Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor
SOC 33-9032.00 · ESCO 5414 · OSCA 452231
Role snapshot
Overview
Watches CCTV feeds and alarm systems in a control room, identifying suspicious activity and dispatching security personnel or emergency services when incidents occur. This role is crucial for maintaining security, preventing loss, and ensuring a rapid and effective response to emergencies.
Ensures the safety and security of premises, assets, and personnel by proactively monitoring for threats, coordinating rapid responses, and documenting all security-related incidents.
On the job
- Monitor multiple CCTV cameras and alarm systems simultaneously for suspicious activity, breaches, or emergencies.
- Respond to activated alarms, assess the situation using available surveillance, and dispatch appropriate security personnel or emergency services.
- Document all incidents, observations, and responses accurately and thoroughly in digital logs and incident reports.
- Communicate effectively via two-way radio, phone, and internal systems with security guards, law enforcement, and other responders.
- Operate access control systems, granting or denying entry as per established security protocols and procedures.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, often supplemented with specific security or surveillance certifications.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
high
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
Monitoring multiple CCTV feeds for anomalies and specific events is highly exposed to AI vision and pattern recognition systems.
End-to-end automation
moderate
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
AI can handle initial detection and flagging, but dispatching human personnel and coordinating complex responses still requires a person in the loop.
Adoption pressure
high
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
Employers have a strong incentive to automate repetitive monitoring tasks for efficiency and to reduce human error in initial threat detection.
Human dependence
strong
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Success hinges on critical human judgment in ambiguous situations, real-time decision-making for dispatching, and accountability for human safety.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
moderate
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role can pivot from constant screen watching to managing AI-generated alerts and focusing on complex incident resolution and coordination.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Real-time identification of suspicious activities or objects via CCTV.
- Automated tracking of individuals or vehicles within monitored zones.
- Detecting breaches of security protocols or restricted areas.
- Synthesizing data from multiple alarm systems to provide a consolidated alert.
- Generating incident reports with timestamped video evidence.
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Assessing ambiguous situations requiring human intuition and context.
- Coordinating with security personnel, law enforcement, and emergency services.
- De-escalating potential conflicts through direct communication.
- Making high-stakes decisions under pressure with limited information.
- Exercising accountability for the safety of individuals and property.
- Operating access control in nuanced or exceptional situations.
How the role may evolve
From constant vigilance to critical incident management.
The role will shift from primarily observing screens to overseeing AI systems, managing exceptions, and taking charge during complex or high-stakes incidents that require human discernment and direct coordination.
Strengthen your future fit
- Proficiency in managing AI-driven surveillance platforms.
- Enhanced critical thinking and rapid decision-making under pressure.
- Advanced communication and coordination with emergency responders.
- Training in de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques.
- Understanding of security protocols and legal accountability.
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor
Personal & Professional Services
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
conventional · RCE
People who are detail-oriented, enjoy following established procedures, and are adept at operating technical equipment in a structured environment often thrive in this role. It suits individuals who are vigilant and can respond effectively to incidents.
Personality characteristics
Vigilant
Maintains a high level of alertness and concentration over long periods, noticing subtle changes or anomalies in surveillance feeds.
Procedure-Oriented
Follows established protocols and operational procedures meticulously, ensuring consistency and compliance in security responses.
Calm Under Pressure
Remains composed and rational when responding to alarms or critical incidents, making clear and effective decisions.
Focused
Prefers working independently on defined tasks, concentrating on monitoring activities without significant social distraction.
Responsible
Takes ownership of security duties and the safety of the monitored area, acting with integrity and reliability.
Best for
- Individuals who are highly observant and enjoy structured, rule-based work.
- People who are calm, decisive, and reliable when faced with emergencies.
- Those who prefer independent work while contributing significantly to a team's overall security mission.
Watch out for
- The work can be sedentary and require long periods of concentration, which may not suit those seeking dynamic physical activity.
- Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is common and requires significant adaptability to varying schedules.
A week in the life
A representative working week for an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor roles
What does an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor do?
An Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor watches CCTV feeds and alarm systems in a control room, identifying suspicious activity and dispatching security personnel or emergency services when incidents occur. This role is crucial for maintaining security, preventing loss, and ensuring a rapid and effective response to emergencies. Ensures the safety and security of premises, assets, and personnel by proactively monitoring for threats, coordinating rapid responses, and documenting all security-related incidents.
How much does an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor earn?
An Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor earns a median of $42,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $32,000 to $58,000.
What qualifications do you need to become an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor?
To become an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, often supplemented with specific security or surveillance certifications. State-issued security license (where applicable).
What personality suits an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor?
Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 78/100) and reserved — comfortable with long independent focus rather than constant social contact (Extraversion 30/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Vigilant, Procedure-Oriented, Calm Under Pressure and Focused. Maintains a high level of alertness and concentration over long periods, noticing subtle changes or anomalies in surveillance feeds. On interests, Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor maps to a RCE Holland Code profile — people who are detail-oriented, enjoy following established procedures, and are adept at operating technical equipment in a structured environment often thrive in this role. It suits individuals who are vigilant and can respond effectively to incidents.
Who does an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor role suit?
An Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Conventional (C) affinity: the role demands adherence to procedures and meticulous attention to detail. High Realistic (R) component: involves operating technical equipment and dealing with tangible security matters. Focus on vigilance and incident response suits those who thrive in critical observation roles.
What are the downsides of being an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor?
Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. The work can be sedentary and require long periods of concentration, which may not suit those seeking dynamic physical activity. Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is common and requires significant adaptability to varying schedules.
What is the work environment like for an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor?
Work as an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor is mostly office-based with onsite arrangements common, highly structured, with set processes and deadlines, a moderate pace and low exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 73% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor?
Core skills for an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor include Observational skills, Attention to detail, Incident response, Clear communication and Technical proficiency with security systems.
How do you become an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor?
Common entry routes into Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor roles include Security Guard, Dispatcher and Loss Prevention Officer.
What career progression is there for an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor?
From an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor role, common next steps include Senior Alarm Monitor, Security Supervisor and Security Operations Manager; lateral moves include Dispatcher.
What is the job outlook for Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor roles?
The outlook for Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor roles at 62 out of 100, which is strong. AI can monitor feeds and flag anomalies, but human judgment, dispatch, and accountability are critical for real-time incident response. AI is most likely to take on real-time identification of suspicious activities or objects via cctv., automated tracking of individuals or vehicles within monitored zones. and detecting breaches of security protocols or restricted areas.. Assessing ambiguous situations requiring human intuition and context., coordinating with security personnel, law enforcement, and emergency services. and de-escalating potential conflicts through direct communication. stay with people. From constant vigilance to critical incident management. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.