Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator Salary
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators earn a median $43,370 a year nationally. Protective Service Occupations
What gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators 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.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -1.8% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 1,100
Employment of gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators is projected to shrink 1.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 1,100 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$3,024
- Social Security (6.2%)$2,689
- Medicare (1.45%)$629
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$37,028
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,730 | $15.74 | $28,479 |
| 25th percentile | $36,270 | $17.44 | $31,323 |
| Median (50th) | $43,370 | $20.85 | $37,028 |
| 75th percentile | $49,210 | $23.66 | $41,720 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $61,970 | $29.79 | $51,973 |
Gambling Surveillance Officer and Gambling Investigator salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $61,770 | +1.1% | $48,944 | $45,700 – $72,870 | 80 |
| Connecticut | $56,300 | — | $45,809 | $46,600 – $74,610 | 180 |
| Oregon | $50,120 | +3.7% | $38,896 | $36,660 – $74,380 | 70 |
| Arizona | $50,010 | +1.0% | $41,322 | $37,520 – $75,750 | 380 |
| New York | $49,110 | +0.8% | $39,585 | $34,650 – $79,300 | 170 |
| New Jersey | $48,620 | −1.2% | $40,108 | $40,550 – $59,270 | 270 |
| Maryland | $47,950 | −3.0% | $38,794 | $33,510 – $59,980 | 120 |
| Indiana | $46,910 | −19.3% | $38,518 | $34,550 – $111,990 | 380 |
| North Dakota | $46,740 | −20.1% | $39,736 | $37,870 – $61,740 | 120 |
| Michigan | $46,620 | −10.3% | $37,909 | $36,000 – $61,070 | 330 |
| Nevada | $46,570 | −1.4% | $39,599 | $36,420 – $61,040 | 820 |
| Ohio | $45,880 | — | $38,565 | $34,960 – $86,550 | 190 |
| Washington | $45,740 | −1.0% | $38,932 | $37,650 – $62,190 | 470 |
| California | $44,740 | −1.0% | $36,768 | $37,900 – $58,100 | 990 |
| Colorado | $44,340 | +3.7% | $36,565 | $30,800 – $56,440 | 100 |
| Minnesota | $44,080 | +7.0% | $36,059 | $31,780 – $59,670 | 210 |
| Illinois | $42,760 | −1.9% | $34,566 | $33,580 – $57,900 | 330 |
| Wisconsin | $42,150 | −2.1% | $34,974 | $30,850 – $67,310 | 260 |
| Virginia | $41,980 | −1.2% | $34,311 | $33,950 – $67,110 | — |
| Florida | $39,060 | −1.7% | $33,565 | $33,880 – $63,580 | 230 |
| Pennsylvania | $38,930 | −0.2% | $32,265 | $34,650 – $65,870 | 570 |
| Delaware | $38,910 | +0.5% | $31,962 | $35,310 – $50,690 | 50 |
| Missouri | $38,860 | +6.8% | $32,515 | $30,190 – $47,050 | 230 |
| Idaho | $38,850 | −1.0% | $32,445 | $33,870 – $47,310 | 50 |
| Alabama | $36,970 | +0.0% | $30,302 | $34,130 – $59,240 | 70 |
| New Mexico | $36,930 | +0.1% | $31,233 | $28,430 – $64,540 | 110 |
| Kansas | $36,830 | −1.6% | $30,517 | $30,370 – $53,710 | 110 |
| Kentucky | $36,330 | −1.6% | $30,217 | $31,140 – $43,350 | 90 |
| Oklahoma | $36,000 | −4.5% | $30,032 | $30,070 – $45,820 | 1,310 |
| Iowa | $35,750 | −8.8% | $30,198 | $31,990 – $43,940 | 230 |
| Mississippi | $35,360 | −3.6% | $29,909 | $27,620 – $48,570 | 240 |
| West Virginia | $35,150 | −1.0% | $29,486 | $27,190 – $43,090 | 70 |
| Louisiana | $33,910 | −0.1% | $28,796 | $23,440 – $44,240 | 240 |
| South Dakota | $33,820 | −9.2% | $29,354 | $28,090 – $57,110 | 80 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Guard | $38,020 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.9% |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $42,540 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.0% |
| Animal Control Worker | $45,660 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.0% |
| Crossing Guard and Flagger | $38,100 | No formal educational credential | +3.5% |
| Private Detective and Investigator | $51,220 | High school diploma or equivalent | +5.5% |
| School Bus Monitor | $35,100 | High school diploma or equivalent | -1.9% |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $33,580 | No formal educational credential | +5.5% |
| Transportation Security Screener | $66,770 | High school diploma or equivalent | -4.2% |
| Parking Enforcement Worker | $46,730 | High school diploma or equivalent | -1.1% |
| First-Line Supervisor of Security Workers | $55,940 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.7% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a gambling surveillance officer and gambling investigator make?
The national median salary for gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators is $43,370 a year ($20.85 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $32,730 and the top 10% earn over $61,970. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators the most?
Massachusetts has the highest median pay at $61,770.
How many gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators are there in the U.S.?
About 9,520 people work as gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators nationwide.