Before making a career change, it is important to be aware of all the relevant information you need to make your decision.
Most often, the first question we have revolves around salary expectations. If you’re considering a career as a security guard, you should know that although there are many entry-level jobs that offer a starting pay close to minimum wage, your earning potential depends on your experience, your location, and your employer.
Security Guard Wages by Region and Experience
As with most jobs, having more job experience in security will likely mean your wages will be on the higher end.
According to the Government of Canada’s wage report (updated on October 1, 2019), hourly pay for security guards ranges from $11.50 to $24.86. The median hourly wage in Canada is $15.96.
Besides experience, your location makes a significant difference due to labour agreements, working conditions, and workforce availability. As you can see in the table below, Nunavut’s median hourly wage is substantially higher at $28.78, and on the high end, it goes all the way up to $44.56 per hour.
Wages in $/hour in Canada
| Province | Low | Median | High |
| British Columbia | $13.85 | $15.39 | $27.00 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | $18.00 | $26.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $12.00 | $15.00 | $23.00 |
| Manitoba | $12.10 | $14.93 | $23.00 |
| Ontario | $14.00 | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Quebec | $13.50 | $17.50 | $25.52 |
| New Brunswick | $11.50 | $14.00 | $26.67 |
| Nova Scotia | $11.55 | $26.74 | $21,50 |
| Prince Edward Island | $12.25 | $12.60 | $20.50 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $12.00 | $16.00 | $23.00 |
| Yukon | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Northwest Territories | $16.00 | $18.39 | $23.00 |
| Nunavut | $13.00 | $28.78 | $44.56 |
LEARN MORE: How to Become a Security Guard.
Employer-dependent Compensation
Compensation packages for security guards vary depending on the employer and could include other factors. For example, this could be benefits, promotional opportunities, or paid training.
Payscale’s research shows that 45-47% of security companies offer their employees medical and dental benefits while 49% offer no health benefits at all.
It is also worth noting that some security companies prioritize their employees’ career growth by promoting from within.
LEARN MORE: How to write a stellar security guard resume (free template download).
Is a Security Guard Career Right For You?
There are other questions to take into account besides wages. To help you make an informed decision we have answered common questions people have when contemplating a career in security.
- Q: Is there a high demand for security guards?
According to the Government of Canada, between 2017-2026, new job openings are expected to total 47,400, while 45,500 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill them. In other words, there are slightly more jobs than security guards available and this trend is expected to continue.
As long as there is a need for companies and individuals to protect their assets, people and property, there will be a demand for security guards.
- Q: How many hours a week do security guards work?
Security guards typically have a choice between full-time, part-time, casual or shift work. If 9-5 doesn’t suit your lifestyle or needs, security jobs offer schedules around the clock. Whether you prefer working a night shift, early morning, or an afternoon shift, there are plenty of employment opportunities.
- Q: Is being a security guard boring?
Being a security guard is often more interesting than your average job. While you could choose work that involves being stationary at quiet sites, there are also positions that require being on patrol at high-traffic locations. Depending on your environment and situation, some days call for emergency response or fire safety, for example.
Additionally, you can often choose the industry that you’d like to work in. A few common industries that use security services include healthcare, retail, parking, banks and schools.
- Q: Are there opportunities for advancement?
If you’re hoping to eventually become a supervisor, manager or executive in a security company, starting as a security guard is often the best way to advance. Additionally, being a security guard can help you effectively prepare for a career in law enforcement.
What Top Security Guard Employers Have to Offer
At Paladin, we offer full-time employees extended health and dental benefits along with many corporate perks and partnerships. And when it comes to pay, Paladin has some of the most competitive wages in the country.
If you are thinking about a career change, we invite you to consider applying at Paladin Security—Canada’s Employer of Choice.
Unsure about which security role is the best for you? Take our quiz to find your fit with Paladin!
Hello Paladin,
All your posts sound sweet and you are a great company. I would like to enquire if you hire interested jobseekers who are out of Canada. And what is the process if So. Because I work as security guard in Dubai and would to join you.
Thannks
Hello and thank you for your comment! We do not hire candidates who are located outside of Canada. Once you have the proper documentation to work in Canada, you can apply on the “Careers” section of our website: paladinsecurity.com/careers
It’s been a long time I actually pulled out a piece of paper to take notes on a blog post. Thanks for this. You’ve earned yourself a new reader!
I need job in security
Hi Majid, you can apply for a position here: paladinsecurity.com/careers
Hello, Please call me for positions, I need a job.
Hi Edward, you can view and apply for open positions on our website: paladinsecurity.com/careers
Hi sir,I have 2 years experience of working in security field in Dubai,UAE.currently I am working in Arkan security solution management solutions.
Sir /madam
Iam looking opportunity for security guard /cvit guard
Hello, I need your assistance and guidance. I am working as a security guard here in the UAE Abu Dhabi.please 1.Does Canadian government allow foreign recruitment agencies to solicit manpower on behalf of Canadian companies? 2.Is employment visa applicable in Canada? Please help before I apply. Thanks
Hi I m interested in security job but I don’t know the procedure like what I have to do?? Is their any course or study for that and I also want to know about careers in this job. Is it possible to reach at high level after experience???
And what about physical appearance?? Tall or short. is it matter ??
Hi Jagriti, check out the following link as I think it’ll answer a lot of your questions! https://paladinsecurity.com/security-careers/how-to-get-security-guard-licence/
am kenyan citizen working as a security guard with Gardaworld seurity company in Kenya,am interested to join in security job kindly help to know the procedure.Thanks you
I am a guard service in my country in Morocco and I need a lot of work in Canada. I am currently in Morocco
Dear (Paladinsecurity).
I was referred to you in correlation to a possible opportunity that your company may have available and would like to share a copy of my current CV for your perusal, please find this attached.
I would be very grateful if you could kindly get back to me regarding an opportunity so we can discuss further the chance of an interview.
Thank you in advance.
Kind Regards,
Michael
I am an ex military..so i am very interested to join in your good organization. Please help me.
Hello and thank you I am working in Qatar as house help and now I want to migrate to Canada for security
Hi,
Thank you for providing your valuable knowledge and information; it is extremely helpful and understandable. I have been searching for such information for a long time. If you are looking for security services, contact Cornerstone Security.
Your company is such a standard organisation.
I have a three years working experience as a security personnel in EXXONMOBIL NIGERIA with with training and retraining experiences,I also have a professional certification on Health safety and Environment1,2,3(HSE) and Certificate on INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO) basic security awareness1,2,3.
Can I apply for the job of a security guard/personnel?
Thanks.
SIR
I AM MUKESH KAANDARI
I want security guard job
Hello am really interested in the security work in your country am from Nigeria i work with the Nigerian Army i remain greatfull if my application is given due consideration and approval thanks
Security
Hello sir. My name is Bright. I’m very interested in the security jobs. All my dreams is to find a better security jobs to do in Europe. And I hope you can help me out.
Working in qatar as security guard under Sheraton parking an am interested to joining you team for my best service
Hello am Nicholas working as security guard in Bahrain ,I would like to join you in Canada experience two years.how can I apply secondly what are the requirements.thanks
Hey Does Paladin Security hire People who are just allowed to work 20 hours a week
I’m interested in security guard and love it so much , am planning to relocate to Manitoba Canada from africa.more also how can I join you and training me so that I can be useful for the organization.kind regards
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Salary considerations are crucial when making career decisions. The security guard field’s pay varies, depending on factors like experience and location. Entry-level roles might start close to minimum wage, but experienced guards can earn higher wages, especially with years in the field.
Hello i need security guard jobs
Sir I want to do job in security guard I have 4 years experience in security officer G4S Pvt Ltd and 2 year NCC treaning Indian army camp so