If you’re considering a security guard career in Ontario, one of the first questions you’ll likely have is: How much do security guards make per hour? The short answer is: it depends. There are a variety of factors that can influence your hourly wage, including experience, training, the type of site you’re working at, and the company you’re employed with. Let’s break it down and give you a clearer picture of what you can expect in terms of earnings as a security guard in Ontario.
Security Guard Wages in Ontario: What to Expect
The starting pay for security guards in Ontario is generally tied to the provincial minimum wage, which currently sits at $17.20 per hour. However, as of October 1, 2025, the minimum wage will increase to $17.60 per hour.
For entry-level roles at residential or retail sites, the wage typically falls within the $17 to $19 range. But wages can increase depending on the complexity of the job. For example, guards working in hospitals, construction zones, high-security corporate sites, or on government contracts often make higher hourly rates, especially if they possess specialized training or additional licensing.
How Much Can You Make at Smith Security Inc.?
At Smith Security Inc., we believe in rewarding our security guards for their professionalism, reliability, and the responsibility they show on the job. That’s why all of our guards start at $20.00 per hour, which is above the provincial minimum wage.
As guards gain experience and demonstrate leadership, their hourly rate can increase, offering significant growth opportunities. Whether you’re just starting or looking to build a long-term career in the security industry, we provide real chances for advancement and higher pay over time.
Comparison: Security Guard Pay vs Other Entry-Level Jobs
To give you a clearer idea of the difference in earnings, let’s compare what a security guard might make per hour versus someone working an entry-level job in a different field, and then look at how that translates to weekly, monthly, and yearly earnings.
Entry-Level Job 1: Retail Worker
Let’s assume you’re working in a retail environment, earning the current minimum wage of $17.20 per hour (which will rise to $17.60 in October). Here’s how that breaks down:
- Hourly Rate: $17.20
- Weekly (40-hour work week): $688.00
- Monthly (4 weeks): $2,752.00
- Yearly (52 weeks): $35,776.00
Entry-Level Job 2: Security Guard at a Different Company
Now, let’s say you’re working as a security guard at a company that pays entry-level employees at the provincial minimum wage of $17.20 per hour (or $17.60 after October). Here’s how your earnings would look:
- Hourly Rate: $17.20
- Weekly (40-hour work week): $688.00
- Monthly (4 weeks): $2,752.00
- Yearly (52 weeks): $35,776.00
Entry-Level Job 3: Security Guard at Smith Security Inc.
At Smith Security Inc., we start all our guards at $20.00 per hour, which is above the minimum wage. Here’s the breakdown of what that means for your earnings:
- Hourly Rate: $20.00
- Weekly (40-hour work week): $800.00
- Monthly (4 weeks): $3,200.00
- Yearly (52 weeks): $41,600.00
How Much More Could You Make at Smith Security?
Let’s compare the difference in earnings between a minimum wage security guard job and a Smith Security job:
- Weekly Difference: $800 (Smith Security) – $688 (minimum wage) = $112 more per week
- Monthly Difference: $3,200 (Smith Security) – $2,752 (minimum wage) = $448 more per month
- Yearly Difference: $41,600 (Smith Security) – $35,776 (minimum wage) = $5,824 more per year
As you can see, working at Smith Security Inc. could mean a substantial difference in your annual earnings. That extra $5,824 per year can go a long way in improving your quality of life, covering extra expenses, or saving for the future.
The Benefits of Working at Smith Security Inc.
In addition to offering competitive pay, Smith Security Inc. is committed to providing our security guards with opportunities for career growth, performance-based pay raises, and specialized training. As you gain experience and demonstrate leadership, we believe in promoting from within and rewarding hard work.
We also provide all of our guards with on-the-job training to ensure they’re well-prepared to take on more challenging roles and increase their earning potential.
Learn More with Our YouTube Video
To further explore the earning potential and opportunities as a security guard, be sure to check out our YouTube video titled “How Much Do Security Guards Make Per Hour in Ontario?”. In the video, we break down the factors that influence your wage, including experience, job type, and company, and we discuss how Smith Security Inc. helps you grow and succeed in your security guard career.
Watch the video now: How Much Do Security Guards Make Per Hour in Ontario?
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to begin your journey as a security guard and take advantage of the earning potential and career opportunities at Smith Security Inc., we invite you to apply today. All applications are handled directly through our website, so head to the Careers section of SmithSecurity.ca to complete the Employment Application Form. We’re always looking for motivated, professional individuals to join our team.
