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

Security Officer - College

Loughborough, Leicestershire
£15 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 11-09-2026
Security Officer. £15-£20 per hour inside IR35. Full-time - 37 hours per week. On Site - Loughborough. 1-3 Month Contract. Are you an experienced Security Officer looking for your next immediately available contract role, working within a well-established... Read more
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Security Officer

Portsmouth, Hampshire
£15 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 11-09-2026
SC Cleared Site Escort – Defence Sites. Location: Gosport & Portsmouth. Contract: 6–12 Months. Clearance: Active SC Clearance Required. Driving Licence: Essential. We are currently recruiting for an SC Cleared Site Escort to join a leading organisation op... Read more
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SIA Security CSCSC

Speke, Merseyside
Not Specified
Job Type: Temporary
Posted: 11-09-2026
🛡️ SECURITY OFFICERS REQUIRED 🛡️. SIA LICENSED SECURITY GUARDS WANTED. 📍 Location: Retail Park, Speke, Liverpool. 🚨 Start: ASAP. 🔄 Work: Ongoing / Long-term. 👮 Role: Security Officer. We are currently looking for reliable, professional and SIA-licensed Se... Read more
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Security Officer

BT1, Belfast
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 11-09-2026
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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Retail Security Officer

DN1, Doncaster
Not Specified
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 11-09-2026
Join us as a Security Officer, where you'll play a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming and secure environment for our customers and colleagues. This isn't just a security role, it's a role for people who stay calm under pressure, lead with profession... Read more
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Security Guards

London and South East
Not Specified
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 11-09-2026
Job Title: Security Guard. Location: Various. Job Type: Contract. Salary: Competitive. Shifts: Day/Night/Rotating/Weekends. About Us. Our Client is a trusted provider of security services, committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our cli... Read more
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Security Officer

Edinburgh
£15 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 11-09-2026
About the role. Title – Security Officer. Pay Rate. £14.90 per hour. Location. Edinburgh. Shift Timings. 4 on 4 off shift pattern ,13:00-22:00. You will be working in a well-known retail store, which holds various stock. Officers are responsible for provi... Read more
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Retail security officer

BH12 1DN
£14 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 11-09-2026
About the role. Title – Retail security officer. Pay Rate – £13.96. Location – Poole. Shift Timings – Full time, 50 hours per week, Tuesday to Saturday ,11:00-20:00. You will be working in a well-known retail store, which holds various stock. Officers are... Read more
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Retail Security Officer

Cranbrook, Exeter
£13 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 11-09-2026
We are recruiting on behalf of our client, please see the below job details and apply for more information. e That Prevents Loss. About the role. Title – Retail security officer. Pay Rate – £12.71per hour. Location📍 – Cranbrook Exeter. Shift Timings – Ful... Read more
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Security Officer

Bedfordshire
£25,000 per annum
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 11-09-2026
The day-to-day responsibilities of this role include carrying out site patrols, controlling access to the facility, monitoring CCTV and alarm systems, responding to incidents and maintaining accurate security records. The ideal candidate will hold a valid... Read more
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Security Officer ISO IAM Cloud

London
£400 per day
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 11-09-2026
A leading Professional Services organization is seeking an Information Security Officer ISO IAM Cloud on a contract basis to work on an exciting project with a financial services client. You will be needed onsite in London 4-5 days a week, please DO NOT a... Read more
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Retail Security Officer

Basingstoke, Hampshire
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 11-09-2026
CCTV Licence and experience would be a distinct advantage. Previous experience in a similar security role. What We Offer. Full-time, permanent position. Ongoing training and development opportunities. Supportive management team. Uniform provided. If you a... Read more
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Retail security officer

Bracknell
£13 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 11-09-2026
About the role. Title – Retail security officer. Pay Rate – £12.71. Location – Bracknell. Shift Timings – Full time. Monday: 12:30 – 22:00,Friday: 12:30 – 22:00, Saturday: 12:30 – 22:00 and Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00. You will be working in a well-known retail... Read more
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Royton Security Guard

Royton
£13 per hour
Job Type: Temporary
Posted: 10-09-2026
SIA Security Guard – Ad-HocLocation: Royton, Greater Manchester. Pay Rate: £12.71 per hour. Hours of Work: Monday to Sunday. Morning Shift: 06:30 – 18:30. Evening/Night Shift: 18:30 – 06:30. Employment Type: Ad-Hoc / As Required. We are currently recruiti... Read more
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Area Security Officer

Loughborough
£13 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 10-09-2026
CCTV. Access control (visitors/contractors. Witnessing cattle intake escorts to the lairage (no animal handling required. Our Perfect Worker. Our perfect Area Security Officer will need to be aged 18 or over, a confident communicator who is a team player ... Read more
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Retail Security Officer

PO19, Chichester
Not Specified
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 10-09-2026
Join us as a Security Officer, where you'll play a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming and secure environment for our customers and colleagues. This isn't just a security role, it's a role for people who stay calm under pressure, lead with profession... Read more
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Retail Security Officer

Inverness
£15 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 10-09-2026
About the role. Title – Retail security officer. Pay Rate – £14.90. Location – Inverness. Shift Timings – Full time 40+ hours a week, must be fully flexible and able to work weekends. You will be working in a well-known retail store, which holds various s... Read more
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Retail security officer

Doncaster
£14 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 10-09-2026
About the role. Title – Retail security officer. Pay Rate – £13.58. Location – Doncaster. Shift Timings – Full time, must be fully flexible and able to work weekends. You will be working in a well-known retail store, which holds various stock. Officers ar... Read more
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Security Officer

East of England
£15 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 09-09-2026
I am recruiting for a full time Security Officer for a client based in Leicestershire on a contract basis. The role will include maintaining a safe and secure environment, customer service, de-escalation skills and an understanding of security in an educa... Read more
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Security Officer

Dartford, Kent
£18 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 09-09-2026
You will monitor and operate security CCTV systems from the control room. You will support the free transport of cyclists across the river via cycle trains. You will marshal vehicles, process dangerous goods, and prepare the Kent Marshalling Area (KMA) as... 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.