Providing security services is challenging as the person doing the job is constantly under threat. The main job of a security guard is to make people around him feel safe and sound. They have to be alert all the time and deter any suspicious activity before it accelerates or actually happens.

A security guard provides security for buildings, homes, materials, work sites, and other venues. It all depends on the types of securities they provide. As the levels of security increase so do the salaries of the security guards. 

Aspiring security professionals and seasoned veterans alike often have questions about salary ranges and compensation within the industry. Understanding salary guides can provide valuable insights for individuals seeking to enter the security industry or make career advancements. Salaries guides in various regions also differ according to the experiences security guards have. 

Salary Ranges In Security Industry Roles In Canada And The USA

Although there is common ground on which a security-providing industry will select the range to provide the salary there still are certain factors they need to consider before setting anything. 

The median annual salary for security guards in Canada is approximately $33,150, equivalent to an hourly rate of $17. Entry-level positions typically begin around $28,763 per year, while highly experienced security guards can earn up to $45,192 annually.

1. Security Officer/Guard:

 Entry-level security officers can expect a salary range starting around $25,000 to $30,000 per year. With experience and additional responsibilities, salaries can range from $30,000 to $45,000 per year.

2. Security Supervisor/Team Lead: 

Security supervisors or team leads often earn higher salaries than security officers. The salary range for these roles typically starts around $35,000 to $45,000 per year, and with experience and added responsibilities, it can go up to $50,000 to $65,000 per year.

3. Security Manager: 

Security managers oversee security operations and are responsible for managing teams and implementing security strategies. The salary range for security managers usually starts around $50,000 to $65,000 per year and can go up to $75,000 to $100,000 per year or more, depending on the size of the organization and level of experience.

4. Security Director: 

Security directors are in senior management positions and have broad responsibilities for security programs, policies, and budgets. Their salaries generally range from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, with some earning even higher salaries in larger organizations or specialized sectors.

Salary ranges in the security industry can vary depending on factors such as job role, level of experience, location, company size, and industry sector. As it is with many jobs, having more experience means that your wages will gradually increase as well. 

The hourly wage for security guards in the United States spans from $10.17 to $24.19, with a median hourly wage of $14.27. In terms of annual wages, security guards earn between $21,150 and $50,310, with a median annual wage of $29,680.

Salary ranges can also differ based on geographical location and cost of living. Metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living often offer higher salaries compared to rural areas.

The competitions are already high in the security industry. Hence, many security companies have started using a security management system to make them more successful and set them apart from the competition. 

Factors That Influence The Salary Range In The Security Industry 

There are many factors that one must look into while considering the salary of guards in the USA and Canada. Experience, size of the premise, area, and region may cause a fluctuation in the range. 

• Job Role: 

Different security roles come with varying levels of responsibility and expertise. Entry-level positions such as security officers/guards generally have lower starting salaries compared to managerial or director-level positions.

• Experience and Expertise:

Experience plays a significant role in salary determination. As professionals gain more experience and expertise in the security field, they often qualify for higher-paying positions or can negotiate better compensation packages.

• Location: 

Salary ranges can vary based on geographical location due to differences in the cost of living and demand for security services. Metropolitan areas with higher living costs and increased security needs often offer higher salaries compared to rural areas.

• Industry Sector: 

The security industry encompasses a wide range of sectors, including corporate security, government, healthcare, education, retail, and more. Compensation can vary across sectors based on factors like industry regulations, the complexity of security needs, and budgetary constraints.

• Education and Certifications: 

Advanced degrees or specialized certifications can significantly impact salary potential within the security industry. Certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can enhance professional credentials and increase earning potential.

If you ever feel like you need to up your game then you can always consult a security guard management software that will help you in optimizing the security performance of your security guards. 

Final Thoughts

Security guards can increase their salary range through proper training and optimization in work. If they provide the best services to the clients, then the security guard company they are working for will reward them for their services. Using security guard software will enhance the performance of the security guards as it will keep a check on their job duties and if they were completed on time or not.