The private security sector in Germany is consolidating its role as a stable driver of growth. As recent data from the Federal Statistical Office shows, turnover and employment figures are rising to historic highs. “Despite this growth, the number of vacancies is falling slightly compared with previous years – an indication of successful staff retention and technological progress,” says Cornelia Okpara, Chief Executive of the BDSW.

The sector (Economic Class 80) can look back on a decade of continuous growth. Whilst turnover stood at €6.96 billion in 2015, it climbed to €14.02 billion by 2024. For the past year, 2025, the BDSW forecasts a further rise to €14.75 billion. This means that the market volume has more than doubled within ten years.

The positive economic situation is reflected in the employment figures: as of 30 June 2025, 290,871 people were employed in the security sector – more than ever before. Of these, 276,987 employees work in private security and guard services alone.

Despite this expansion, the labour market is showing a new dynamic: The number of job vacancies in February 2026, totalling 5,478, is slightly down on previous years.

“The fact that the number of vacancies is falling slightly despite rising order volumes is an important signal,” says Okpara. “It shows that our investments in employer attractiveness are paying off and that we can fill vacancies more quickly. Furthermore, the sector is increasingly meeting its staffing needs through the intelligent integration of people and technology, particularly in the field of surveillance and alarm systems.”

Whilst the number of traditional detective agencies has almost halved since 2014 (from 1,211 to 666 firms), the private security services sector is growing steadily and now stands at 4,517 firms. However, staffing requirements vary greatly from region to region. The highest number of unfilled positions is recorded in North Rhine-Westphalia with 1,137 vacancies, Bavaria with 952, Lower Saxony with 489 and Berlin with 474.

The BDSW sees the current trend as confirmation that the path towards professionalisation is the right one. However, the slight easing of pressure on the labour market must not obscure the fact that there remains a high demand for specialised skilled workers. The aim remains to further enhance the high level of security in Germany through a combination of highly qualified staff and innovative security technology.