As of May 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Surveillance Operator in the United States is $20, which translates to an annual salary of about $40,998.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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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 | $40,998 |
| Surveillance Technician | 1-3 years | $46,576 |
| Surveillance Supervisor | 3+ years | $54,281 |
| Surveillance Operations Manager | 3-5 years | $77,208 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Engineering
|
$69,287 |
69%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$59,447 |
45%
|
|
Strategic Planning
|
$54,937 |
34%
|
|
Insight
|
$49,608 |
21%
|
|
Multitasking
|
$47,148 |
15%
|
|
Consulting
|
$45,918 |
12%
|
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 01, 2026Salaries 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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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.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Team Building: Shaping a group of individuals into a cohesive and effective unit, focused on a central objective.
Claim Investigation: The Claims Investigation process is one in which Insurance Companies, Insurance Examiners, or Investigators obtain information to evaluate a claim.
Computer Literacy: Ability to use computers and related technology efficiently.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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