Blog>Trade>Growing your trade business>How much do CCTV installers earn?
Last updated: 17 July 2024
How much do CCTV installers earn?
The work of a CCTV installer is highly sought-after, playing a crucial role in the safety and security of homes and businesses. Technology has evolved to develop the scope of possibilities within this role, but is it a lucrative trade to get into? Read on to find out the average CCTV engineer salary in the UK.
The work of a CCTV installer has become more varied over recent years. The advancement of technology, software, and cameras has broadened the possibilities for security and surveillance.
CCTV installation has become highly valued by homeowners and business owners alike. Especially given the fact that the presence of CCTV systems has had a direct impact on the reduction of crime.
So, is this a worthwhile profession to be in? And what is a CCTV engineer salary in the UK like?
The costs in this article are ballpark figures to act as a guide only.
What's the average CCTV engineer salary in the UK?
| Level | Per hour | Per day | Per year | Business Costs* | Approximate Take Home Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | £6.40 | £52 | £11,240 | £0 | £10,870 |
| Newly Qualified | £9.50 | £76 | £16,690 | £0 | £14,840 |
| Employed | £16.50 | £132 | £34,320 | £0 | £26,830 |
| Sole Trader | £37.00 | £296 | £54,580 | £6,820 | £36,430 |
| Business Owner (ltd company) | £48 | £384 | £70,800 | £12,390 | £45,915 |
| *includes estimated costs for business expenses such as vehicle, tools, insurance, fuel etc | |||||
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||||
CCTV installer salaries in the UK can start from around £16,690 per year for newly qualified CCTV installers.
Meanwhile, for someone with more experience this could go up to around £34,320 per year.
A CCTV engineer salary will depend on a number of factors:
Your experience
Your skill set and qualifications
The complexity of the job
Your location
The type of organisation you work for
Want to start your own CCTV installation business?
Since its first use in the UK in the 1960s, CCTV has become widely used. So much so that it's thought it's now possible to be 'caught on camera' up to 70 times per day.
And with cloud/WiFi-enabled cameras streaming HD video in real-time, the accuracy and reliability of CCTV makes this a must-have install.
Cutting-edge technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), also means there's a huge amount of potential within this industry.
So, if you're keen to start a CCTV installation business, let's look at your earning potential.
Grow your business with the #1 trade directory
We're the most popular UK digital trade directory in UK for reputable tradespeople
CCTV installation company revenue
The annual CCTV installer salary for someone working as a sole trader is around £54,580 per year, before taxes and expenses
This rises to the region of £70,800 per year if you own a CCTV installation business trading as a limited company
How to start a CCTV business
Starting a home security system business is profitable, and you’ll also be keeping your customers safe. Interested? Read on to discover how to create a foolproof business plan and how to start your CCTV journey. How to start a home security business: The first steps Once you’re sure building a CCTV
CCTV installation company profit
However, when you run your own business - whether as a sole trader or limited company – you’ll need to factor in your business costs and expenses.
This will help you understand your profit and true earning potential.
We've estimated these costs for a CCTV installation company in the table.
From here, you can get an idea of your average take-home salary as a CCTV engineer. You’ll also be able to calculate the company profits if you were to become the boss.
| Level | Per hour | Per day | Per year | Business Costs* | Approximate Take Home Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | £6.40 | £52 | £11,240 | £0 | £10,870 |
| Newly Qualified | £9.50 | £76 | £16,690 | £0 | £14,840 |
| Employed | £16.50 | £132 | £34,320 | £0 | £26,830 |
| Sole Trader | £37.00 | £296 | £54,580 | £6,820 | £36,430 |
| Business Owner (ltd company) | £48 | £384 | £70,800 | £12,390 | £45,915 |
| *includes estimated costs for business expenses such as vehicle, tools, insurance, fuel etc | |||||
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||||
What's the average wage for an apprentice CCTV installer?
If you already run a CCTV installation company, you might be keen to take on new recruits. So, you'll want to know the market rate for employee salaries.
CCTV installer salary as an apprentice
The average CCTV engineer salary for an apprentice is around £11,240 per year before tax.
This works out as an hourly rate of around £6.40 per hour, or a day rate of £52 per day.
What's the average CCTV installer hourly rate?
We've also prepared ballpark figures to help understand the average CCTV installer salary, for those with more experience.
The level of experience, location, and the type of organisation you work for will impact earning potential, but as a guide:
Newly qualified - £9.50 per hour
Employed - £16.50 per hour
Sole trader - £37.00 per hour
What does a CCTV installer earn in a day?
We've also covered the average day rates for CCTV engineers across the pay scale.
Newly qualified - £76 per day
Employed - £132 per day
Sole trader - £296 per day
Business owner (Ltd company) - £384 per day
Get exclusive discounts on business essentials
Checkatrade members using the offers and discounts have saved on average £470 per year**
Become your own boss with your new CCTV installation business:
You could get your CCTV installation business started with the help of our Become the Boss series.
Enter your email and you'll receive:
8 emails with actionable tips on starting your business
Advice from fellow tradespeople who were once in your position
A FREE business strategy call
And at the end of it, you could be the founder of your new CCTV installation business.
Sign up to get trade business insider secrets sent straight to your pocket:
Don't forget the importance of marketing to help ensure your business's success.
How to help your CCTV installation business thrive and grow:
CCTV installation can be a very profitable industry to be in. This is especially the case if you have plenty of experience, work in a major city, or have contracts with large security companies.
There's also scope to diversify your services to include home automation technology and fire alarm installation.
That said, launching your own business can be challenging. So, how can you help to make sure it gets off to the best possible start?
At Checkatrade, we understand what it's like to launch your own trade business. Our membership is designed to help make your business a success.
How to find CCTV clients
How can I find CCTV clients? Are you wondering, how can I find more CCTV clients? You’ve recently set up your own CCTV business. You’ve attracted a few customers but you want to take your company to the next level. To do this, you’re going to need to generate some convertible CCTV leads. Whether you
Worried about finding enough work?
Get more leads with a Checkatrade membership. It's no surprise that with our long-standing reputation, people turn to Checkatrade to find trusted tradespeople.
How will you compete?
When you become a Checkatrade member, you instantly elevate your business through the association of our trusted tick.
Knowing that your business has been checked and approved by the Checkatrade team gives customers reassurance, helping you to win more business.
8 out of 10 people would choose a tradesperson we've checked over one we haven't.*
We'll also give you free van vinyls and marketing materials to help promote your business.
Can you afford it?
Setting up and launching a new business isn't cheap, but a Checkatrade membership can save you money.
As well as a business listing on our leading trade directory, a Checkatrade membership gives you hundreds of pounds worth of savings on business essentials.**
This includes fuel, workwear, insurance, tools, van leasing, and equipment.
We have different membership tiers - you choose a plan that suits your needs, putting you in control of the cost.
Make your Checkatrade membership work for your business
Make your membership work for you Checkatrade is designed for customers to find quality tradespeople. So as a tradesperson yourself, you can rest assured that there is more to our membership than you might think. Need more leads? As a Checkatrade member, you have
Grow your business with the #1 trade directory
We're the most popular UK digital trade directory in UK for reputable tradespeople
FAQs
What qualifications do you need to install CCTV?
To install CCTV professionally, you will need to take a college course. For example:
Level 3 Diploma in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems,
Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering,
T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction.
It's also possible to complete an apprenticeship. For example:
Fire Emergency and Security Systems Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Smart Home Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Find out more about how to get into CCTV engineering with our guide to CCTV installation courses.
*Claims are sourced from a survey conducted by Deep Blue Thinking on a nationally representative UK sample in November 2021.
**Year runs from April 21’ to March 22’. Saving calculation based on average spend across 12,505 members in 2020/2021/2022. Discounts differ depending on the partner. Products range from low value items to high value items. Some exclusions will apply on products.
