Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
What it pays
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film earn a median of $36.05/hr — about $75,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $18.52/hr; the top 10% earn $64.99/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film earn a median of $36.05/hr — about $75,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $18.52/hr; the top 10% earn $64.99/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
- Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
- Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
- Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.
- Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
- Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
The feel of the work
Much of the work happens outdoors; you're around people constantly. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 28.8% of camera operators, television, video, and film are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are creative, hands-on and organized and detail-focused.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Writers and Authors
- Editors
- Interior Designers
- Commercial and Industrial Designers
- Graphic Designers
Quick questions
- How much does a camera operators, television, video, and film make?
- The median pay is $36.05 per hour — roughly $75,000 a year, with the real range running from about $18.52/hr (10th percentile) to $64.99/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a camera operators, television, video, and film?
- The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
- What does a camera operators, television, video, and film actually do all day?
- Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors. Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures. Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.