Security Staffing Calculator

The calculator below estimates how many security officer hours a site needs each week and each year, and how many full-time officers it takes to cover them. Enter the number of posts, the hours and days each post is covered and the number of officers on duty at the same time.

Security Staffing Calculator

How the Calculation Works

Weekly coverage hours equal the number of posts, multiplied by the hours per day, the days per week and the officers on duty at the same time. Annual hours multiply the weekly figure by 52. Dividing weekly hours by the scheduled hours for one full-time officer gives the minimum number of full-time officers needed before anyone takes time off.

The planning allowance adds staffing for vacation, sick days, training and short-notice call-outs. The right allowance depends on the site, the schedule and the employer’s leave policies, so the field can be changed.

Examples

• One post covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, needs 168 coverage hours per week. At 40 hours per officer, that is 4.2 full-time officers before time off.
• One post covered 12 hours a day, 5 days a week, needs 60 coverage hours per week, or 1.5 full-time officers at 40 hours each.
• Three posts covered 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, need 210 coverage hours per week, or 5.25 full-time officers at 40 hours each.

What the Calculator Does Not Include

Hours are only one part of a staffing plan. Shift length, overtime rules, required breaks, supervisor coverage, training hours and licensing requirements vary by state, city and site. The Security Guard Cost Guide explains what drives the hourly cost of coverage, and the license requirements by state page covers officer licensing.

Common Questions

How Many Security Officers Are Needed for 24/7 Coverage of One Post?

A post covered around the clock needs 168 hours of coverage per week. At 40 scheduled hours per officer, that is 4.2 full-time officers before time off, training and call-outs. Most staffing plans add an allowance on top of that figure.

Does the Calculator Include Breaks?

No. If a post must stay covered while an officer takes a break, the relief time adds to the coverage hours. A site assessment identifies where relief coverage is needed.

Can the Calculator Estimate Cost?

No. It estimates hours and headcount only. Cost depends on officer classification, local wages, schedule, overtime rules and site requirements. McCray provides a written rate schedule after reviewing each site.

How Does Mobile Patrol Change the Numbers?

A mobile patrol shares one officer across several sites on a schedule, so it does not follow the same post-based math. See Mobile Patrol Security and Compare Security Options.