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

Fire Door Fitter

Walsall, West Midlands (County)
£22 per hour
Job Type: Contract
Posted: 22-10-2026
Fire Door Fitter / Installer – Commercial Projects. Location: Walsall, West Midlands. Pay Rate: £24.00–£27.00 per hour. Contract: Temporary / Contract. Sector: Commercial Construction & Passive Fire Protection. Start Date: To be confirmed. The Opportunity... Read more
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SIA Security Officer

KT1, Grove
Not Specified
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-10-2026
SIA Security Officer. Location: Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE. Salary: £34,578 per annum + Excellent Benefits. Contract: Full Time, Permanent. Shifts: 4 on 4 off Shift Pattern (38.5 hours. KUSCO (Kingston University Service Company Ltd) is a wholly owned ... Read more
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Control Room Operative

Leeds
£15 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-10-2026
As a Control Room Operator, you will be the heartbeat of our operations, monitoring systems, responding to real-time events, and ensuring everything runs safely and efficiently. This is a critical role where your vigilance and quick thinking help keep peo... Read more
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Area Security Officer

Bracknell
£13 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-10-2026
We have a great opportunity to join the team as an Area Security Officer, covering sites in the Thames Valley area such as Bracknell, Pirbright, Farnborough, and Reading. The role will be to cover a mixture of sites across the area, such as office spaces,... Read more
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Security Officer

Reading
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-10-2026
Monitoring multiple NESO sites using CCTV, Intruder Alarm, Access Control, and other security management systems. Receive, assess, and respond to security alarms and incidents in accordance with established incident management procedures. Handling inbound... Read more
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Security Officer - Ipswich

Ipswich
£15 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-10-2026
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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Site and Security Assistant

West Midlands
£26,166 per annum
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-10-2026
Site and Security Assistant. Permanent. Location: West Midlands. About the Role. You'll join a further education provider in the West Midlands, helping to keep the site safe, secure and welcoming for staff, learners and visitors. This is a hands-on, on-si... Read more
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Night Security Officer

WC1E, Russell Square
£34,667 per annum
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-10-2026
You will monitor CCTV, alarms and other security systems, support emergency responses, assist with access requests and contractor management, and maintain accurate records of incidents and patrol activities. This is a varied and rewarding role that offers... Read more
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Night Security Manager

WC1E, Fitzrovia
£37,413 per annum
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-10-2026
Confidence using CCTV, access control and incident reporting systems. Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach. The ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions. A current SIA Door Supervisor and CCTV licence, or willi... Read more
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Retail Security Officer

Kingston upon Thames
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-10-2026
Position: Retail Security Officer. Location: Kinsgston Upon Thames. Pay Rate: £14.35 per hour. Hours: Various. Shifts: Various. SG / DS SIA licence required. Your Time at Work. As a Retail Security Officer your duties include. To provide a visible uniform... Read more
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Retail Security Officer

Cobham
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-10-2026
Position: Retail Security Officer. Location: Cobham. Pay Rate: £14 per hour. Hours: Various. Shifts: Various. SG / DS SIA licence required. Your Time at Work. As a Retail Security Officer your duties include. To provide a visible uniformed deterrent, to c... Read more
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Retail Security Officer

BT37 9UH
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 22-10-2026
About the role. Title. Retail Security Officer. Pay Rate. £. 13.58ph. Location – Abbeycentre Belfast. Shift Timings – Full time 40 hours per week- Must be flexible to work day shifts and weekends. You will be working in a well-known retail store, which ho... Read more
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Aviation Security Officer

Hounslow
£13 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 21-10-2026
We are currently recruiting for Aviation Security Officers to join the G4S team, working for a well known-site at Heathrow Airport and surrounding areas. Contract Information. Pay Rate: £13.04 per hour. Hours: Flexible hours working between 04:00am - 23:5... Read more
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Security Officer - Nights

EC2Y, Cripplegate
£15 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 21-10-2026
A CCTV licence would be advantageous. A checkable 5 year work history is required. Hours of work are:. Thursday to Monday 19.00pm to 07.00am. The position is temp to perm and starting immediately. Please only apply if you have all the above requirements. ... Read more
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SIA Mobile Security Guard

SK10, Macclesfield
£13 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 21-10-2026
SIA Door Supervisor Mobile Security Guard. Hours. Two 12-hour shifts every other weekend (Saturday & Sunday, 8am - 8pm. Occasional 14-hour night shifts (6pm - 8am) as needed. Average of 48 hours per month. Job Description. Mobile patrols, keyholding, and ... Read more
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Senior Retail Security & Loss Prevention Officer

Coventry
£16 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 20-10-2026
We are seeking a highly professional and experienced Retail Security & Loss Prevention Officer to join our team in Coventry. This role is ideally suited to individuals who have a proven background in retail security, loss prevention, and shrinkage reducti... Read more
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Retail Security Officer

Shepton Mallet
£16 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 20-10-2026
Position: Retail Security Officer. Locations: Shepton Mallet. Pay Rate: £16.20 per hour (TSS operates on site-based rates. Hours & Shifts: Various. DS or SG SIA licence required. We are recruiting Retail Security Officers to join our teams across Somerset... Read more
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Security Officer

Dorchester
£15 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 20-10-2026
We are currently recruiting for a Security Officer to join the G4S team, working for a well-known site in Winfrith, Dorchester. Contract Information. Pay Rate: £14.88 per hour. Hours: 42 hours per week. Shift Pattern: 2 x 12 hour days followed by 2 x 12 h... Read more
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Retail Security Officer

Bicester
£14 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 20-10-2026
Position: Retail Security Officer. Location: Bicester. Pay Rate: £13.80 per hour, TSS operates on individual site-based rates. Hours: Various. Shifts: Various. Your Time at Work. As a Retail Security Officer your duties include. Providing a visible unifor... Read more
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Security Officer - Wylfa (Anglesey)

Isle of Anglesey
£16 per hour
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 20-10-2026
Great opportunity to work as a Security Officer for a leading global security and outsourcing group, specialising in outsourcing of business processes in sectors where security and safety risks are considered a strategic threat. Staffline is recruiting fo... 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.