The Rise of Licensed Security Guards and Private Investigators in Ontario: Regional Growth, Salary, and Compliance Trends

The Rise of Licensed Security Guards and Private Investigators in Ontario

The private security and investigative services industry in Ontario is growing rapidly, both in terms of licensed security guards and private investigators and the regions showing notable expansion.

Insights from Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General’s 2022–2023 annual report highlight the drivers behind this growth, as well as the challenges that the industry faces moving forward.

Industry Growth at a Glance

Between 2020 and 2023, Ontario’s private security and investigative services industry grew by 13% annually, underscoring a robust demand for security professionals.

As of March 2023, there were over 132,419 licensed individuals in the province, up from 111,855 in 2021.

The sector primarily comprises security guards (95.5% of total licensees), private investigators (2%), and dual licensees (1.5%).

In 2022–2023, the Ministry processed 86,040 license applications, marking a 29% year-over-year increase.

This surge points to the growing need for security personnel across various industries throughout the province.

Who Are the Individuals Getting Licensed?

The diversity in qualifications among licensed professionals is wide-ranging. The growing number of licensed security guards and private investigators reflects an expanding workforce with varied educational backgrounds:

  • 32% hold a college certificate or diploma.
  • 29% have completed secondary school or an equivalent.
  • 18% possess a bachelor’s degree.

Those wishing to become licensed security guards are required to undergo mandatory training, including first aid certification, as part of the ministry’s licensing requirements.

The relatively low educational entry barrier makes this an accessible career path for individuals seeking employment directly after secondary school or those transitioning from other industries.

Private investigators, by contrast, often require additional specialized training in investigative techniques, and many come from backgrounds in law enforcement or legal services.

Salary Prospects for Security Guards and Private Investigators

Salary expectations for security professionals vary depending on the region and sector.

According to the latest labour market information, the median salary for licensed security guards, private investigators, and related occupations in Ontario is $42,800 annually.

The hourly median wage across the province is $17.20, which is slightly below the national average but competitive for entry-level positions.

Wages across the country, as of late 2022, varied as follows:

  • Ontario: $15.50–$28.85 per hour.
  • Alberta: $16.00–$26.50 per hour.
  • British Columbia: $16.75–$30.00 per hour.
  • Manitoba: $14.15–$23.75 per hour.
  • Quebec: $17.00–$25.00 per hour.

Higher-paying positions are often found in specialized fields such as corporate security, industrial sites, and high-risk areas like healthcare or retail loss prevention.

Regional Breakdown of Growth

Although Toronto remains the central hub for private security and investigative services, other regions in Ontario have been showing significant growth.

Expansion in Southwestern Ontario, Northern Ontario, and Ottawa indicates a broader provincial demand for security professionals.

1. Toronto Region (54% of jobs)

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has the highest concentration of licensed security guards and private investigators, largely driven by the region’s vast commercial properties, high-rise residential buildings, and public venues.

Security services here range from mall and event security to corporate and high-profile residential security. Growth is steady, and the fast-paced, urbanized environment ensures a consistent demand for professionals in this field.

2. Ottawa Region (14% of jobs)

Ottawa’s growth is fueled by its numerous government buildings, embassies, and public institutions.

The high-security environment surrounding critical infrastructure and diplomatic missions calls for a steady supply of licensed security guards and private investigators.

The region’s private investigation sector is especially in demand due to government contracts and sensitive corporate investigations.

3. Hamilton-Niagara Region (7% of jobs)

The Hamilton-Niagara region has experienced steady growth, largely due to rising residential security demands and its strong industrial base.

With ongoing urban development, especially in residential construction, the need for security services in both residential and commercial sectors is increasing.

4. Southwestern Ontario

Major cities such as Kitchener-Waterloo, London, and Windsor have seen significant growth in demand for security professionals, particularly in tech hubs, universities, and rapidly expanding urban centres.

With continued high-rise construction and commercial property development, security services in this region are expected to keep growing.

5. Northern Ontario:

In cities like Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie, security personnel are increasingly in demand to monitor industrial and resource-based operations.

Industries such as mining, construction, and energy, which are prevalent in Northern Ontario, require site security, making this region a hotspot for licensed security guards and private investigators.

Future Growth Projections

The private security industry in Ontario is poised for continued growth in 2023–2024 and beyond. Key factors contributing to a positive employment outlook include:

1. Urban Development

Ongoing construction of residential and commercial properties, particularly in the GTA, Ottawa, and Southwestern Ontario, is projected to fuel demand for security services.

2. High Turnover and Retirement

The security industry experiences high turnover due to the relatively low entry barriers, which opens up numerous positions for new licensees. Additionally, the retirement of seasoned professionals will lead to more job openings.

3. Public Safety Concerns

With growing concerns over public safety, cybercrime, and the security needs of high-profile public events, private security services will see sustained demand.

4. Outsourcing by Government and Public Institutions

Schools, hospitals, and municipal governments are increasingly outsourcing their security needs to private agencies, further expanding the job market for licensed security professionals.

Compliance Issues in Ontario’s Private Security Sector

Compliance is a critical component of maintaining standards in Ontario’s private security and investigative services industry. The Ministry of the Solicitor General is responsible for ensuring that individuals and agencies operate within the framework of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA). Over the past few years, several compliance challenges have been identified.

Common Compliance Issues

In 2022–2023, the compliance rate across the industry stood at 70%, a decrease of 18% compared to the previous year. The most frequent compliance issues include:

Failure to Wear Compliant Uniforms

Security personnel are required to wear uniforms that adhere to the standards set out in the PSISA.

A significant number of security guards were found to be non-compliant in this area.

Failure to Hold or Produce a Valid License

Security guards and private investigators are required by law to carry and produce their licenses while on duty.

Many compliance inspections revealed that individuals were either not carrying valid licenses or operating without one.

Non-compliance with Training Standards

Training programs for security guards and private investigators are expected to meet ministry standards.

In 2022–2023, 88% of training programs reviewed were found to be non-compliant with these requirements, prompting a targeted compliance campaign by the Ministry.

Enhanced Oversight and Regional Inspection Program

To address these compliance issues, the Ministry launched a regional inspection program in 2022.

This program added more inspectors to focus on Ontario’s western and eastern regions, where a high concentration of licensed agencies operate.

Through 1,741 compliance checks and seven joint inspections with other government bodies, including local law enforcement and by-law enforcement, the Ministry increased its oversight.

Inspectors have been actively working to ensure that agencies and individuals comply with uniform standards, licensing requirements, and training obligations.

The Ministry has also introduced data analytics to identify anomalies in training compliance and has ramped up enforcement actions, resulting in a 66% increase in Provincial Offence Notices issued to violators in 2022–2023.

Conclusion

Ontario’s private security and investigative services industry continues to grow, driven by expanding urban areas, increased public safety concerns, and rising demand for security professionals across various sectors.

While regions like Toronto and Ottawa remain key employment hubs, Southwestern and Northern Ontario are seeing significant growth as well.

Salaries in the industry are competitive, particularly for those with specialized skills or experience.

However, compliance remains a critical challenge, with the Ministry focusing on improving adherence to licensing, training, and uniform standards through increased inspections and regulatory oversight.

Looking ahead, the industry’s modernization efforts, coupled with a steady demand for security services, ensure that Ontario’s security sector will remain vital to the province’s public safety infrastructure for years to come.

Last Updated on Dec 2, 2024

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