A CCTV operator monitors live or recorded camera feeds — public-space (council and BID-funded city-centre control rooms), private retail or logistics, casino, or transport hub — and acts on what they see: dispatching guards, alerting police, or preserving footage for prosecution.

The SIA Public Space Surveillance (PSS) licence is non-negotiable for any operator monitoring areas open to the public. Recorded footage that ends up in court can only be admitted if the operator was licensed when it was captured, which is why every reputable control room insists on it. Shift patterns are unforgiving: 12-hour days and nights are standard in retail and city-centre rooms; some private contracts run 8-hour shifts but expect weekend rotation. Pay ranges from £11 to £14 in most of the country, £14-£17 in London and Manchester city control rooms.

Watch out for "CCTV operator wanted" ads from logistics yards that quietly mean "warehouse worker who occasionally looks at the cameras" — those don't always need a PSS licence and the pay reflects that. Career-wise, operators often move into investigations, retail loss prevention, or supervisor roles in the same control room. The PSS licence also stacks nicely with the Door Supervisor and Security Guard licences for guards who want to multi-license.

CCTV Operator Jobs

Day Security Officer

London
£31,820 per annum
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-08-2026
A current SIA Door Supervisor and CCTV licence, or the willingness to obtain and maintain the required licence. Why Apply. This is an opportunity to join a professional team that plays a vital role in supporting the campus community. You will work in a va... Read more
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CCTV Security Control Room Operator

W1J, Piccadilly Circus
£40,000 per annum
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-08-2026
CCTV Security Control Room Operator. Shift pattern: 3 days (0700-1900), 3 nights (1900-0700), 3 off. Location: Central London. Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus. Salary: £40,000 (£13.73 per hour. Do you hold a SIA CCTV license? Would you like to work at a b... Read more
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Security Operative

City Of London
£40,000 per annum
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 21-08-2026
Alarm and CCTV Response: The core role function is to promptly respond to and manage all alarm activations and CCTV alerts at client premises, assessing situations quickly and accurately and taking appropriate proportionate action in line with established... Read more
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Security Officer - Central London

London
£38,000 per annum
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 21-08-2026
Monitoring and responding to CCTV alerts and alarm activations. Assessing situations quickly and taking appropriate and proportionate action. Escalating incidents to senior security personnel or the Emergency Services when required. Conducting internal an... Read more
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Relief security officer

Newark
£14 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 21-08-2026
About the role. Title – Relief Security officer. Pay Rate – £13.67. Location – Newark and Nottingham. Shift Timings – Must be able to work days and nights when required. What will you get in return. Please note all our roles require transfer to our client... Read more
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Retail Security Officer

Redruth
£16 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 21-08-2026
£500 Welcome Bonus payable for SIA-licensed candidates on completion of 3 months service. Bonus is payable only if you have fulfilled all of your allocated shifts. Position: Retail Security Officer. Locations: Redruth. Pay Rate: £16.20 per hour (TSS opera... Read more
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Elite Retail Security Officer

Milton Keynes
£16 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 21-08-2026
Elite Retail Security Officer. Location: Milton Keynes. Pay Rate: £16.12 per hour. Hours: Various. Shift Pattern: Various shifts between 8:45am and 7:15pm, across 7 days. SIA SG or DS Licence Essential, Driving licence also essential as this role requires... Read more
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Security Officer Retail Support

Grantham, Lincolnshire
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 21-08-2026
Monitoring CCTV systems where required. Assisting customers and store staff in a professional manner. Responding to incidents and completing accurate reports. Ensuring compliance with site procedures and health & safety requirements. Requirements. Valid S... Read more
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Security Officer - Ipswich

Leiston
£15 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 21-08-2026
We are currently recruiting for a Security Officer to join the G4S team, working for a well-known site in Ipswich. Contract Information. Pay Rate: £15.03 per hour. Hours: Full-time, 42 hours per week. Shift Pattern: Monday - Sunday, 06:00am - 18:00pm or 0... Read more
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Security Officer

London
£13 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 21-08-2026
Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of; Corporate Security, Security Officer, Security Guard, Experienced Security Officer, Security, Security Enforcement Officer, SIA Licence, SIA Licenced Security Officer, CCTV, Security Support Office... Read more
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Retail Security Officer

South London
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 21-08-2026
Opportunities to join TSS working across South London. TSS are currently recruiting Retail Security Officers in South London, where no two days will be the same and you will have the opportunity to carve out a career with the biggest name in security. App... Read more
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Mobile Security Officer

Sutton, Greater London
£15 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 20-08-2026
Monday to Friday 0900-1800. Mobile officer St Helier. The candidate must have a full UK drivers License and can drive a manual car. Location: South London / Surrey (Epsom & St Helier) - Must be able to travel to both locations. Salary: £14.80 per hour. Ho... Read more
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Security Officer - Oldbury on Severn

Bristol
£15 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 20-08-2026
CCTV and control room duties. Other duties will include control of access, site emergency scheme, including incident response, and continuous maintenance of records and logs. Our Perfect Worker. Our perfect worker will have the following skills. Be a grea... Read more
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Security Officer - Part Time

Annan
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 20-08-2026
We are currently recruiting for a Security Officer to join the G4S team, working for a well known-site in Annan, Scotland. Contract Information. Pay Rate: £13.93 per hour. Hours: 24 hours. Shift Pattern: Covering days and nights. Applicants will hold a va... Read more
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Security Officer

Bedford
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 20-08-2026
G4S are currently recruiting for a Security Officer to join a well-known company in Milton Keynes. Due to the nature of the site, we are looking for someone who has great customer service, an understanding of security procedures and is keen to deliver hig... Read more
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Retail Security Officer

Scunthorpe
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 20-08-2026
TSS are looking for a Retail Security Officer in Scunthorpe, where no two days will be the same and you will have the opportunity to carve out a career with the biggest name in security. Applicants must have an SIA licence. Position: Retail Security Offic... Read more
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Security Floor Officer

Camberley, Surrey
£15 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 20-08-2026
CCTV Security Officer - X1 Position Available - GU15. We are seeking a reliable and professional Security Officer to join our security team in Camberley's busy town centre. To look after and oversee a Large Car park. The Postion starts on the 24th of Augu... Read more
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Corporate Security Officer

BT1, Belfast
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 19-08-2026
Operation of CCTV and access control systems. Produce accurate and comprehensive incident reports. Ensure all Health & Safety policies are adhered to. Work in conjunction with site Assignment Instructions. Respond to emergency situations. Work as part of ... Read more
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Security Guard

Royston, Hertfordshire
£15 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 19-08-2026
Security Guard – Royston. Location: Royston. Pay Rate: £15.45 per hour. Shift Pattern: 4 on, 4 off (Days and Nights Available. About the Role. We are currently recruiting for a professional and reliable Security Guard to join our team in Royston. This is ... Read more
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Weekend Security Officer

Brackley
£15 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 19-08-2026
First Response Group is not just a workplace. It is a vibrant community where passion fuels our excellence, integrity guides our conduct, empowerment shapes our successes, and a sense of community binds us together. First Response Group is committed to en... Read more
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Frequently asked questions

Do you need a licence to work as a CCTV operator?

Yes, if you're monitoring areas open to the public. The SIA Public Space Surveillance licence is mandatory for any operator whose footage may be used in court — that includes most city-centre control rooms, retail park monitoring, and casino surveillance.

What hours do CCTV operators work?

Twelve-hour shifts are standard, often on a four-on-four-off pattern or two days / two nights / four off. Night work is common in retail and city-centre control rooms.

How much do CCTV operators earn?

£11-£14 an hour is the norm across most of the UK. London and Manchester city-centre control rooms typically pay £14-£17. Casino and high-end private control rooms can pay more, often £15-£18.