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Surveillance Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Surveillance Operator make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surveillance Operator in the United States is $40,999 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $49,676
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $37,648 to $45,541
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,597
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Surveillance Operator Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Surveillance Operator Salaries?

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:

  • Surveillance Operator (0-1 years): $40,999
  • Surveillance Technician (1-3 years): $46,573
  • Surveillance Supervisor (3+ years): $54,257
  • Surveillance Operations Manager (3-5 years): $77,200
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Surveillance Operator0-1 years$40,999
Surveillance Technician1-3 years$46,573
Surveillance Supervisor3+ years$54,257
Surveillance Operations Manager3-5 years$77,200
View as Graph

How Do Surveillance Operators Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $45,394.
  • California: $45,222.
  • Massachusetts: $44,619.

Top Paying Cities for Surveillance Operator

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $51,712
  • San Francisco: $51,146
  • Oakland: $50,068

What Skills Can Increase a Surveillance Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Team Building (Mentioned in 9.78% Job Postings): Shaping a group of individuals into a cohesive and effective unit, focused on a central objective.
  • Claim Investigation (Mentioned in 2.77% Job Postings): The Claims Investigation process is one in which Insurance Companies, Insurance Examiners, or Investigators obtain information to evaluate a claim.
  • Computer Literacy (Mentioned in 2.31% Job Postings): Ability to use computers and related technology efficiently.
Skills Demand Percentage
Team Building 9.78%
Claim Investigation 2.77%
Computer Literacy 2.31%
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What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Surveillance Operator's salary.

  • Computer Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 69%.
  • Products and Services: Can increase your salary by up to 45%.
  • Strategic Planning: Can increase your salary by up to 34%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Computer Engineering $69,288
69%
Products and Services $59,449
45%
Strategic Planning $54,939
34%
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Surveillance Operator Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Surveillance Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $43,519. While startup companies pay approximate $36,945.

Surveillance Operator Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $36,945
Growth Stage 51~500 $39,043
Established 501~5000 $42,065
Enterprise 5000+ $43,519

Surveillance Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Surveillance Operator roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Hospitality & Leisure, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Surveillance Operator positions in Edu.,Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Surveillance Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Surveillance Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Hospitality & Leisure$45,099$22.010%

How Education impacts an Surveillance Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surveillance Operator enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Surveillance Operator with a Bachelor's Degree is between $37,746 and $40,076.

Surveillance Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Surveillance Operator
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%
View as Graph

Surveillance Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 August 01, 2026
$37,648
Average $40,999/year
$45,541
$3,137
Average $3,417/month
$3,795
$724
Average $788/week
$876
$18
Average $20/hour
$22
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $45,541 $3,795 $876 $22
Average $40,999 $3,417 $788 $20
25th Percentile $37,648 $3,137 $724 $18

Surveillance Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Surveillance Operator

Next Role

Advancement

For a Surveillance Operator, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Surveillance Technician role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $46,573 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Surveillance Operator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Surveillance Operator

Here are companies hiring for Surveillance Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Surveillance Operator

1. Where can a Surveillance Operator earn the most?

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 $51,712.

2. What is the highest pay for Surveillance Operator?

The highest pay for Surveillance Operator is $49,676.

3. What is the lowest pay for Surveillance Operator?

The lowest pay for Surveillance Operator is $34,597.

4. What are the responsibilities of Surveillance Operator?

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Surveillance Operator?

The Hospitality & Leisure industry offers the highest average compensation for Surveillance Operator roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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