, and liability exposure.

Mobile Armed Patrol

Typical range: $45–$70 per hour

Mobile patrol pricing accounts for:

• Vehicle costs

• Fuel

• Larger coverage areas

• Response availability

Some providers offer flat monthly patrol pricing instead of hourly billing.

Cost Comparison Table

Hourly Billing vs. Contract Pricing

Hourly Billing

Best for:

• Short-term needs

• Temporary coverage

• Special events

Hourly billing provides flexibility but often comes at a higher per-hour rate.

Monthly or Long-Term Contracts

Best for:

• Ongoing protection

• Fixed sites

• 24/7 coverage

Monthly contracts spread overhead across predictable hours. For Houston businesses, 24/7 armed coverage often costs $18,000 to $45,000 per month, depending on staffing model and risk.

What Is Included in the Hourly Rate?

A legitimate armed security rate usually includes:

• Licensed, commissioned officer

• Firearms qualification

• Uniform and equipment

• Insurance coverage

• Supervision and scheduling

• Incident reporting

If a quote seems unusually low, it often excludes one or more of these items.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Overtime

Shifts exceeding 40 hours per week may incur overtime rates.

Holiday or Overnight Premiums

Late-night and holiday coverage often costs more.

Emergency Deployment Fees

Last-minute coverage requests may carry rush fees.

Equipment Add-Ons

Body armor, radios, body cameras, or specialized vehicles may increase cost.

Always request a fully itemized quote.

Why Armed Security Rates Vary So Widely

Two Houston businesses on the same street may receive very different quotes.

That variation comes from:

• Asset value

• Foot traffic

• Incident history

• Insurance requirements

• Required response authority

Security pricing is not commodity pricing. It reflects responsibility, not just time.

Cost vs. Value: The Business Case for Armed Security

Armed security should be viewed as risk management, not just labor cost.

One violent incident, serious injury, or lawsuit can exceed years of professional security expense. According to workplace safety data tracked by OSHA’s guidance on workplace violence prevention, proactive security planning significantly reduces liability exposure.

Houston businesses that invest in trained, compliant armed security often see:

• Fewer incidents

• Lower insurance pressure

• Faster emergency response

• Better employee retention

• Increased customer confidence

How to Get an Accurate Armed Security Quote

To avoid overpaying—or under-protecting—prepare this information:

1. Site location and hours

2. Type of business and assets

3. Prior incidents or concerns

4. Required coverage times

5. Preferred uniform or plainclothes presence

A professional provider will conduct a brief risk review before quoting. Flat pricing without questions is a red flag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What affects armed security pricing most?

Risk level, officer experience, coverage hours, and insurance requirements have the greatest impact on cost.

Is armed security billed hourly or by contract?

Both. Short-term needs are usually hourly. Ongoing protection is often contracted monthly.

Why do armed security rates vary so much?

Because sites vary in risk, liability, and operational demands. Armed security pricing reflects responsibility, not just presence.

Budgeting Armed Security the Right Way

If you are asking how much armed security costs, you are already thinking correctly. Price matters—but so does compliance, training, and accountability.

In Houston, armed security pricing is shaped by real risk and real responsibility. The goal is not to find the cheapest guard, but the right level of protection for your business.

The most effective approach is to treat armed security as part of your overall risk strategy, not a line item to minimize.