As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surveillance Observer in the United States is $35,612 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Surveillance Observer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Surveillance Observer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $42,956 | $3,580 | $826 | $21 |
| Average | $35,612 | $2,968 | $685 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,694 | $2,391 | $552 | $14 |
Via Christi Village Hays - HAYS, KS
Focus Staff - BENNINGTON, VT
CareFirstNY - CAYUTA, NY
CareFirstNY - PAINTED POST, NY
A Surveillance Observer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Observers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.56% |
| Animal Care | 3.47% |
| Triage | 2.33% |
Understanding how a Surveillance Observer'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $42,956 | $3,580 | $826 | $21 |
| Average | $35,612 | $2,968 | $685 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,694 | $2,391 | $552 | $14 |
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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