Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators earn a median of $43,370 per year ($20.85/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 1.8% through 2035, with about 1,100 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 33-9031
- Protective Service
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator in four numbers
- Median pay
- $43,370a year, or $20.85/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $33KTop 10% $62K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -1.8%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−1.8%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −1.8% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 1,1009,800 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 20259.8K
- Projected 20359.6K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 9.8K Projected 2035 9.6K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school2.2%
- High school84.1%
- Certificate5.9%
- Some college2.7%
- Associate's5.1%
Highest education held by gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators Segment Value Less than high school 2.2% High school 84.1% Certificate 5.9% Some college 2.7% Associate's 5.1%
Also advertised as: Casino Enforcement Agent, Gaming Investigator, Security Officer, Surveillance Agent, Surveillance Investigator, Surveillance Monitor.
Pay
How much do Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators make?
Every gambling surveillance officer and gambling investigator in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$43,370
Middle half earn $36,270 to $49,210
- 10th
- $32,730
- 25th
- $36,270
- 75th
- $49,210
- 90th
- $61,970
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $32,730 |
| 25th | $36,270 |
| Median | $43,370 |
| 75th | $49,210 |
| 90th | $61,970 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $43,370
- Median hourly wage
- $20.85/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $45,630
- People employed
- 9,520
Versus all US occupations
At $43,370, Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators earn 15% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $7,610 a year.
Versus protective service occupations
Inside the Protective Service group, where the middle occupation pays $74,060, this is 41% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $61,970 or more while the bottom 10% earn $32,730, a gap of 1.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 10% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Massachusetts pays the most at $61,770, and still leads at $58,407 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Massachusetts | $61,770 | $58,407 | 80 |
| 2Connecticut | $56,300 | $54,338 | 180 |
| 3Oregon | $50,120 | $48,490 | 70 |
| 4Arizona | $50,010 | $49,674 | 380 |
| 5New York | $49,110 | $45,506 | 170 |
| 6New Jersey | $48,620 | $44,685 | 270 |
| 7Maryland | $47,950 | $45,685 | 120 |
| 8Indiana | $46,910 | $50,263 | 380 |
| 9North Dakota | $46,740 | $52,541 | 120 |
| 10Michigan | $46,620 | $48,453 | 330 |
Job outlook
Is Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -1.8% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators | −1.8% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators to change -1.8% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 200 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 1,100 openings are projected each year, 11.2% of the 9,800 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of security guards and gambling surveillance officers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 157,200 openings for security guards and gambling surveillance officers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of security guards and gambling surveillance officers varies by occupation (see table).
Getting in
How to become a Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator
Security guards and gambling surveillance officers typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Gambling surveillance officers sometimes need experience with security and video surveillance. Most states require security guards to be licensed by the state, especially if they carry a firearm.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
Less than 5 years
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)84.1%
- Post-Secondary Certificate5.9%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5.1%
- Some College Courses2.7%
- Less than a High School Diploma2.2%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 84.1% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 5.9% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 5.1% |
| Some College Courses | 2.7% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 2.2% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator do?
Observe gambling operation for irregular activities such as cheating or theft by either employees or patrons. Investigate potential threats to gambling assets such as money, chips, and gambling equipment. Act as oversight and security agent for management and customers.
Security guards and gambling surveillance officers protect property against theft, vandalism, and other illegal activity.
Day-to-day tasks
- Report all violations and suspicious behaviors to supervisors, verbally or in writing.
- Develop and maintain log of surveillance observations.
- Monitor establishment activities to ensure adherence to all state gaming regulations and company policies and procedures.
- Review video surveillance footage.
- Observe casino or casino hotel operations for irregular activities, such as cheating or theft by employees or patrons, using audio and video equipment and one-way mirrors.
- Inspect and monitor audio or video surveillance equipment to ensure it is working appropriately.
- Act as oversight or security agents for management or customers.
- Supervise or train surveillance observers.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Security guards and gambling surveillance officers usually work in shifts of about 8 hours, with rotating schedules. Night shifts are common. Most security guards and gambling surveillance officers work full time. Seasonal work may be available during the holidays and during the warmer summer months in some states.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayHandling conflict situations at least monthly.
Cost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals47%
- Gambling industries (except casino hotels)22%
- Casino hotels22%
- Spectator sports2%
- Administrative and support services1%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 47% |
| Gambling industries (except casino hotels) | 22% |
| Casino hotels | 22% |
| Spectator sports | 2% |
| Administrative and support services | 1% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Monitoring4.1
- Critical Thinking3.8
- Speaking3.6
- Reading Comprehension3.3
- Active Listening3.3
- Writing3.1
- Active Learning3.1
- Learning Strategies2.5
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Monitoring | 4.1 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 |
| Speaking | 3.6 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.3 |
| Active Listening | 3.3 |
| Writing | 3.1 |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
- Instructing3.0
- Complex Problem Solving3.0
- Coordination2.9
- Time Management2.9
- Service Orientation2.6
- Management of Personnel Resources2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.4 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 |
| Instructing | 3.0 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 |
| Coordination | 2.9 |
| Time Management | 2.9 |
| Service Orientation | 2.6 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 4 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 5 |
| Conventional | 6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions.
- Conventional5.6
- Enterprising4.8
- Realistic4.1
- Investigative2.2
- Social2.1
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator
O*NET related occupations
- Business and Financial Operations
- Management
- Computer and Mathematical
- Protective Service
- Protective Service
- Personal Care and Service
First-Line Supervisor of Gambling Services Workers
$63,820median a year
Most earn $41K to $85K
+3.5%High school
More protective service careers
Median annual pay, with gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators highlighted
- Detective and Criminal Investigator$93,790
- Intelligence Analyst$93,790
- Police Officer$76,210
- Custom and Border Protection Officer$76,210
- Firefighter$59,280
- Correctional Officer and Jailer$58,940
- Private Detective and Investigator$51,220
- Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator$43,370
- Security Guard$38,020
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Detective and Criminal Investigator | $93,790 |
| Intelligence Analyst | $93,790 |
| Police Officer | $76,210 |
| Custom and Border Protection Officer | $76,210 |
| Firefighter | $59,280 |
| Correctional Officer and Jailer | $58,940 |
| Private Detective and Investigator | $51,220 |
| Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator | $43,370 |
| Security Guard | $38,020 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator appears on
Questions
Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator: frequently asked questions
How much do Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators make?
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators earn a median of $43,370 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 15% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $20.85/hr. The middle half earn between $36,270 and $49,210. The top 10% earn $61,970 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. Employers typically expect less than 5 years of related work experience first. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 84.1% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 1.8% over 2025–2035, a loss of 200 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 1,100 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator do?
Security guards and gambling surveillance officers protect property against theft, vandalism, and other illegal activity. A core O*NET task: report all violations and suspicious behaviors to supervisors, verbally or in writing. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Office suite software, Presentation software.
Which states pay Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators the most?
The highest state medians for Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators are Massachusetts ($61,770), Connecticut ($56,300), Oregon ($50,120) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator?
O*NET scores Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators highest on the Conventional, Enterprising and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ESTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.