Answers · UK 2025/26

What is the take-home pay for a security guard in the UK?

Pay for a security guard in the UK varies widely: roughly £21,000-£23,000 for a standard static or mobile security guard up to £28,000-£32,000 for a supervisor or specialist role such as close protection or a licensed door supervisor in a high-demand area. On a representative salary of £25,500 in 2026/27, take-home pay after Income Tax (£2,586.00) and National Insurance (£1,034.40) is £21,879.60 a year, or about £1,823.30 a month.

Last updated: 3 July 2026Last reviewed: 3 July 2026How we verify

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Pay for a security guard in the UK ranges roughly £21,000-£23,000 for a standard static or mobile security guard up to £28,000-£32,000 for a supervisor or specialist role such as close protection or a licensed door supervisor in a high-demand area, depending on experience, location and employer. Taking a representative salary of £25,500 for 2026/27: taxable income after the £12,570 Personal Allowance is £12,930, all within the 20% basic rate band, giving £2,586.00 Income Tax. National Insurance is 8% on earnings between the £12,570 Primary Threshold and the £50,270 Upper Earnings Limit, coming to £1,034.40. Combined deductions of £3,620.40 leave £21,879.60 take-home pay a year, around £1,823.30 a month. Security guard pay usually reflects the Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence type held and the specific contract -- retail and static site guarding tends to pay closer to the National Living Wage, while specialist licensed roles (door supervision, close protection) and night-shift or weekend contracts typically pay a premium. Many security roles involve substantial unsociable hours, which increases gross pay through shift allowances but does not change the underlying Income Tax and National Insurance rates applied. Use the Take-Home Pay calculator to model your own exact salary and deductions.