About the role
CCTV operators monitor cameras in control rooms for councils, shopping centres, transport operators and private sites. If you watch public spaces or identify people on behalf of a client, you need an SIA Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence.
The minimum you can be paid
Your average hourly pay in each pay period must be at least the legal minimum for your age:
- Aged 21 and over (National Living Wage): £12.71 an hour
- Aged 18 to 20: £10.85 an hour
- Aged 16 to 17: £8.00 an hour
- Apprentices (under 19, or in the first year of an apprenticeship): £8.00 an hour
These are the legal minimum rates from April 2026. Some employers and contracts are accredited by the Living Wage Foundation and pay the voluntary Real Living Wage instead: £13.45 an hour across the UK and £14.80 in London (2025/26 rates — new rates are announced each autumn).
Things that affect CCTV operators' pay
- Control rooms usually run 24/7, so expect rotating day and night shifts.
- Long shifts in front of screens mean breaks matter — you're entitled to at least 20 minutes if you work over 6 hours.
- Some roles pay more for extra responsibilities such as alarm response or supervising other operators.
Check every shift
Work out what a shift should pay with the shift pay calculator, and check your breaks and rest with the break and rest calculator. Shiftaan keeps every shift, rate and payment in one place, so you can check each payslip in seconds. Try it free.
Common questions
What is the minimum wage for CCTV operators?
£12.71 an hour if you're 21 or over, from April 2026. Living Wage accredited employers pay at least £13.45 (£14.80 in London).
Do I get paid for my breaks?
Only if your contract says so. You have a legal right to a 20-minute break on shifts over 6 hours, but not to be paid for it.