NAICS 561612 Quarterly Industry Report
Security Guards and Patrol Services
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 561612Sector: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (56)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry profile for Security Guards and Patrol Services (NAICS 561612) draws on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6], U.S. Census Bureau, and SBA size standards database[7]. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, it provides valuation professionals, security industry analysts, and business brokers with current market data. The editorial analysis reflects the independent assessment of FairMarketValue.com's research team, with all quantitative claims sourced to publicly verifiable databases.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the security guards and patrol services industry.
Share of Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
2.3%
By establishment count, 2022 Census[2]
NAICS Sector
56
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
Industry Definition & Overview
Security Guards and Patrol Services (NAICS 561612) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in providing guard and patrol services, such as bodyguard, guard dog, parking security, and security guard services per the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. This sector represents one of America's largest employment categories, with about 1.3 million security guards holding positions as of 2024.
About 7,361 establishments employ over 753,000 workers, generating roughly $21.8 billion in annual payroll per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]. Companies range from single-owner operations to major national firms managing thousands of contract assignments. Payroll represents the largest operational expense, typically accounting for 70 to 80 percent of revenue. Labor-intensive operations create thin margins that reward firms with efficient scheduling and low turnover.
Steady demand comes from retail loss prevention, commercial building access control, hospital security, event management, and industrial site protection. About 162,300 average annual job openings are projected through 2034, driven primarily by worker turnover rather than industry growth. Technology integration, including surveillance cameras, access control systems, and mobile communication platforms, has expanded the scope of guard responsibilities. Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], the size standard is $25.0 million in average annual receipts. Regional wage variation directly impacts profitability, with coastal markets paying considerably more than interior states.
What's Included in This Industry
- On-site security guard services for commercial and industrial clients
- Roving patrol and mobile security services
- Access control and entry management
- Loss prevention and retail theft detection
- Bodyguard and personal protection services
- Guard dog and canine security services
- Parking lot and garage security
- Event security and crowd management
- Fire watch and emergency response standby
- Traffic control and site safety services
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 56 |
| Subsector | Administrative and Support Services | 561 |
| Industry Group | Investigation and Security Services | 5616 |
| NAICS Industry | Investigation, Guard, and Armored Car Services | 56161 |
| National Industry | Security Guards and Patrol Services | 561612 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 561611 | Investigation and Personal Background Check Services | Investigation Services conduct off-site detective work and background checks, while security guards provide on-site physical presence and immediate threat response at protected locations |
| 561613 | Armored Car Services | Armored Car Services specialize in armed currency and asset transport, while security guards protect fixed locations and provide general surveillance for property and people |
| 561621 | Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) | Security Systems Services install and monitor alarm systems that complement guard services, creating layered protection combining electronic surveillance with human personnel |
| 561622 | Locksmiths | Locksmiths install and service physical locking devices that guards interact with daily when managing access control and building security at client sites |
| 561210 | Facilities Support Services | Facilities Support Services include security as one component alongside cleaning and maintenance, while guard firms specialize exclusively in personnel-based protection |
| 922120 | Police Protection | Police Protection by public agencies has arrest authority and criminal jurisdiction, while private security guards focus on deterrence, observation, and client property protection |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 19.6% | 2,085 |
| 2 | Texas | 9.3% | 988 |
| 3 | Florida | 8.9% | 954 |
| 4 | New York | 7.1% | 759 |
| 5 | Virginia | 3.5% | 368 |
| 6 | Illinois | 3.2% | 342 |
| 7 | Georgia | 3.1% | 328 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 2.9% | 310 |
| 9 | Maryland | 2.7% | 286 |
| 10 | Washington | 2.2% | 234 |
% Of Establishments
0%
20%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
1,056
Total SBA Loans
$354.0M
Total Loan Volume
$335K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
11.06%
Average Interest Rate
39,312
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], Security Guards and Patrol Services (NAICS 561612) has a size standard of $25.0 million in average annual receipts for federal contracting purposes. SBA 7(a) loans[8] support vehicle acquisition, training programs, technology upgrades, and working capital for qualifying firms. The labor-intensive nature of the business creates significant working capital needs, as guard payroll must be funded before client payments are received. Additionally, 504/CDC loans[9] provide long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets such as real estate and equipment.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 264 | $85.3M | $323K |
| 2 | Truliant FCU | 8 | $33.8M | $4.2M |
| 3 | Northeast Bank | 168 | $33.4M | $199K |
| 4 | FirstBank | 8 | $32.8M | $4.1M |
| 5 | Live Oak Banking Company | 32 | $27.2M | $849K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses operate as security guard services?
Companies range from single-owner firms to national contract security providers managing thousands of guards. About 7,361 establishments operate nationally per the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. Specializations include retail loss prevention, hospital security, event management, executive protection, and industrial site security.
How is the security guard industry structured?
Over 753,000 workers generate about $21.8 billion in annual payroll per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]. Payroll typically accounts for 70 to 80 percent of revenue. About 162,300 annual job openings are projected through 2034. National firms compete with regional and local operators for contract assignments.
What is the SBA size standard for Security Guard Services?
Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], NAICS 561612 has a size standard of $25.0 million in average annual receipts. This determines eligibility for SBA loans, federal contracting set-asides, and small business programs.
What NAICS codes are related to security guard services?
Related codes include NAICS 561611 (Investigation), NAICS 561613 (Armored Car), NAICS 561621 (Security Systems), NAICS 561622 (Locksmiths), and NAICS 561210 (Facilities Support) per the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. Each handles a distinct security function.
Which industries employ the most security guards?
Retail stores, hospitals, hotels, office buildings, schools, manufacturing facilities, and government installations represent the largest client sectors. Retail loss prevention and hospital emergency room security generate particularly high guard volumes.
What activities are included in NAICS 561612?
Core activities include on-site guarding, roving patrol, access control, loss prevention, bodyguard services, guard dog deployment, parking security, event security, fire watch, and traffic control per the U.S. Census Bureau[5].
Can security guard businesses get SBA loans?
Yes, firms meeting the $25.0 million size standard qualify for SBA 7(a) loans[8] covering vehicle fleets, training programs, technology, and working capital. The labor-intensive business model creates significant working capital needs that SBA financing addresses.
Which states have the highest concentration of security guard services?
California, Texas, Florida, and New York lead in guard employment per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]. Metropolitan areas with dense commercial real estate, large hospital networks, and major retail concentrations drive the strongest guard demand.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [7]SBA Table of Size Standards sba.gov
- [8]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [9]504/CDC loans sba.gov
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