Typical Hourly Rate
£13.00–£16.00/hr
London Rate
£15.00–£19.00/hr
Licence Required
SIA Security Guard
Driving Licence
Full UK licence (most roles)
Construction site security is one of the higher-paying sectors within the UK security industry. Sites contain significant value in plant, materials and equipment — and are frequent targets for theft and vandalism. Demand is driven by major infrastructure projects, residential development and commercial builds across the UK.
Most construction security roles require an SIA Security Guard licence. A full driving licence is required for mobile patrol roles. CSCS card knowledge is valued. First aid at work is often required. Pay data is in our UK security salary guide.
Types of Construction Security Roles
Gatehouse Security Officer
Managing vehicle and pedestrian access. Contractor sign-in, delivery management, visitor logging. Often involves early starts and long 12-hour shifts. The most common construction security role.
Site Patrol Officer
Regular patrols of construction sites outside working hours. Checking for security breaches, monitoring CCTV, responding to alarms. Often requires a full driving licence for multi-site cover.
Mobile Patrol — Construction
Covering multiple sites in a single shift. Checking security, deterring trespass and theft, responding to alarm activations. Vehicle provided. Clean driving licence essential.
Infrastructure Security
Major infrastructure projects — rail, highways, utilities — often require security clearance alongside an SIA licence. Higher pay reflects the sensitivity and clearance requirements.
Residential Development Security
New-build residential schemes require security during the construction phase to prevent theft of materials. Often long-term contracts on major developments — stable employment.
The CSCS website has full information on construction site cards. The HSE construction guidance covers site health and safety obligations.