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Asset Protection Officer, Guard, Loss Prevention Officer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
While their overall role is security, security guards’ duties vary depending on where they work. Guards may protect the premises at shopping centres, banks, or sports facilities. They may work at airports, convention centres, parking lots, or construction sites. They may secure public buildings such as hospitals, museums, and art galleries.
In each setting, they will have somewhat different duties. In general, they:
In some situations, security guards may make arrests. However, they most often respond to fires or the presence of unauthorized persons. When situations arise, they sound the alarm or call their supervisor, the fire department, or the police.
They may also work outside or in a vehicle. For example:
Inspectors visit work sites to ensure that security guards are performing their duties.
The duties of armed security guards are similar to that of unarmed security guards, except they are licenced and trained to carry—and if necessary, to use—firearms in case of a life-threatening situation.
Because of the wide-ranging nature of their profession, security guards may work indoors or outdoors in all kinds of weather. Some guards must stand a lot. Others sit for long periods at workstations, where they monitor electronic security systems. They may work in teams or check premises alone for long periods. They may need to wear uniforms.
Most of their work is in shifts, including weekends and holidays. There is a big call for evening and night shifts. Guards on day duty often deal with the public.
Security guards may routinely be required to lift heavy items.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in copying to perform security checks of passengers and luggage at airports; to operate security control room equipment to monitor establishment activities; to ensure that establishment safety and emergency procedures are followed; and to enforce regulations of establishments to maintain order
Interest in speaking with visitors to control access to organizations, issue passes and direct them to appropriate areas
Interest in driving and guarding armoured trucks when delivering cash and valuables to banks, automated teller machines and retail establishments; and in responding to fire alarms, bomb threats and other emergencies
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Security guards need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines. They should like dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. They should be at ease controlling access to facilities.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 201 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 18, 2023 and Nov 22, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Patrol assigned areas | 122 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 115 |
| Tasks: Enforce regulations to maintain order and resolve conflicts and to monitor establishment activities | 108 |
| Tasks: Produce reports | 107 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 106 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 91 |
| Tasks: Prevent and detect shoplifting and theft in retail establishments | 79 |
| Walking | 74 |
| Tasks: Assist clients/guests with special needs | 72 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 70 |
Employers require applicants to:
Most employers prefer to hire security guards who have at least finished high school. Once applicants have completed the required course for licensing, they receive in-house training. See the Certification Requirements for licensing details.
Some companies have further requirements. For example, they may need guards to have CPR Level 3 with automatic external defibrillator (AED) certificate. They may need guards to have a valid driver’s license and their own vehicle with a clean driver’s abstract. Armed security guards also require special training. For example, they need to learn techniques to de-escalate stressful situations, and how to judge when an armed response is necessary to protect lives and property.
Being able to speak a second language is an asset for security guards.
Prospective security guards should consult employers regarding the suitability and reputation of any post-secondary education program before enrolling.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Security guards protect an organization’s property, personnel, and information against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry.
Under Alberta’s Security Services and Investigators Act [pdf] and Security Services and Investigators (Ministerial) Regulation [pdf], you must be licensed by the Government of Alberta if you are paid to patrol, guard, or provide security, or detect loss of or damage to the property of another person.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Security Guard.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Security guards work for:
Armed security guards may work for organizations such as banks, or private security companies that offer personal protection (bodyguard) services.
Employment prospects are best for those who have their own transportation and are willing to work nights.
Experienced security guards may advance to supervisor, manager, or inspector positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Security guards and related security service occupations
2016 NOC: 6541
79.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for security guards vary widely depending on their duties and the type of employer.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $28.81 | $17.92 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $16.00 | $35.06 | $20.09 | $17.00 |
| Top | $17.00 | $37.06 | $23.52 | $22.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $38,019 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $35,993 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $34,207 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $47,444 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $33,187 |
| Educational Services | $48,415 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $59,185 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $22,491 |
| Public Administration | $77,425 |
ASIS Canada website: asiscanada.ca
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website: www.alberta.ca/justice.aspx
Canadian Security Association (CANASA) website: www.canasa.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 24, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
