Security Guard
Security guards protect property, personnel, and information against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry.
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Avg. Salary $35,929.00
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Avg. Wage $20.35
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Minimum Education Varies
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Outlook above avg
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Employed 11,000
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In Demand Lower
Also Known As
Asset Protection Officer, Guard, Loss Prevention Officer
NOC Codes
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: Security Guards and Related Occupations (6651)
- 2006 NOC-S: Security Guards and Related Occupations (G631)
- 2011 NOC: Security guards and related security service occupations (6541)
- 2016 NOC: Security guards and related security service occupations (6541)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
71%
71%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $17.78 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $20.35 |
| Top | $26.19 |
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Certification Provincially Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
Interest Codes
The Security Guard is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Security Guards and Related Occupations
- METHODICAL
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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
- social
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Interest in speaking with visitors to control access to organizations, issue passes and direct them to appropriate areas
- directive
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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
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
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 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.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2019
While their overall role is security, security guards’ duties vary depending on where they are employed. Guards may protect the premises at shopping centres, banks, or sports facilities. They may work at airports, conventions, 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:
- Patrol an assigned area
- Check doors, windows, locks, and building interiors for signs of damage or theft
- Provide information, guide traffic, respond to complaints, and maintain order
- Watch for intruders, sometimes using electronic surveillance systems
- Observe and keep records of security-related activities
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:
- In patrol car service, alone or with a dog or another guard, they patrol construction sites, buildings, or property as a daily or nightly routine.
- In mobile patrol, they respond to alarms from businesses, residences, and schools. If they detect a break-and-enter, they contact police.
- In camps or construction sites, they patrol and do gate clearance. This kind of work can be seasonal. In general, there are more openings during the summer months.
Inspectors visit work sites to ensure that security guards are performing their duties.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2019
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 work stations, 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.
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Security guards need:
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Mental alertness
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Honesty
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.
Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For
Security guards and related security service occupations
NOC code: 6541
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 10 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 01, 2020 and Jan 19, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
- Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
- What training you may need to get these skills
- What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 8 |
|---|---|
| Produce reports | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 7 |
| Patrol assigned areas | 7 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 6 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Word | 5 |
| Personal Suitability: Judgement | 5 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Outlook | 4 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Excel | 3 |
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Employers require applicants to:
- Speak and write English (equivalent to Level 3 or 4)
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have good character and employment references
- Have no criminal record based on a current clear police information check (CPIC) with a vulnerable sector search
- Be in good health
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.
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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Security Guard
Security guards protect an organization's property, personnel and information against fire, theft, vandalism and illegal entry. For more information, see the Security Guard occupational profile in OCCinfo.
Legislation
Under Alberta's Security Services and Investigators Act and Security Services and Investigators (Ministerial) Regulation, you must be licensed by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General if you are paid to patrol, guard or provide security, or detect loss of or damage to the property of another person. There are five classes of licence: security guard, executive protection, loss prevention worker, guard dog handler and security alarm responder.
What You Need
An applicant for licensing must be at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to work in Canada, fluent in spoken English, competent and of good character, and not the subject of a criminal investigation; have no serious criminal record or outstanding criminal charge; and successfully complete the training and examination requirements for the class(es) of licence being sought. For official, detailed information about licensing requirements, visit the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website.
Working in Alberta
Security guards who are licensed and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for licensing in Alberta if licensed security guards in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
Contact Details
Licensing Department, Security Programs
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General
10th Floor John E. Brownlee Building
10365 - 97 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5J 3W7
Phone number: (780) 427-3457
Toll-free phone number (within Alberta): 1-877-462-0791
Fax number: (780) 427-6470
Website: www.solgps.alberta.ca/programs_and_services/public_security/private_security_programs/
Additional Information
The Canadian Society for Industrial Security offers 3 non-progressive levels of certification for security guards:
- Certified Security Officer
- Certified Security Supervisor
- Certified Security Professional
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Security guards work for:
- Private guard-service companies
- Governments
- Retailers
- Construction companies
- Industrial plants
- Hospitals
- Other public and private building owners
Employment prospects are best for those with their own transportation who are willing to work nights.
Experienced security guards may advance to supervisor, manager, or inspector positions.
Security guards are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6541: Security guards and related security service occupations. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
- Business, Building and Other Support Services (pdf)
- Accommodation and Food Services (pdf)
- Public Administration (pdf)
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- Trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- Location in Alberta
- Employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
- Occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
- Size of the occupation
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the G631: Security Guards and Related Occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.9% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 234 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Salaries for security guards vary widely depending on their duties and the type of employer.
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $27.57 | $17.78 | $16.00 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $32.29 | $20.35 | $19.59 |
| Top | $15.00 | $37.38 | $26.19 | $22.78 |
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.
B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Public Administration | $71,577 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $66,898 |
| Educational Services | $48,920 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $47,384 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $35,929 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $32,757 |
| Retail Trade | $30,149 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $29,887 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $18,621 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
71%
71%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
30%
30%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
7%
7%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website: www.alberta.ca/ministry-justice-solicitor-general.aspx
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.
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