As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Surveillance Operator in the United States is $40,995 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Surveillance Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Surveillance Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Surveillance Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Surveillance Operator | 0-1 years | $40,995 |
| Surveillance Technician | 1-3 years | $46,583 |
| Surveillance Supervisor | 3+ years | $54,325 |
| Surveillance Operations Manager | 3-5 years | $77,223 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Surveillance Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Team Building | 9.78% |
| Claim Investigation | 2.77% |
| Computer Literacy | 2.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$43,045 |
5%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$41,815 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surveillance Operators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Surveillance Operator with a No Diploma is between $36,624 and $38,926).
Surveillance Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 61.3% |
| High School | 61.3% |
| Associates | 16.1% |
| Bachelors | 19.4% |
| Masters | 3.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Surveillance Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Surveillance Operator, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Special Investigations Unit Director | $164,724 | 302% |
| Surveillance Technician | $46,583 | 14% |
Salaries for a Surveillance Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,780 in 2023 to around $45,547 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Surveillance Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $47,780 |
| 2024 | $46,604 |
| 2025 | $45,547 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Surveillance Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Surveillance Operator's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Surveillance Operator earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Surveillance Operator is $51,707.
The highest pay for Surveillance Operator is $49,653.
The lowest pay for Surveillance Operator is $34,585.
Operates all surveillance computer equipment. Monitors all areas of the property and closely observes a target game, staff member, or customer. Ensures compliance with applicable gaming regulations. Reports improper activity or disturbances to supervisor or security team for further investigation. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. May require 0-1 year of general work experience. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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