What are the low, median, and high hourly wages for security guard jobs in Canada in 2026?

As per Employment and Social Development Canada's Job Bank, security guards (NOC 64410) earn a low wage of $17.00 per hour, median of $20.25 per hour, and high wage of $30.00 per hour nationally in 2026. Entry-level roles start near $17.00 per hour, while experienced guards in urban areas reach the high end. Annual median salary is $42,120 based on 2,080 hours. Source: Employment and Social Development Canada - Job Bank (https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/occupations/64410/ca)

Is a licence required to work as a security guard in Ontario in 2026, and how much does it cost?

As per the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, a valid security guard licence is mandatory to work legally in Ontario, costing $80 for a new 2-year licence in 2026. Renewal costs $70. Unlicensed work can result in fines up to $25,000 for employers and $5,000 for individuals. Source: Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General (https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-security-guard-licence)

What are the eligibility criteria like age, criminal record, and training for security guards in Ontario?

As per the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, applicants must be 18 years or older, legally allowed to work in Canada, and provide a vulnerable sector criminal record check with no disqualifying offences within the last 5 years. No prior experience is needed, but completion of a 40-hour ministry-approved training program is required, typically costing $100 to $200. Source: Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General (https://www.ontario.ca/page/requirements-security-guard-licence)

What documents do I need to apply for a security guard licence in Ontario in 2026?

As per the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, required documents include government-issued photo ID, proof of 40-hour training completion, a criminal record check less than 5 years old ($25-$65 fee), and one passport-style photo (2x2.5 inches). Applications are submitted online through the PSIS portal with a $80 fee. Approval takes up to 20 business days. Source: Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General (https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-security-guard-licence)

What work permit do international applicants need for security guard jobs in Canada in 2026?

As per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, foreigners need a work permit, typically employer-specific under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program with a positive LMIA, costing $155 application fee in 2026. Open work permits may apply for spouses. Processing takes 10-27 weeks depending on stream and country. Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit.html)

What are the working hours, overtime pay, and leave benefits for security guards in Ontario in 2026?

As per Ontario's Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, standard hours average 48 per week over 4 weeks without overtime; overtime after is paid at 1.5x the regular rate. Employees accrue 3 paid sick days and 3 paid family responsibility days annually after 2 weeks employment. Vacation pay is 4% of gross earnings (equivalent to 2 weeks) for first 5 years, 6% thereafter. Source: Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0)

How much tax will I pay as a security guard earning $42,000 gross annually in Ontario in 2026?

As per the Canada Revenue Agency, federal tax on $42,000 taxable income in 2026 is 15% on the first $57,500 after $16,129 basic personal amount credit, totaling about $3,800 federal. Ontario provincial tax adds 5.05% on first $51,446, about $1,800. Deduct 5.95% CPP ($2,500) and 1.66% EI ($700); net pay approximately $33,200. Source: Canada Revenue Agency (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/frequently-asked-questions-individuals/canadian-income-tax-rates-individuals-current-previous-years.html)

What common scams target security guard job seekers in Canada and how to avoid them?

As per the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, common scams include fake recruiters charging $200-$1,000 upfront for 'licences' or uniforms, or phishing for personal info via unsolicited emails. Legitimate jobs never require payment from applicants; verify employers through provincial registries. Report to 1-888-495-8501 or online portal. Source: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/employment-emploi-eng.htm)

Security Guard Jobs in Canada Basics

Security guard gigs in Canada right now

Man, if you're eyeing security guard jobs in Canada, the market's pretty solid. From what I've seen, places like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary are always hunting for bodies. Hospitals, malls, events—you name it. Not gonna lie, it's steady work even when other jobs dry up.

Big demand. Especially post-pandemic. Companies need people watching doors, patrolling lots. And it's not just night shifts anymore.

Where the jobs are popping up

Ontario's got tons. Think construction sites in the GTA. BC? Casinos and concerts in Van. Alberta's oil patches too, surprisingly. I've got a buddy in Edmonton who's been at it for years—says it's reliable cash.

Infographic: Security Guard Jobs in Canada

Toronto: Events, offices
Vancouver: Retail, ports
Calgary: Energy sites
Montreal: Airports, nightlife
Even smaller spots like Halifax for tourism gigs

Check Indeed or local boards. Or GardaWorld, Paladin—they post constantly.

Do you actually need training?

Yeah, mostly. Every province has rules. Ontario? You gotta get your license from the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch. It's like a 40-hour course, then exam. Costs around $80-150.

BC's different—OCC license, similar deal. Quebec wants ASIS cert or equivalent. Skip this? Can't work legally. Fines suck.

Here's the thing. Training's quick. A weekend sometimes. Covers de-escalation, CPR basics, laws. From my experience talking to guards, it's not rocket science but it matters.

Steps to get licensed, quick

First, find a approved school. Online options exist now. Study the handbook—lots of scenarios. Pass the test (70% usually). Boom, apply online.

Some jobs train you on-site too. But license first.

Renew every year or two. Fingerprint check required. Clean record helps big time.

How much you pulling in?

Average? $18-25/hour. Entry-level around 17 in Ontario. Supervisors hit 30+. Overtime's gold—1.5x pay.

Varies by spot. Airport security? Better bucks, $22+. Retail? Closer to minimum wage start.

Full-time? $40-50k year. Part-time flexible for students. Benefits if union gig—health, pension sometimes. Not bad for low barrier entry.

Inflation's pushing wages up. My pal just got a raise to 24/hr in Toronto. Nice.

A day on the job—real talk

Patrols. Check IDs. Deal with drunks occasionally. Sounds boring? Can be. But excitement too—break-ins, fights. Keeps it interesting.

Nights mostly. 12-hour shifts common. Free coffee at sites. Foot or car patrols. Tech helps now—cameras, apps.

Physical? Not crazy. Walking, standing. But fitness counts for some roles.

Honestly, it's chill if you like people-watching. Or hate offices.

Tips to land one fast

Get licensed yesterday. Network on LinkedIn—security groups everywhere. Resume? List any customer service, military.

Start part-time. Build experience. Uniforms provided usually. Show up reliable—that's 80% of it.

Women killing it too. More inclusive now. Age? 19+ mostly, but 60-year-olds do it.

Look. If you're unemployed, this beats nothing. Quick start, decent pay. Canada's got openings—go grab one.

Security Guard Jobs