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How much does it cost to hire Security?

Average Price
$15 - $35 per hour

What is the price of hiring Security?

Need some protection for yourself, your building or an event? Read our handy guide to find out how much security guards charge for their services.

What is a Security guard?

Security guards are individuals who are hired to protect life or property. Security offers reassurance to the public as well as preventing theft or criminal activity. They can also enforce crowd control at events, or work as door staff at establishments where alcohol is served. 

To become a security guard in Canada, the applicant has to be trained in line with their province requirements, known as the Security Guard Code of Conduct. Each area has different requirements relating to age and attributes. Though all areas of Canada require the applicant to have a clean criminal record to qualify. 

How much does a Security Guard cost? 

The cost of hiring a security guard ranges between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on the experience of the security guard and where you are based in Canada. 

Average cost (per hour) $35
Minimum cost (per hour) $15
Maximum cost (per hour) $50

Typically the cost of hiring security is fairly reasonable, especially if they are unarmed or are working on general patrol. For more specialist security work such as bodyguarding, expect the costs to start at $50 an hour and above. 

What changes the price of Security? 

The cost of hiring security varies depending on several factors, including: 

  • Type of security 

  • The venue type

  • Time

  • Experience

  • Location

Type of Security  

The type of security you hire will affect the level of professionalism you need, therefore the cost too. For example, there is a huge difference between patrolling a mall versus protecting a celebrity against screaming fans or potential threats to their lives.

Type of securityHighest average price Lowest average price
Venue security$35$15
Private bodyguard$100$50

The venue type

Venues vary in complexity when it comes to security operations. In larger or high-risk buildings you may have to hire additional security to cover the floor space. But for smaller or general security work, one to two officers will usually suffice. Make sure you have enough security for your needs depending on the venue. 

Time

How long will you require your security to work for? Be sure to include the time to complete paperwork or similar tasks that are required. 

Experience

Some security guards will be newly qualified, and others will have years of experience. You should also consider experience in terms of the types of jobs the agent can cover. For example, guarding high-value assets or government officials is very different from patrolling a mall. They need to be qualified and experienced in exactly what you need them for, which will affect the cost for more complex jobs. 

Location

As with any service you wish to hire, location will always affect the cost in some way. Typically in larger metropolitan areas such as Toronto, you should expect to pay $25 - $35 per hour for security guard services. 

Remember, for private or specialist security services, the costs will be more expensive across the board. 

LocationAverage security cost
Calgary$28
Toronto$35
Winnipeg$22
Quebec City$15
Yellowknife$17

Is it worth getting Security?

If you need protection, then hiring security is well worth the investment. Security acts as the eyes and ears of the building, vetting those who wish to enter and looking out for any criminal or suspicious behaviour. They can also help to detain a suspect while the police arrive, which would be very difficult to do without their help. Plus, they can protect individuals who would otherwise be at high risk, so offer a flexible service depending on what you need security for. 

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