How to become gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Protective Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$43,370

25th–75th pct. $36,270–$49,210

Top pay (est.)

$80,600

Top 10% $61,970

Pay in 5 years

$49,100est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$55,700est.

$47,900–$64,600

Outlook score

35/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

56%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

−1.8%

1,100 openings / yr

How to become gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

Less than 5 years

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators

Key skills

Monitoring

3.9

Critical Thinking

3.8

Speaking

3.6

Reading Comprehension

3.5

Active Listening

3.2

Active Learning

3.1

Writing

3.1

Judgment and Decision Making

3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics

4.5

English Language

4.2

Education and Training

4.1

Mathematics

4.0

Administrative

3.9

Public Safety and Security

3.5

Customer and Personal Service

3.3

Administration and Management

3.1

What the work involves

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsDocumenting/Recording InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProcessing Information

Important abilities

Problem SensitivityFar VisionSelective AttentionNear VisionOral ExpressionOral Comprehension

Education of workers

High school diploma

84%

Post-secondary certificate

Associate's degree

Some college

Less than high school

Training before entry

6–12 months

31%

1–3 months

27%

None / short demo

17%

3–6 months

14%

Up to 1 month

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

57%

6–12 months

19%

1–2 years

10%

6–8 years

2–4 years

3–6 months

1–3 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Security Guards Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.	$38,020	41/100	39%
2	Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances.	$76,210	58/100	20%
3	Correctional Officers and Jailers Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures.	$58,940	36/100	24%
4	Firefighters Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk.	$59,280	58/100	8%
5	Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.	$33,580	64/100	8%
6	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.	$106,040	61/100	15%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.