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Security Operations Center Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Security Operations Center Operator information

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How much do security operations center operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for security operations center operator in the United States is $19.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Security Operations Center (SOC) Operator do?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) Operator is responsible for monitoring an organization's IT infrastructure for security threats and incidents. They use specialized tools to detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats in real-time. SOC Operators also maintain security systems, document incidents, and collaborate with other IT and security staff to protect sensitive data. Their role is crucial in preventing, identifying, and mitigating cyberattacks to ensure the organization's information remains secure.

What is the difference between Security Operations Center Operator vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity Operations Center OperatorSecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP (preferred)CompTIA Security+, CISSP, GIAC certifications
Work EnvironmentMonitoring security systems in a SOC, responding to alertsAnalyzing security data, investigating incidents, reporting
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in cybersecurity firms, large enterprises, government agenciesUsed across industries for threat detection and risk assessment

Security Operations Center (SOC) Operators focus on real-time monitoring and initial response to security alerts, while Security Analysts perform in-depth analysis, investigation, and reporting. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same environment, but their responsibilities differ in scope and depth of analysis.

What are some common challenges faced by Security Operations Center (SOC) Operators, and how can they be managed?

SOC Operators often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of alerts, distinguishing false positives from genuine threats, and maintaining situational awareness during fast-paced incidents. Effective time management, continuous training on new threat vectors, and leveraging automation tools can help address these challenges. Collaborating closely with incident response teams and participating in regular drills also ensures readiness and improves overall team effectiveness.

What Does a Security Operations Center Operator Do?

As a security operations center operator, or SOC operator, you monitor a variety of technologies including access control, video surveillance, and alarm systems to provide security service and threat elimination for industrial, business, or residential customers. You respond to medical crises, safety incidents, natural disasters and other emergencies, and dispatch security officers, police, fire, EMS personnel, and other services as required. Your duties and responsibilities also include investigating incidents, escalating situations to appropriate parties in the SOC, and filing incident reports. In some roles, you are responsible for monitoring social media and other news and information channels to support threat identification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Security Operations Center Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Operator, you need a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, incident response, and network monitoring, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection systems, and ticketing platforms is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying threats and collaborating with teams. These skills are essential to quickly detect, assess, and respond to security incidents, ensuring the organization's information assets remain protected.
What cities are hiring for Security Operations Center Operator jobs? Cities with the most Security Operations Center Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Security Operations Center Operator jobs? The top employers for Security Operations Center Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Security Operations Center Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Security Operations Center Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Security Operations Center Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,244 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Security Operations Center Operator

Security Operations Center Operator

Constellis

Cambridge, MA

$28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Constellis rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 108 rated security


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Security Operations Center (SOC) Level 1 Operator is a CCTV, alarm monitoring, and dispatch specialist. The Level 1 Operator will monitor several screens observing cameras, monitor access control, gather information, analyze data, and provide input to their supervisor on their observations. They must be able to observe and recognize patterns of activity and coordinate or dispatch appropriate security monitoring measures and response teams. The Level 1 Operator must be organized and maintain daily logs of activities from security cameras and security teams.

PAY TRANSPARENCY/COMPENSATION:

$28.00 per hour

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Work rotating shifts to ensure 24/7 coverage for the Regional Security Operations Center.
  • Ensure rapid dispatch of security personnel to ensure quick reaction, disruption, and resolution of security incidents.
  • Experience in using CCTV and alarm monitoring / access control software in coordination with a communication or security operations center.
  • Draft, develop, and update SOC standard operating procedures (SOPs), processes, and systems to ensure vigilant and comprehensive video monitoring, incident detection, and incident management.
  • Communicate verbally or in writing in a clear and concise manner while in stressful situations.
  • Produce suspicious / criminal activity and incident reporting products for delivery to higher level supervisors and client leadership.
  • Draft Be on the Look Out (BOLO) flyers for individuals who have acted against the client with malicious intent, or pose a threat to client properties and personnel.
  • Provide assistance with access control, access card procedures, Lenel reports, and CCTV investigations.
  • Observe and recognize patterns of activity and coordinate appropriate security monitoring and response.
  • Monitor cameras and be able to identify and predict suspicious/criminal activity. Make every effort (through observations and documentation) to identify potential threats to the client's corporate critical infrastructure: people, facilities, assets, and brand/reputation.
  • Utilize CCTV, access control and alarm monitoring software and systems (Intellicene, CCURE, Lenel, Genetec, Physical Security Information Management System (PSIMS), MS Office applications, and visualization tools (to include building infographics) on a daily basis.
  • Maintain a log of all rotating shifts' activities including notifications from security partners.
  • Deliver concise and effective information, in order to inform and direct security responders as well as the ability to dispatch security elements to areas of concern.
  • Understand the operation of all communications and information technology hardware, software, and firmware utilized to perform security monitoring functions. To include radio transmissions and using a notification platform.
  • Take responsibility for assigned tasks.
  • Other services and support as needed.
  • The position may require extensive sitting forlong periodsof time, watching monitors, walking around the facility outside in rain, wind or other poor weather conditions and kneeling and stooping to look under or inside vehicles or containers.
  • Mustbe able to use a computer.
  • Must be able tooperatea vehicle safely.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • Minimum of two years of experience working in a security environment or dispatch center
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint

  • Must have strong computer skills

  • Proficiently speaks and writes English
  • Proficient in English composition
  • Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time without debilitating discomfort
  • Must have close visual and audio acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; determining the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work; or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
  • Must meet all physical and psychological standards as required by the contract.
  • Local travel or participation in shift work may be requested.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

  • College Degree or equivalent in any relevant field such as security studies, law enforcement, intelligence, political science, international affairs.
  • Trained in or familiar with Intellicene, Lenel or Genetec, Physical security information management systems (PSIMS), and Mass Notification systems
  • Proper radio transmission experience
  • Served in the Military, Law Enforcement, Government, or Private Security

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