Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Also called: Camera Operators
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
Also called: Advanced Air Mobility Operator (AAM Operator), Advanced Air Mobility Pilot (AAM Pilot), Advanced Air Mobility Technician (AAM Technician), Aerial Camera Operator, Animation Camera Operator, Camera Engineer
Median pay
$74,990
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$38,520 – $135,180
People employed
21,550
Holland code
ARC
Artistic · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary in every state →
What camera operators, television, video, and film do
- 01Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
- 02Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
- 03Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
- 04Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
- 05Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
- 06Confer 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.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Communications and Media
- Telecommunications
- Engineering and Technology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from camera operators, television, video, and film
- Media Technical Directors/Managers70% · group pay
- Avionics Technicians61% · +10%
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers57% · +42%
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers57% · −16%
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers56% · −8%
Change into camera operators, television, video, and film
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Motion Picture Projectionists71% · $38,270
- Prepress Technicians and Workers70% · $48,690
- Media Technical Directors/Managers66% · $90,360
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators64% · $55,490
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers64% · $52,540
Majors that lead here
- Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Cinematography and Film/Video Production
- Documentary Production
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.