Security officers are professionals who are knowledgeable and trained about the security of lives, properties, safety of assets and wealth. Many employers in Canada always hire the best security guards to protect themselves, their families and properties. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to successfully secure a security job in Canada including salary/wages options, visa programs, and different job portals . Canada offers opportunities in many industries and sectors of the economy like manufacturing, engineering, mining, etc
The Overview of Security Jobs in Canada
If you are considering working in any region of Canada as a security guard, you should know that the process of application is the same as every other job in Canada. The only difference may be that a security guard job position is available at entry-level whereas most career jobs are not available at this level. Companies like event halls, security organisations, private individuals, business organisations or owners, are the most common employers hiring security guards in Canada. The primary role of a security guard is to secure the lives and properties of the employer. They also provide security measures, maintain law and order in the environment, monitor every suspicious move and respond to any security threats or accidents. In your pursuit of a security job, it will be nice to develop your communication skills like language proficiency, seminar training on modern security measures, simple first aid skills, etc. Not having these skills is not a disqualification for your application.
Popular Regions with Highest Payment Structure in Canada 2025
You should know that some regions pay more highly for security guards than other regions in Canada, even though the salary structure depends on the location, the employers’ budget, etc. Popular regions like Vancouver, Toronto, Ontario, offer benefits like competitive salary, flexible working hours, standard of living, etc.
Salary structure for Security Guard Job
| Level | Hourly payment in CAD |
| Entry level | $15 – $18 |
| Intermediate level | $18 – $22 |
| Senior executive level | $25 and above |
Types of Security Jobs Available in Canada
There are numerous types of security jobs in Canada which are pretty much currently available in the country and they include the following:
1. Relational Security Officer
Job Description: A relational security officer works under the direction of the supervisor in the organization to enforce law and order, in relation to the value and vision of the organization.
Duties
- A relational security officer responds to emergencies like fire disaster, aggressive reaction from patients/customers and controlling the situation.
- They also patrol the surroundings, buildings, ground plan using modern surveillance equipment and video recorder systems.
- They investigate, detect, and resolve several security threats.
- They provide security for special clients or patients to create a safe and a secure place.
- They record logs of events, participants’ identity and prepare reports for future actions.
- They also respond to urgent or assigned roles and act accordingly.
Estimated Hourly payment: $28 per hour.
2. Healthcare Security Guard
Job Description
They are security guards that work at hospitals, clinics, geriatric care centres, etc. Healthcare security guards are security professionals who are always available for 24 hours in the hospital , providing safety and security to the healthcare staff and the patients.
Duties
- They manage the inflow and outflow of patients in the hospital.
- They respond swiftly to any security threats or incident in the hospital
- They monitor the access of the facilities, ensuring that patients stay out of restricted areas in the clinic.
- Performing security routine movements like patrolling around the hospital.
- Investigating and reporting any unusual move to the management of the hospital.
Estimated Hourly payment: $21 per hour
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3. Airport Security Officer
Job Description
As an airport security officer, you will be charged with duties of securing and ensuring the safety of all passengers, airplane workers like pilots and other flight personnel.
Duties
- They conduct safe routine checks among the passengers and throughout their properties.
- They investigate and respond to any security emergencies at the airport.
- They enforce law and guidelines on the passengers as directed by Transport Canada.
- They provide 24 hour monitoring around the perimeters and surroundings of the airport to maximize security and safety measures.
Estimated Hourly Payment: $15 – $21 per hour
4. Security Guard supervisor
Job Description
This security personnel is not merely the position of a security officer, rather they are also charged with other administrative duties like coordinating other security personnel.
Duties
- They respond directly to the call of emergency, act swiftly and control the situation.
- They write and submit security reports to the management.
- They make necessary orders for security needs, equipment and materials for security personnel.
- They provide supervision, coordination, and planning of security activities for workers.
- They create work schedules, procedures and provide technical advice, recommendations to improve the organization’s productivity.
Estimated Hourly Payment: $29 per hour
5. Night Security Guard
Job Description
A night security guard works at night, providing maximum security and safety of life and property in the night. This type of security works in the night schedule even though there are also day time security guards who sometimes shift to the night schedule. They work in organisations like hospitals, mining companies, manufacturing, and other companies that operate at night.
Duties
- They report any significant security threats, or major repairs among the machines used in the industry.
- They maintain maximum safety and security to lives and property.
- They laid down rules and regulations to maintain orderliness in the organization.
- They may assume different administrative roles like controlling, coordinating and policy making.
Estimated Hourly Payment: $22 per hour
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Basic Eligibility Criteria and Requirement of a Security Guard
Becoming a security guard in Canada, you will need to meet the below requirements and eligibility criteria:
- You must be at least 18 years and above.
- You must have a clear criminal record and no pending charges are attached to your name or judicial issues.
- You must be passed legally by the IRCC to work in the country.
- You must also have a unique body fitness even though it is not compulsory but it will give you an edge over others.
- You must also complete the basic training and see that you pass the approved security guard pass exam.
- You also have to be familiar with the code of conduct for private security and investigation units.
- You must also possess a good communication skill i.e you must be very fluent in either of the official languages, English or French.
Step-by-step Guidelines to become a Security Guard in Canada
Step 1: Make sure to meet all the basic requirements and eligibility criteria
The basic step is to ensure you must meet all the requirements set by the immigration officer regarding your working visa and the required qualifications set by your employer
Step 2: Completing the Training program
Canada has made it compulsory for security personnel to go through a specialized training and certification exam which will make them government certified security officers. The training programs are different based on the level of entry and the region of employment. You must complete the training program before you begin to work as a security guard in the country. The following are the access to the training programs based on the location or regions: Toronto , Edmonton, Brampton, Winnipe. etc.
Step 3: Obtaining a Security Guard License
When you have completed your training and pass the certifying exam, you will be given the license to work as a security guard in Canada. There are agencies in these regions who have been certified to issue a security guard license to any qualified candidates. You should also know that these agencies will not give you a license unless you meet the below requirements:
- You must show proof that you have completed the whole training session.
- You must also show a proof of payment for your licensing fee.
- The agency will also conduct a background screening/check to validate your information.
- You should also know that only the licensing authority can grant you a license i.e only the approved agency can give you a license. And your license is only valid if an approved agency issued it.
The Security Guard fees can be broken down as:
- The basic Security Training (BST): This varies from the price of $99 to $300 plus applicable taxes.
- Test Booking: This test cost varies between the price of $60 to $80 with added taxes. This price amount depends mostly on the province or regions for application.
- The application fee: This fee ranges from the price of $6o to $80 with added taxes, which is decided by the province or regions of application.
- Other costs include; the uniforms, equipment fees which are duty belts, boots, flashlights, etc. The total cost of these items are around $200 to $500. You must also know that these costs of items may be covered by your employer. Even though he/she may not sponsor every of the fees.
Step 4: Find your Job
Now that you have become a licensed security guard, it is time to secure a job and start working if you have not gotten a job. There are numerous job portals online where you can easily secure your job and become a security guard. Examples of job portals include: LinkedIn, indeed, and Canada job bank etc.