GITNUXREPORT 2026

Private Security Guard Industry Statistics

The global private security industry is large and growing, driven by technological adoption and strong regional demand.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

In 2023, there were 1,196,258 security guards employed in the US according to BLS.

Statistic 2

The US security guards workforce is projected to grow 6% from 2022-2032.

Statistic 3

Globally, over 20 million people work in private security as of 2023.

Statistic 4

In the UK, 350,000 individuals were employed in private security in 2023.

Statistic 5

India's private security workforce exceeds 9 million guards in 2023.

Statistic 6

US female security guards make up 22.5% of the workforce in 2023.

Statistic 7

Average age of US security guards is 42 years old per 2023 BLS data.

Statistic 8

South Africa has over 500,000 registered private security officers in 2023.

Statistic 9

In Canada, 85,000 people worked as security guards in 2023.

Statistic 10

Australia employs 120,000 private security personnel in 2023.

Statistic 11

China’s private security guards number over 5.6 million in 2023.

Statistic 12

Median wage for US security guards was $37,070 annually in 2023.

Statistic 13

15% of US security guards are part-time workers as of 2023.

Statistic 14

Germany's private security employs 250,000 people in 2023.

Statistic 15

Brazil has 600,000 private security guards registered in 2023.

Statistic 16

France private security workforce at 170,000 in 2023.

Statistic 17

Japan’s security guards total 1.2 million in 2023.

Statistic 18

UAE employs 100,000 private security personnel in 2023.

Statistic 19

28% of global private security workers have no formal training per 2023 survey.

Statistic 20

US security guard turnover rate averages 40% annually in 2023.

Statistic 21

Mexico private security workforce 400,000 strong in 2023.

Statistic 22

Russia has 800,000 private security employees in 2023.

Statistic 23

Nigeria’s private security guards exceed 200,000 in 2023.

Statistic 24

Singapore security personnel number 35,000 in 2023.

Statistic 25

Italy private security employs 120,000 in 2023.

Statistic 26

Spain’s private security workforce 90,000 in 2023.

Statistic 27

Turkey private security officers 300,000 in 2023.

Statistic 28

Average US security guard works 40 hours per week per BLS 2023.

Statistic 29

The largest private security firms in the US generated $25.4 billion in collective revenue in 2023.

Statistic 30

Allied Universal's revenue reached $18 billion in 2023.

Statistic 31

Securitas AB reported SEK 130 billion in global revenue for 2023.

Statistic 32

G4S (Allied Universal) US revenue $10 billion in 2023.

Statistic 33

Prosegur's worldwide revenue hit €10.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 34

US private security industry profit margin averages 5.2% in 2023.

Statistic 35

UK's private security firms average EBITDA margin of 8% in 2023.

Statistic 36

Global private security M&A deals totaled $5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 37

India's private security companies revenue grew 12% YoY to INR 1.2 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 38

Securitas direct guarding revenue SEK 80 billion in 2023.

Statistic 39

US security services EBITDA for top firms averaged 12% in 2023.

Statistic 40

Brazil private security firms revenue up 10% to BRL 40 billion in 2023.

Statistic 41

Average cost per security guard hour in US $25-35 in 2023.

Statistic 42

South Africa private security revenue ZAR 50 billion with 6% margin in 2023.

Statistic 43

Prosegur cash services revenue €4.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 44

Global private security insurance premiums $2 billion annually in 2023.

Statistic 45

Australia security firms average revenue per employee AUD 150,000 in 2023.

Statistic 46

China's private security top firms revenue CNY 100 billion in 2023.

Statistic 47

France private security EBITDA €1.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 48

US private security payroll expenses 55% of total costs in 2023.

Statistic 49

Securitas technology services revenue SEK 20 billion in 2023.

Statistic 50

Global private security R&D spend $1.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 51

Germany's security firms revenue per guard €50,000 annually in 2023.

Statistic 52

Allied Universal employee benefits cost $2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 53

Japan private security average firm profit 4% in 2023.

Statistic 54

Mexico security services market EBITDA margin 7% in 2023.

Statistic 55

65% of private security firms increased rates by 5-10% in 2023.

Statistic 56

UAE private security top companies revenue AED 5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 57

The global private security services market was valued at USD 248.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2030.

Statistic 58

In the US, the private security industry generated $52.1 billion in revenue in 2023.

Statistic 59

The manned guarding segment accounted for 45% of the global private security market share in 2023.

Statistic 60

Asia Pacific region dominated the private security market with 38% revenue share in 2023 due to urbanization.

Statistic 61

The US private security guard industry is expected to reach $60 billion by 2028.

Statistic 62

Europe's private security market grew by 4.2% annually from 2020-2023.

Statistic 63

The global private security market is forecasted to hit USD 385 billion by 2030.

Statistic 64

In 2023, North America held 35% of the global private security services market.

Statistic 65

India's private security industry market size reached INR 1.2 trillion in FY2023.

Statistic 66

The UK private security sector revenue was £7.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 67

Private security market in China expanded to CNY 500 billion in 2023.

Statistic 68

Latin America's private security market grew 7.1% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 69

Australia’s private security industry revenue hit AUD 10 billion in 2023.

Statistic 70

Middle East private security market valued at USD 15 billion in 2023.

Statistic 71

Canada’s private security services market size was CAD 8.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 72

South Africa private security industry worth ZAR 50 billion in 2023.

Statistic 73

Global private security market CAGR projected at 7.2% through 2032.

Statistic 74

US contract security services market at $45 billion in 2023.

Statistic 75

Brazil's private security market reached BRL 40 billion in 2023.

Statistic 76

Japan's private security sector revenue USD 12 billion in 2023.

Statistic 77

Southeast Asia private security market to grow 8% annually to 2028.

Statistic 78

Germany's private security market €15 billion in 2023.

Statistic 79

Russia private security industry RUB 300 billion in 2023.

Statistic 80

Mexico private security market USD 5.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 81

Turkey's private security sector TRY 20 billion in 2023.

Statistic 82

Nigeria private security market NGN 1 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 83

Singapore private security industry SGD 1.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 84

UAE private security market AED 10 billion in 2023.

Statistic 85

France private security revenue €12 billion in 2023.

Statistic 86

Global private security services market expected to reach USD 300 billion by 2027.

Statistic 87

85% of US states require private security license as of 2023.

Statistic 88

UK's SIA licenses over 350,000 individuals annually in 2023.

Statistic 89

India's PSARA mandates registration for all firms since 2005, 15,000+ licensed 2023.

Statistic 90

South Africa's PSIRA registers 5,500 companies and 580,000 officers in 2023.

Statistic 91

EU PSD2 directive impacts 20% of private security financial guarding 2023.

Statistic 92

US states with armed guard specific training: 40 out of 50 in 2023.

Statistic 93

Australia's licensing under state acts covers 100% of guards since 2008.

Statistic 94

Brazil requires federal CRE contract for armed security, 10,000 firms 2023.

Statistic 95

Canada's provinces regulate via PSISA, 85% compliance 2023.

Statistic 96

France CNAPS oversees 1,700 companies, 170,000 agents in 2023.

Statistic 97

Germany's Gewerbeordnung mandates trade registry for security firms 2023.

Statistic 98

25% of US private security lawsuits related to negligence in 2023.

Statistic 99

UAE SIRA licenses all security firms, 2,000+ active in 2023.

Statistic 100

Mexico's SESNSP regulates 4,000 firms with 400k guards 2023.

Statistic 101

Japan's Security Services Act licenses 5,000 firms, 1.2M guards 2023.

Statistic 102

Turkey's 5188 Law requires ministry approval, 1,200 companies 2023.

Statistic 103

Nigeria's NSCDC certifies 1,000 firms under PS Act 2023.

Statistic 104

Singapore's PLB licenses under Police Act, 1,500 firms 2023.

Statistic 105

12% violation rate in PSIRA audits South Africa 2023.

Statistic 106

EU GDPR fines for security data breaches: €50M in security sector 2023.

Statistic 107

US FLSA overtime rules apply to 95% security guards 2023.

Statistic 108

Italy's Garante licenses 800 firms under Ministry 2023.

Statistic 109

Spain APROSE regulates 900 companies, 90k agents 2023.

Statistic 110

Russia Rosgvardia oversees 8,000 ChOP firms 2023.

Statistic 111

Global avg training hours mandated: 40-80 hrs, US 24 in 35 states 2023.

Statistic 112

30% of private security contracts include liability clauses updated post-COVID 2023.

Statistic 113

42% of AI adoption in private security for surveillance by 2023.

Statistic 114

Drones used in 25% of large-scale private security operations globally in 2023.

Statistic 115

Biometric access control implemented in 35% of US commercial buildings secured privately in 2023.

Statistic 116

Cloud-based security management systems grew 22% in adoption 2023.

Statistic 117

Video analytics market for security reached $15 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 118

55% of private security firms use body-worn cameras in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 119

IoT devices in private security deployments up 30% YoY to 500 million units in 2023.

Statistic 120

Facial recognition tech used by 40% of airport private security in 2023.

Statistic 121

Cybersecurity services bundled with physical security in 28% of contracts 2023.

Statistic 122

Robotic patrols deployed in 15% of warehouses secured by private firms in 2023.

Statistic 123

Mobile apps for guard management adopted by 60% of mid-size firms in 2023.

Statistic 124

5G integration in security comms used by 20% of enterprises in 2023.

Statistic 125

Predictive analytics reduced false alarms by 40% in adopting firms 2023.

Statistic 126

Smart glasses for guards trialed in 10% of US firms in 2023.

Statistic 127

Blockchain for access logs piloted in 5% of high-security sites 2023.

Statistic 128

VR training modules used by 18% of global security trainers in 2023.

Statistic 129

Gunshot detection systems installed in 12% of US schools by private security 2023.

Statistic 130

Edge computing in CCTV reduced latency by 50% for 25% users in 2023.

Statistic 131

Thermal imaging drones adoption up 35% in perimeter security 2023.

Statistic 132

NFC/RFID badges still dominate at 80% but QR codes up to 15% in 2023.

Statistic 133

AI-powered threat detection software licensed by 30% firms in 2023.

Statistic 134

License plate recognition cams in 45% parking lots secured privately 2023.

Statistic 135

Wireless sensors network growth 28% in building security 2023.

Statistic 136

Augmented reality overlays in guard training 8% adoption 2023.

Statistic 137

Quantum encryption trials in 2% high-end private security 2023.

Statistic 138

Big data analytics for risk assessment in 22% enterprise contracts 2023.

Statistic 139

70% of private security firms plan AI investment in next 2 years per 2023 survey.

Statistic 140

Digital twins for site modeling used in 10% mega-projects 2023.

Statistic 141

Haptic feedback vests for remote guard oversight 3% pilot 2023.

Statistic 142

55% of security video now AI-enhanced per 2023 stats.

Statistic 143

Swarm drone tech tested in 5% border security contracts 2023.

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While a quarter-trillion-dollar industry keeping watch over the globe, the private security guard sector is rapidly evolving far beyond traditional manned posts into a high-tech, regulated, and strategically vital field.

Key Takeaways

The global private security services market was valued at USD 248.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2030.
In the US, the private security industry generated $52.1 billion in revenue in 2023.
The manned guarding segment accounted for 45% of the global private security market share in 2023.
In 2023, there were 1,196,258 security guards employed in the US according to BLS.
The US security guards workforce is projected to grow 6% from 2022-2032.
Globally, over 20 million people work in private security as of 2023.
The largest private security firms in the US generated $25.4 billion in collective revenue in 2023.
Allied Universal's revenue reached $18 billion in 2023.
Securitas AB reported SEK 130 billion in global revenue for 2023.
42% of AI adoption in private security for surveillance by 2023.
Drones used in 25% of large-scale private security operations globally in 2023.
Biometric access control implemented in 35% of US commercial buildings secured privately in 2023.
85% of US states require private security license as of 2023.
UK's SIA licenses over 350,000 individuals annually in 2023.
India's PSARA mandates registration for all firms since 2005, 15,000+ licensed 2023.

The global private security industry is large and growing, driven by technological adoption and strong regional demand.

Employment Statistics

In 2023, there were 1,196,258 security guards employed in the US according to BLS.
The US security guards workforce is projected to grow 6% from 2022-2032.
Globally, over 20 million people work in private security as of 2023.
In the UK, 350,000 individuals were employed in private security in 2023.
India's private security workforce exceeds 9 million guards in 2023.
US female security guards make up 22.5% of the workforce in 2023.
Average age of US security guards is 42 years old per 2023 BLS data.
South Africa has over 500,000 registered private security officers in 2023.
In Canada, 85,000 people worked as security guards in 2023.
Australia employs 120,000 private security personnel in 2023.
China’s private security guards number over 5.6 million in 2023.
Median wage for US security guards was $37,070 annually in 2023.
15% of US security guards are part-time workers as of 2023.
Germany's private security employs 250,000 people in 2023.
Brazil has 600,000 private security guards registered in 2023.
France private security workforce at 170,000 in 2023.
Japan’s security guards total 1.2 million in 2023.
UAE employs 100,000 private security personnel in 2023.
28% of global private security workers have no formal training per 2023 survey.
US security guard turnover rate averages 40% annually in 2023.
Mexico private security workforce 400,000 strong in 2023.
Russia has 800,000 private security employees in 2023.
Nigeria’s private security guards exceed 200,000 in 2023.
Singapore security personnel number 35,000 in 2023.
Italy private security employs 120,000 in 2023.
Spain’s private security workforce 90,000 in 2023.
Turkey private security officers 300,000 in 2023.
Average US security guard works 40 hours per week per BLS 2023.

Employment Statistics Interpretation

The world is guarded by an army of over 20 million, which is growing steadily yet is often underpaid and undertrained, revealing that security is a global necessity built on a foundation of quiet, professional vigilance mixed with precarious turnover.

Financial Performance

The largest private security firms in the US generated $25.4 billion in collective revenue in 2023.
Allied Universal's revenue reached $18 billion in 2023.
Securitas AB reported SEK 130 billion in global revenue for 2023.
G4S (Allied Universal) US revenue $10 billion in 2023.
Prosegur's worldwide revenue hit €10.2 billion in 2023.
US private security industry profit margin averages 5.2% in 2023.
UK's private security firms average EBITDA margin of 8% in 2023.
Global private security M&A deals totaled $5 billion in 2023.
India's private security companies revenue grew 12% YoY to INR 1.2 trillion in 2023.
Securitas direct guarding revenue SEK 80 billion in 2023.
US security services EBITDA for top firms averaged 12% in 2023.
Brazil private security firms revenue up 10% to BRL 40 billion in 2023.
Average cost per security guard hour in US $25-35 in 2023.
South Africa private security revenue ZAR 50 billion with 6% margin in 2023.
Prosegur cash services revenue €4.5 billion in 2023.
Global private security insurance premiums $2 billion annually in 2023.
Australia security firms average revenue per employee AUD 150,000 in 2023.
China's private security top firms revenue CNY 100 billion in 2023.
France private security EBITDA €1.2 billion in 2023.
US private security payroll expenses 55% of total costs in 2023.
Securitas technology services revenue SEK 20 billion in 2023.
Global private security R&D spend $1.5 billion in 2023.
Germany's security firms revenue per guard €50,000 annually in 2023.
Allied Universal employee benefits cost $2 billion in 2023.
Japan private security average firm profit 4% in 2023.
Mexico security services market EBITDA margin 7% in 2023.
65% of private security firms increased rates by 5-10% in 2023.
UAE private security top companies revenue AED 5 billion in 2023.

Financial Performance Interpretation

In the vast and vital realm of private security, where giants like Allied Universal command staggering revenues, the global story is one of immense scale but razor-thin margins, proving that protecting the world is a high-volume, low-margin business where even the biggest guards watch their pennies.

Market Size and Growth

The global private security services market was valued at USD 248.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2030.
In the US, the private security industry generated $52.1 billion in revenue in 2023.
The manned guarding segment accounted for 45% of the global private security market share in 2023.
Asia Pacific region dominated the private security market with 38% revenue share in 2023 due to urbanization.
The US private security guard industry is expected to reach $60 billion by 2028.
Europe's private security market grew by 4.2% annually from 2020-2023.
The global private security market is forecasted to hit USD 385 billion by 2030.
In 2023, North America held 35% of the global private security services market.
India's private security industry market size reached INR 1.2 trillion in FY2023.
The UK private security sector revenue was £7.5 billion in 2023.
Private security market in China expanded to CNY 500 billion in 2023.
Latin America's private security market grew 7.1% YoY in 2023.
Australia’s private security industry revenue hit AUD 10 billion in 2023.
Middle East private security market valued at USD 15 billion in 2023.
Canada’s private security services market size was CAD 8.2 billion in 2023.
South Africa private security industry worth ZAR 50 billion in 2023.
Global private security market CAGR projected at 7.2% through 2032.
US contract security services market at $45 billion in 2023.
Brazil's private security market reached BRL 40 billion in 2023.
Japan's private security sector revenue USD 12 billion in 2023.
Southeast Asia private security market to grow 8% annually to 2028.
Germany's private security market €15 billion in 2023.
Russia private security industry RUB 300 billion in 2023.
Mexico private security market USD 5.5 billion in 2023.
Turkey's private security sector TRY 20 billion in 2023.
Nigeria private security market NGN 1 trillion in 2023.
Singapore private security industry SGD 1.5 billion in 2023.
UAE private security market AED 10 billion in 2023.
France private security revenue €12 billion in 2023.
Global private security services market expected to reach USD 300 billion by 2027.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

The world is increasingly paying a quarter-trillion-dollar annual premium to feel safe, proving that peace of mind is now one of our most valuable and rapidly growing global commodities.

Regulatory and Legal Aspects

85% of US states require private security license as of 2023.
UK's SIA licenses over 350,000 individuals annually in 2023.
India's PSARA mandates registration for all firms since 2005, 15,000+ licensed 2023.
South Africa's PSIRA registers 5,500 companies and 580,000 officers in 2023.
EU PSD2 directive impacts 20% of private security financial guarding 2023.
US states with armed guard specific training: 40 out of 50 in 2023.
Australia's licensing under state acts covers 100% of guards since 2008.
Brazil requires federal CRE contract for armed security, 10,000 firms 2023.
Canada's provinces regulate via PSISA, 85% compliance 2023.
France CNAPS oversees 1,700 companies, 170,000 agents in 2023.
Germany's Gewerbeordnung mandates trade registry for security firms 2023.
25% of US private security lawsuits related to negligence in 2023.
UAE SIRA licenses all security firms, 2,000+ active in 2023.
Mexico's SESNSP regulates 4,000 firms with 400k guards 2023.
Japan's Security Services Act licenses 5,000 firms, 1.2M guards 2023.
Turkey's 5188 Law requires ministry approval, 1,200 companies 2023.
Nigeria's NSCDC certifies 1,000 firms under PS Act 2023.
Singapore's PLB licenses under Police Act, 1,500 firms 2023.
12% violation rate in PSIRA audits South Africa 2023.
EU GDPR fines for security data breaches: €50M in security sector 2023.
US FLSA overtime rules apply to 95% security guards 2023.
Italy's Garante licenses 800 firms under Ministry 2023.
Spain APROSE regulates 900 companies, 90k agents 2023.
Russia Rosgvardia oversees 8,000 ChOP firms 2023.
Global avg training hours mandated: 40-80 hrs, US 24 in 35 states 2023.
30% of private security contracts include liability clauses updated post-COVID 2023.

Regulatory and Legal Aspects Interpretation

Globally, nations are tightening the gated community of regulations, but whether the padlock of licensing clicks shut on negligence or just paperwork remains the industry's billion-dollar question.

Technological Advancements

42% of AI adoption in private security for surveillance by 2023.
Drones used in 25% of large-scale private security operations globally in 2023.
Biometric access control implemented in 35% of US commercial buildings secured privately in 2023.
Cloud-based security management systems grew 22% in adoption 2023.
Video analytics market for security reached $15 billion globally in 2023.
55% of private security firms use body-worn cameras in 2023 surveys.
IoT devices in private security deployments up 30% YoY to 500 million units in 2023.
Facial recognition tech used by 40% of airport private security in 2023.
Cybersecurity services bundled with physical security in 28% of contracts 2023.
Robotic patrols deployed in 15% of warehouses secured by private firms in 2023.
Mobile apps for guard management adopted by 60% of mid-size firms in 2023.
5G integration in security comms used by 20% of enterprises in 2023.
Predictive analytics reduced false alarms by 40% in adopting firms 2023.
Smart glasses for guards trialed in 10% of US firms in 2023.
Blockchain for access logs piloted in 5% of high-security sites 2023.
VR training modules used by 18% of global security trainers in 2023.
Gunshot detection systems installed in 12% of US schools by private security 2023.
Edge computing in CCTV reduced latency by 50% for 25% users in 2023.
Thermal imaging drones adoption up 35% in perimeter security 2023.
NFC/RFID badges still dominate at 80% but QR codes up to 15% in 2023.
AI-powered threat detection software licensed by 30% firms in 2023.
License plate recognition cams in 45% parking lots secured privately 2023.
Wireless sensors network growth 28% in building security 2023.
Augmented reality overlays in guard training 8% adoption 2023.
Quantum encryption trials in 2% high-end private security 2023.
Big data analytics for risk assessment in 22% enterprise contracts 2023.
70% of private security firms plan AI investment in next 2 years per 2023 survey.
Digital twins for site modeling used in 10% mega-projects 2023.
Haptic feedback vests for remote guard oversight 3% pilot 2023.
55% of security video now AI-enhanced per 2023 stats.
Swarm drone tech tested in 5% border security contracts 2023.

Technological Advancements Interpretation

The future of private security looks less like a nightstick and more like a symphony of silicon, where the guard's most powerful tool is a dashboard and their backup might be a swarm of drones, but at least the false alarms are finally getting the memo.

Sources & References

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