Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators salary by state
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators is a professional role in the Protective Service job family, focused on Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators work. Pay for this title reflects both its level and its scope; see our Title Level and Organization Responsibility guides for how WePayFairly defines them.
What Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigatorss do
Typical education: High School Diploma
Monitor establishment activities to ensure adherence to all state gaming regulations and company policies and procedures.
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.
Report all violations and suspicious behaviors to supervisors, verbally or in writing.
Develop and maintain log of surveillance observations.
Inspect and monitor audio or video surveillance equipment to ensure it is working appropriately.
Top skills:MonitoringCritical ThinkingSpeakingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionActive Listening
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators pay by experience level
Entry level$34,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$37,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$45,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$51,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$64,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+0.3%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
1,300
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators salary by industry
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries
4,670 workers
$43,000
Gambling Industries
4,640 workers
$43,500
Accommodation
3,170 workers
$47,500
Traveler Accommodation
3,170 workers
$47,500
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
1,330 workers
$60,500
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
950 workers
$50,500
Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries
210 workers
$41,500
Spectator Sports
210 workers
$41,500
Administrative and Support Services
60 workers
$68,500
Investigation and Security Services
40 workers
$68,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators pays 33% below the average across 28 roles in the Protective Service job family (family average $70,500).
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators make?
The average base salary for a Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators in the United States is $47,000 per year, or about $22.60 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $37,500 and $51,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Protective Service roles?
The Protective Service job family averages $70,500 across 28 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
