Special Event Security Guard

Job Bank data shows security guards earn $16.50 per hour at the low end, $20.00 median, and $27.00 high in 2026, equating to annual salaries of $34,320 to $56,160 for 40 hours/week over 52 weeks. Entry-level roles start at $16.50 per hour nationwide. Overtime rates are 1.5 times regular pay after standard hours.

A Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permit is required, preceded by an employer-obtained Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) costing $1,000 per position. LMIA processing takes 10 business days inside Canada or 28 outside, followed by 8-16 weeks for permit issuance. Security guard occupations (NOC 64410) qualify if no Canadian worker is available.

No post-secondary education is required; a high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient for most roles. Zero prior experience is needed for entry-level positions, but a provincial security training certificate and clean criminal record check are mandatory in regulated provinces. On-the-job training is provided by 72% of employers.

Complete a Ministry-approved 40-hour training course costing $70-$100, pass the exam with 75% score, then apply online with a criminal record check ($25-$65), photo, and ID. License fees are $80 for 1 year or $220 for 5 years. Approval takes 20 business days if all documents are complete.