How much does a casino security guard make?
a year · about $21 an hour
A typical casino security guard in the United States makes $43,370 a year, about $21 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? A large casino may need over 1,000 ceiling cameras to watch a gaming floor bigger than 100,000 square feet.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $32,730 and $61,970How do you become one?
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.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Massachusetts ($61,770), lowest in South Dakota ($33,820).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $61,770 | about 80 |
| Connecticut | $56,300 | about 180 |
| Oregon | $50,120 | about 70 |
| Arizona | $50,010 | about 380 |
| New York | $49,110 | about 170 |
Official definition: 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.
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