How to become an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor

Monitors security alarms, closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems and other surveillance equipment, and contacts supervisors, police or fire brigades if security is breached or fire is detected.

Main tasks

• Monitors security alarms, CCTV and other surveillance equipment
• Contacts supervisors, police and fire brigades by radio or phone if security is breached or fire is detected
• Observes and reports any suspicious activities or incidents
• Maintains accurate records of security breaches and incidents
• Operates and maintains security equipment and systems

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Security Operations (CPP31318); Certificate III in Technical Security (CPP30519); Certificate IV in Security Management (CPP40719); Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218); Certificate II in Technical Security (CPP20319)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $94,536 a year
• About 65,300 people work in this job group now, and about 72,200 are projected by 2035. (+10.6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Cash In Transit Officer
• Crowd Controller
• Private Investigator
• Protective Services Officer
• Retail Loss Prevention Officer
• Security Consultant

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Security Operations; Certificate III in Technical Security.

How much does an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $94,536 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 65,300 to about 72,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor?

Usually not. Only 20% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Security Operations; Certificate III in Technical Security.

Will AI change the work of an Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04