How Much Does an Entry Level Surveillance Investigator make?

Entry Level Surveillance Investigator made a median salary around $50,319 in February, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $56,670 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $45,293. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Entry Level Surveillance Investigator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Entry Level Surveillance Investigator profession are San Jose , Santa Clara , Saratoga , Sunnyvale , Los Gatos .
San Jose, CA $50,319
Santa Clara, CA $50,319
Saratoga, CA $50,319
Sunnyvale, CA $50,319
Los Gatos, CA $50,319

Best-Paying States for Entry Level Surveillance Investigator

The states and districts that pay Entry Level Surveillance Investigator the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $44,626) , California (around $44,225) , New Jersey (around $43,944) , Alaska (around $43,663) , and Massachusetts (around $43,623) .
District of Columbia $44,626
California $44,225
New Jersey $43,944
Alaska $43,663
Massachusetts $43,623

What is the Career Path of Entry Level Surveillance Investigator?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Entry Level Surveillance Investigator, the first career path typically progresses to Special Investigations Unit Director.

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Surveillance Technician position , and then progresses to Surveillance Operations Manager.

Besides, Entry Level Surveillance Investigator can also turn to other related jobs, including Surveillance Investigator , Surveillance Investigator Experienced , Casino Surveillance Equipment Technician and Surveillance Operations Manager .

Frequently Asked Questions for Entry Level Surveillance Investigator

Q: What is the salary range of Entry Level Surveillance Investigator in San Jose, CA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Entry Level Surveillance Investigator in San Jose, CA earned an average annual salary of $45,293 , while the highest-paid made $56,670.
Q: What is the salary for an Entry Level Surveillance Investigator in California?
A: Entry Level Surveillance Investigator employed in California earned an average salary of $44,225 in 2025.

Average Entry Level Surveillance Investigator Pay vs. Other Jobs

Entry Level Surveillance Investigator earned an average salary of $50,319 in 2025. Other jobs related to Entry Level Surveillance Investigator earned the following average salary in February, 2025. Surveillance Investigator made $65,303 , Surveillance Investigator Experienced made $99,984 , Casino Surveillance Equipment Technician and Surveillance Operations Manager made $63,000 and $97,823 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Entry Level Surveillance Investigator

Surveillance Investigator - Average Salary $65,303
The Surveillance Investigator may require an associate's degree or its equivalent and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Conducts private investigations to locate missing persons, obtains confidential information, and solves crimes. Being a Surveillance Investigator relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. In addition, Surveillance Investigator performs a variety of complicated tasks. Typically reports to an executive or head of a unit/department. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Surveillance Investigator Experienced - Average Salary $99,984
There is currently no job description for Surveillance Investigator Experienced, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Surveillance Investigator Experienced.
Casino Surveillance Equipment Technician - Average Salary $63,000
The Casino Surveillance Equipment Technician maintains, repairs, and installs alarms. Installs and removes various types of cameras throughout the establishment. Being a Casino Surveillance Equipment Technician may require an associate's degree or its equivalent. Creates tapes for training and investigations. In addition, Casino Surveillance Equipment Technician typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Working as a Casino Surveillance Equipment Technician typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. May be entry level if some experience in the skill. Gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Works under moderate supervision.
Surveillance Operations Manager - Average Salary $97,823
Surveillance Operations Manager manages and directs the surveillance department. Organizes routine random surveillances and audits surveillance as required. Being a Surveillance Operations Manager ensures compliance with gaming requirements set by state gaming authority and local law enforcement. Works with security team to resolve problems and disturbances. Additionally, Surveillance Operations Manager may require an associate degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a director. The Surveillance Operations Manager supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. To be a Surveillance Operations Manager typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.
Background Investigator Level 2 - Average Salary $99,984
There is currently no job description for Background Investigator Level 2, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Background Investigator Level 2.