GITNUXREPORT 2026

Guard Services Industry Statistics

The global guard services industry is rapidly expanding due to rising demand worldwide.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

The U.S. security services industry employed 1.1 million people in 2023.

Statistic 2

Globally, private security workforce numbered 20 million in 2023, double public police.

Statistic 3

UK security industry employed 420,000 guards in 2023.

Statistic 4

In India, 7.5 million security guards were employed in 2023.

Statistic 5

U.S. security guards average hourly wage $17.23 in 2023.

Statistic 6

Europe private security personnel totaled 2.1 million in 2022.

Statistic 7

Australia security officers employment 150,000 in 2024.

Statistic 8

Brazil security guard workforce 700,000 in 2023.

Statistic 9

South Africa employed 580,000 security officers in 2023, ratio 1:60 to population.

Statistic 10

Canada security guards number 120,000 in 2023.

Statistic 11

Global female representation in security guards 15% in 2023.

Statistic 12

U.S. security supervisors employment 180,000 in 2023.

Statistic 13

Turnover rate in U.S. security industry 45% annually in 2023.

Statistic 14

Average age of security guards in UK 44 years in 2023.

Statistic 15

India security guards average salary INR 15,000/month in 2023.

Statistic 16

65% of global security guards lack formal training in 2023.

Statistic 17

U.S. part-time security guards 28% of workforce in 2023.

Statistic 18

China private security firms employ 5.8 million guards in 2023.

Statistic 19

Germany security personnel 250,000 in 2023.

Statistic 20

France SIA-licensed guards 170,000 in 2023.

Statistic 21

Japan security guards 1.2 million in 2023.

Statistic 22

The global private security services market was valued at USD 242.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 383.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%.

Statistic 23

In the United States, the security services industry revenue reached $54.7 billion in 2024, up 3.8% from 2023.

Statistic 24

Europe's guard services market size stood at €45.6 billion in 2022, expected to grow to €58.9 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 4.4%.

Statistic 25

Asia-Pacific private security market valued $68.4 billion in 2023, with a forecasted CAGR of 7.1% through 2030.

Statistic 26

The manned guarding segment accounted for 58% of the global security services market revenue in 2023.

Statistic 27

U.S. security guard services subsector revenue hit $28.9 billion in 2023, representing 53% of total industry revenue.

Statistic 28

Global security services market CAGR from 2023-2030 projected at 6.8%, driven by rising urbanization.

Statistic 29

In 2024, the UK private security industry market size was £7.2 billion, growing 2.9% annually.

Statistic 30

Latin America's guard services market reached $12.3 billion in 2023, with Brazil contributing 42%.

Statistic 31

Middle East security services market valued at $18.7 billion in 2023, CAGR 5.9% to 2030.

Statistic 32

Canada’s guard services industry revenue was CAD 4.8 billion in 2023, up 4.1% YoY.

Statistic 33

Australia private security market size $5.6 billion AUD in 2024, projected CAGR 4.7%.

Statistic 34

India manned security services market $8.2 billion USD in 2023, growing at 12% CAGR.

Statistic 35

South Africa security services revenue R120 billion in 2023, 6.2% growth.

Statistic 36

Global security services market share of top 10 companies was 22% in 2023.

Statistic 37

U.S. contract security services revenue $45.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 38

China's private security market $25.4 billion in 2023, CAGR 8.5%.

Statistic 39

Security services market in Germany €12.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 40

France guard services market €9.8 billion in 2023, 3.5% growth.

Statistic 41

Japan private security industry ¥2.1 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 42

North America holds 35% of global security services market in 2023.

Statistic 43

Asia-Pacific region accounted for 28% of global private security revenue in 2023.

Statistic 44

Europe security services market share 25% globally in 2023.

Statistic 45

Middle East & Africa 12% of world security market in 2023.

Statistic 46

Latin America private security penetration rate 1 guard per 250 people in 2023.

Statistic 47

U.S. dominates North America with 92% market share in 2023.

Statistic 48

China leads Asia with 35% regional market share in 2023.

Statistic 49

UK holds 18% of European security market in 2023.

Statistic 50

UAE security services growth 7.2% in Middle East 2023.

Statistic 51

Brazil 55% of Latin America security revenue in 2023.

Statistic 52

South Africa 42% of African security market in 2023.

Statistic 53

Australia 75% of Oceania security market in 2024.

Statistic 54

India security market penetration 1:400 population ratio in 2023.

Statistic 55

Germany 22% European market leader in 2023.

Statistic 56

Saudi Arabia 28% Middle East security revenue in 2023.

Statistic 57

Mexico 25% Latin security market in 2023.

Statistic 58

Nigeria growing at 9% in Africa security 2023.

Statistic 59

Canada 8% North America security share in 2023.

Statistic 60

Japan 40% East Asia security market in 2023.

Statistic 61

U.S. security firms 75% SIA members comply with regulations in 2023.

Statistic 62

UK SIA license holders 350,000 guards vetted in 2023.

Statistic 63

EU GDPR impacts 40% security data handling in 2023.

Statistic 64

India PSARA compliance 60% firms in 2023.

Statistic 65

Australia licensing under 65% enforcement in 2023.

Statistic 66

Brazil security firm registration 85% compliant 2023.

Statistic 67

South Africa PSiRA registered 5,500 firms in 2023.

Statistic 68

Canada provincial licensing covers 90% guards 2023.

Statistic 69

China security law mandates training for all 5.8M guards 2023.

Statistic 70

Germany WaffG arms regulation for 20% armed guards 2023.

Statistic 71

France CNAPS audits 12,000 firms annually 2023.

Statistic 72

Japan Security Business Act covers 10,000 firms 2023.

Statistic 73

U.S. state licensing varies, 42 states require guard cards 2023.

Statistic 74

Global insurance mandates cover 88% security contracts 2023.

Statistic 75

OSHA safety violations 1,200 in security sites 2023.

Statistic 76

BSIA standards adopted by 70% UK firms 2023.

Statistic 77

ASIS international certifications held by 45,000 pros 2023.

Statistic 78

ISO 18788 compliance 15% global firms 2023.

Statistic 79

Background checks mandatory in 80% contracts 2023.

Statistic 80

Data privacy fines $50M in security sector 2023.

Statistic 81

42% of security firms adopted AI surveillance by 2023.

Statistic 82

Biometric access control usage in guards up 35% in 2023.

Statistic 83

Drone usage in security patrols increased 28% globally 2023.

Statistic 84

Cloud-based security management systems 55% adoption in 2023.

Statistic 85

Cyber-physical security integration rose 40% in 2023.

Statistic 86

Wearable tech for guards used by 22% firms in 2023.

Statistic 87

Video analytics market for security $12B in 2023.

Statistic 88

Mobile patrol apps adoption 60% in urban areas 2023.

Statistic 89

IoT sensors in security sites 45% penetration 2023.

Statistic 90

Remote monitoring services grew 15% in 2023.

Statistic 91

Facial recognition tech disputes 18% of deployments 2023.

Statistic 92

Predictive analytics for threat detection 30% adoption 2023.

Statistic 93

Robot guards deployed in 5% sites globally 2023.

Statistic 94

5G integration in security comms 12% in 2023.

Statistic 95

VR training for guards 8% firm usage 2023.

Statistic 96

Blockchain for access logs 3% adoption 2023.

Statistic 97

AR glasses for patrols trialed by 4% companies 2023.

Statistic 98

Edge computing in CCTV 25% rollout 2023.

Statistic 99

Big data analytics threat prediction 20% use 2023.

Statistic 100

Sustainable security tech 15% priority in 2023.

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Hidden in plain sight, the guard services industry is a global economic powerhouse quietly approaching half a trillion dollars in value, reshaping safety and security as we know it.

Key Takeaways

The global private security services market was valued at USD 242.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 383.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%.
In the United States, the security services industry revenue reached $54.7 billion in 2024, up 3.8% from 2023.
Europe's guard services market size stood at €45.6 billion in 2022, expected to grow to €58.9 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 4.4%.
The U.S. security services industry employed 1.1 million people in 2023.
Globally, private security workforce numbered 20 million in 2023, double public police.
UK security industry employed 420,000 guards in 2023.
North America holds 35% of global security services market in 2023.
Asia-Pacific region accounted for 28% of global private security revenue in 2023.
Europe security services market share 25% globally in 2023.
42% of security firms adopted AI surveillance by 2023.
Biometric access control usage in guards up 35% in 2023.
Drone usage in security patrols increased 28% globally 2023.
U.S. security firms 75% SIA members comply with regulations in 2023.
UK SIA license holders 350,000 guards vetted in 2023.
EU GDPR impacts 40% security data handling in 2023.

The global guard services industry is rapidly expanding due to rising demand worldwide.

Employment and Workforce

The U.S. security services industry employed 1.1 million people in 2023.
Globally, private security workforce numbered 20 million in 2023, double public police.
UK security industry employed 420,000 guards in 2023.
In India, 7.5 million security guards were employed in 2023.
U.S. security guards average hourly wage $17.23 in 2023.
Europe private security personnel totaled 2.1 million in 2022.
Australia security officers employment 150,000 in 2024.
Brazil security guard workforce 700,000 in 2023.
South Africa employed 580,000 security officers in 2023, ratio 1:60 to population.
Canada security guards number 120,000 in 2023.
Global female representation in security guards 15% in 2023.
U.S. security supervisors employment 180,000 in 2023.
Turnover rate in U.S. security industry 45% annually in 2023.
Average age of security guards in UK 44 years in 2023.
India security guards average salary INR 15,000/month in 2023.
65% of global security guards lack formal training in 2023.
U.S. part-time security guards 28% of workforce in 2023.
China private security firms employ 5.8 million guards in 2023.
Germany security personnel 250,000 in 2023.
France SIA-licensed guards 170,000 in 2023.
Japan security guards 1.2 million in 2023.

Employment and Workforce Interpretation

While the world deploys an army of private guardians larger than most militaries, their watch is often underpaid, undertrained, and subject to a revolving door, revealing a globe under both protection and profound economic strain.

Market Size and Growth

The global private security services market was valued at USD 242.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 383.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%.
In the United States, the security services industry revenue reached $54.7 billion in 2024, up 3.8% from 2023.
Europe's guard services market size stood at €45.6 billion in 2022, expected to grow to €58.9 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 4.4%.
Asia-Pacific private security market valued $68.4 billion in 2023, with a forecasted CAGR of 7.1% through 2030.
The manned guarding segment accounted for 58% of the global security services market revenue in 2023.
U.S. security guard services subsector revenue hit $28.9 billion in 2023, representing 53% of total industry revenue.
Global security services market CAGR from 2023-2030 projected at 6.8%, driven by rising urbanization.
In 2024, the UK private security industry market size was £7.2 billion, growing 2.9% annually.
Latin America's guard services market reached $12.3 billion in 2023, with Brazil contributing 42%.
Middle East security services market valued at $18.7 billion in 2023, CAGR 5.9% to 2030.
Canada’s guard services industry revenue was CAD 4.8 billion in 2023, up 4.1% YoY.
Australia private security market size $5.6 billion AUD in 2024, projected CAGR 4.7%.
India manned security services market $8.2 billion USD in 2023, growing at 12% CAGR.
South Africa security services revenue R120 billion in 2023, 6.2% growth.
Global security services market share of top 10 companies was 22% in 2023.
U.S. contract security services revenue $45.2 billion in 2023.
China's private security market $25.4 billion in 2023, CAGR 8.5%.
Security services market in Germany €12.1 billion in 2023.
France guard services market €9.8 billion in 2023, 3.5% growth.
Japan private security industry ¥2.1 trillion in 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

The world is investing nearly a trillion dollars in an army of watchful eyes, proving that while trust is in short supply, paying someone to keep an eye on things is a global growth industry.

Regional Distribution

North America holds 35% of global security services market in 2023.
Asia-Pacific region accounted for 28% of global private security revenue in 2023.
Europe security services market share 25% globally in 2023.
Middle East & Africa 12% of world security market in 2023.
Latin America private security penetration rate 1 guard per 250 people in 2023.
U.S. dominates North America with 92% market share in 2023.
China leads Asia with 35% regional market share in 2023.
UK holds 18% of European security market in 2023.
UAE security services growth 7.2% in Middle East 2023.
Brazil 55% of Latin America security revenue in 2023.
South Africa 42% of African security market in 2023.
Australia 75% of Oceania security market in 2024.
India security market penetration 1:400 population ratio in 2023.
Germany 22% European market leader in 2023.
Saudi Arabia 28% Middle East security revenue in 2023.
Mexico 25% Latin security market in 2023.
Nigeria growing at 9% in Africa security 2023.
Canada 8% North America security share in 2023.
Japan 40% East Asia security market in 2023.

Regional Distribution Interpretation

While North America still flexes its security muscle globally, the real story is a world of fiercely competitive regional champions, from Germany's European dominance to Nigeria's explosive growth, proving that safety is both a universal concern and a deeply local business.

Regulatory and Compliance

U.S. security firms 75% SIA members comply with regulations in 2023.
UK SIA license holders 350,000 guards vetted in 2023.
EU GDPR impacts 40% security data handling in 2023.
India PSARA compliance 60% firms in 2023.
Australia licensing under 65% enforcement in 2023.
Brazil security firm registration 85% compliant 2023.
South Africa PSiRA registered 5,500 firms in 2023.
Canada provincial licensing covers 90% guards 2023.
China security law mandates training for all 5.8M guards 2023.
Germany WaffG arms regulation for 20% armed guards 2023.
France CNAPS audits 12,000 firms annually 2023.
Japan Security Business Act covers 10,000 firms 2023.
U.S. state licensing varies, 42 states require guard cards 2023.
Global insurance mandates cover 88% security contracts 2023.
OSHA safety violations 1,200 in security sites 2023.
BSIA standards adopted by 70% UK firms 2023.
ASIS international certifications held by 45,000 pros 2023.
ISO 18788 compliance 15% global firms 2023.
Background checks mandatory in 80% contracts 2023.
Data privacy fines $50M in security sector 2023.

Regulatory and Compliance Interpretation

In a year where the security industry's patchwork of compliance resembled a game of global Whac-A-Mole, the smart firms were the ones who realized that dodging a $50 million fine or an audit is far cheaper than the best armed guard.

Trends and Technology

42% of security firms adopted AI surveillance by 2023.
Biometric access control usage in guards up 35% in 2023.
Drone usage in security patrols increased 28% globally 2023.
Cloud-based security management systems 55% adoption in 2023.
Cyber-physical security integration rose 40% in 2023.
Wearable tech for guards used by 22% firms in 2023.
Video analytics market for security $12B in 2023.
Mobile patrol apps adoption 60% in urban areas 2023.
IoT sensors in security sites 45% penetration 2023.
Remote monitoring services grew 15% in 2023.
Facial recognition tech disputes 18% of deployments 2023.
Predictive analytics for threat detection 30% adoption 2023.
Robot guards deployed in 5% sites globally 2023.
5G integration in security comms 12% in 2023.
VR training for guards 8% firm usage 2023.
Blockchain for access logs 3% adoption 2023.
AR glasses for patrols trialed by 4% companies 2023.
Edge computing in CCTV 25% rollout 2023.
Big data analytics threat prediction 20% use 2023.
Sustainable security tech 15% priority in 2023.

Trends and Technology Interpretation

The security industry is now a tech stack with a pulse, where guards are becoming more like mission control operators, overseeing a fleet of drones, algorithms, and data streams, all while occasionally dealing with a cranky robot or a privacy lawsuit about its facial recognition.

Sources & References

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