The profession of private security guard is very varied. Private security guards primarily work in guarding small, medium, and large businesses. They also work at private and public events, in care centers, hotels, arenas, banks, etc. They work for cities, in collaboration with the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), and carry out missions in various other sectors, offering a wide variety of tasks and work environments. This profession is essential to ensure the security of property and people in many sectors.

However, many people wonder: what is the actual salary of a private security guard in Quebec? And what are the conditions that influence these wages? In this article, we will explore the salary structure of private security guards, the requirements for obtaining a permit, as well as the bonuses and benefits that may be added to their base salary. If you are a private security guard or are considering becoming one, this article will give you a detailed overview of what to expect in terms of compensation.

The private security guard compensation system: understanding the decree

The salary of private security guards in Quebec is governed by a specific decree, created to guarantee fair working conditions and prevent unfair competition between employers. This decree is part of a collective agreement that defines the rules regarding wages, holidays, overtime, and other employment benefits. It is administered by the Joint Committee for Private Security Guards, a non-profit organization that ensures the application of the Decree on Private Security Guards, under the Collective Agreement Decrees Act. You can learn more about this committee by following this link: Joint Committee for Private Security Guards.

Under this law, employers who employ private security guards must adhere to the rules established by this agreement, including the minimum wage rates. The decree does not include all negotiated provisions in the collective agreement but mainly focuses on financial elements, i.e., the employees’ compensation.

Base salary: What is the compensation of a private security guard?

The salaries of private security guards are classified into different levels depending on their experience and responsibilities. According to the decree, there are several employee classes, each with a different hourly rate. Here is an overview of the main salary categories:

Class A Employee: A private security guard performing surveillance duties without management responsibilities. Starting June 30, 2024, the hourly wage for a Class A employee is $19.85 per hour. Starting June 29, 2025, this hourly rate will increase to $20.09.

Class B Employee: A guard who is responsible for supervising or managing one or more private security guards. Starting June 30, 2024, the hourly rate for a Class B employee is $20.09 per hour. Starting June 29, 2025, the hourly rate will increase to $20.34.

Permanent Employee A-01: After completing the probation period, a permanent A-01 employee can expect a higher salary, depending on the number of hours worked per week.

Part-Time Employee A-02 and Other Categories: These categories include private security guards who do not meet the criteria to be considered permanent, and their compensation will be adjusted accordingly.

Salaries can vary depending on experience, training, and the category of private security guard. However, it is important to note that these rates are minimum wages, and many companies offer higher compensation than those provided by the decree. For more details on this decree, you can refer to the official text: Decree on Private Security Guards.

Bonuses: A way to increase your earnings

In addition to the base salary, private security guards in Quebec are required to receive various bonuses, according to the decree. These bonuses can significantly increase a private security guard’s overall compensation. Here is an overview of the main bonuses a private security guard may be entitled to:

Bonus P-1: $0.35 per hour – Paid to a guard who has completed special training to combat fires and is part of a fire-fighting team.

Bonus P-2: $0.55 per hour – Paid to a guard authorized to use a radar or issue parking tickets.

Bonus P-3: $2.00 per hour – Paid to guards who have completed crisis management training in a healthcare facility or other specific sectors.

Bonus P-4: $0.60 per hour – Paid to a guard with certification in first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and defibrillation.

Bonus P-6: $2.50 per hour – For armed private security guards.

Bonus P-7: $3.00 per hour – Paid to a guard who requires shelter and uses their car for that purpose.

Bonus P-8: $2.00 per hour – Paid to a guard working in the para-judicial or judicial sector, or who has completed training on the use of force.

Bonus P-9: $0.15 per hour – Paid to a security guard who is not provided with a uniform.

Bonus P-10: $1.00 per hour – Paid to a guard requiring an attestation from the Joint Association for Occupational Health and Safety in the construction sector.

Bonus P-11: $1.00 per hour – For hours worked between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Bonus P-12: $0.50 per hour – Paid to a guard who has completed customer service training..

Bonus P-13: $0.50 per hour – Paid to guards working during a declared public health emergency.

All these bonuses are mandatory and can be accumulated. For example, a private security guard working at night who has completed CPR training may receive both Bonus P-4 and Bonus P-11, significantly increasing their earnings.

The private security guard license: An essential requirement

Before working as a private security guard in Quebec, it is mandatory to obtain a license issued by the Bureau de la sécurité privée (BSP). This license is essential to legally work in one of the six private security activities, which includes guarding. It is important to note that specific training is required for other activities such as investigation, locksmithing, electronic security systems, and valuables transportation.

To obtain this license, candidates must complete a specific training program, the duration of which varies depending on the type of license requested. For example, the guarding training usually requires 70 hours of classes. These courses are available at many school service centers, and the training certificate is awarded at the end of the program.

The licensing process also includes background checks and physical and mental health requirements. Here are some important criteria::

Criminal Record: You must not have been convicted of a criminal offense related to the private security activity, unless you have been pardoned. The BSP will conduct a security check through the Sûreté du Québec to verify your criminal record.

Citizenship: You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a valid work permit to perform this activity.

Physical and Mental Health: You must be in good physical and mental health to carry out private security duties.

For more information on obtaining the license, you can consult the official BSP website: Private Security Guard License.

Access to an interesting career

The security sector is accessible and offers great opportunities for people from all backgrounds. You don’t need a high school diploma to enter this field, making it an ideal career for those who have not completed secondary school or do not have recognized qualifications in Quebec. Moreover, the licensing process is quick, and it is entirely possible to start a career as a security guard without requiring years of training.

If you are motivated, you can also increase your base salary by completing additional training, such as CPR and customer service. These courses are not very expensive and can be taken at your own expense, but they allow you to benefit from additional bonuses, which can increase your earnings to $22-$23 per hour in certain companies, such as Charco Security.

Conclusion: A rewarding and accessible career

The salary of a private security guard in Quebec varies depending on several factors, including employment category, experience, hours worked, and bonuses earned through specialized training. With a base salary starting at $19.85 per hour as of June 30, 2024, and increasing to $20.09 per hour as of June 29, 2025, private security guards can also benefit from various bonuses and additional training.

If you are interested in a private security guard career, it is important to choose a company that offers not only competitive compensation but also advancement opportunities. Charco Security, for example, offers a salary of $21 per hour, plus bonuses and advancement opportunities by becoming a supervisor. To explore career opportunities at Charco Security, visit our dedicated page: Careers at Charco Security.

Costs for businesses: What you need to know

It is crucial for businesses to understand that the amount paid to employees is not the amount that will be billed to clients by the agencies. Indeed, security agencies must cover additional costs that are not visible to the employees. This includes social contributions, government fees, as well as the necessary profit margin to ensure the viability of the business. These costs are borne by the employers, which explains the difference between what a security guard receives and what a company charges its clients for its services.