Event and venue security team
Supply licensed guards for parties, markets, bars and local events, paid by the shift.
- $2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
11,104 US businesses with employees in this field, +4.2% in a year
NAICS 561612 “Security guards and patrol services”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small team of guards you schedule for events and venues. They handle entry checks, crowd flow, and keeping the peace, working under your company's license.
Your first three steps
- Check your state's licensing board for company and guard license rules, and whether event or crowd work needs extra training
- Set up an LLC with an EIN and get general liability insurance that covers event work
- Contact local venues, promoters and event planners, and offer to staff one event so they can see your team
Who pays
Event organizers, bars and restaurants, venues, festivals, churches, schools and private party hosts.
How it makes money
You bill clients an hourly rate per guard, usually with a minimum number of hours per event, and pay your guards a lower hourly wage.
Skills that help
- Scheduling and organizing people
- Calm, firm communication
- Managing and vetting staff
- Handling clients and quotes
Watch out for
- State licensing for the company and every guard, so check before putting anyone on a shift
- Check whether your guards count as employees, which affects payroll taxes and workers' compensation
- Liquor-serving venues may have extra rules and insurance requirements, so check with your city or county
- No-shows and last-minute cancellations, so build a reliable bench of guards
- Liability if an incident happens, so keep clear written post orders and incident reports
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start an event security company?
Estimates are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on licensing, insurance and equipment. Your costs will vary with how many guards you plan to schedule and the rules in your state.
How much can an event security business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many events and venues you staff and how many shifts you fill. These are estimates, not guarantees.
What licensing and rules apply to event security?
Check state licensing for the company and every guard before putting anyone on a shift. Also check whether your guards count as employees, which affects payroll taxes and workers' compensation, and any extra rules for liquor-serving venues.
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