How much does a casino security guard make?
Answer: A typical casino security guard in the United States makes $43,370 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 10,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Casino security guard pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $32,730 | $43,370 | $61,970 | about 10,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $46,570 | about 820 |
| California | $44,740 | about 990 |
| Pennsylvania | $38,930 | about 570 |
| Oklahoma | $36,000 | about 1,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience, video-surveillance skills, location, and employer type—such as a casino or government agency—can affect pay. More complex investigative duties may pay differently, and state-required permits can affect who qualifies. Night or rotating shifts are common, and hours worked affect total earnings.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a casino security guard 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.
What's a typical day like?
From a casino observation room, they scan camera and audio feeds of tables, slot machines, and cash areas for cheating, theft, or rule-breaking. They replay video, log suspicious moments, check equipment, and alert supervisors.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school or earn a GED, then gain casino or video-monitoring experience, often as a security guard, and learn on the job. Rules vary: Pennsylvania requires permits for surveillance agents; some casinos require workers to be 21.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling.
Did you know?
A large casino may need over 1,000 ceiling cameras to watch a gaming floor bigger than 100,000 square feet.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Protective Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/security-guards.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-9031.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2018/May/oes339031.htm
- gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/news-and-transparency/faq/what-jobs-require-gaming-emp
- leb.fbi.gov/articles/featured-articles/policing-in-the-casino-gaming-environment
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY