Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

SOC code 27-4031 · O*NET-SOC 27-4031.00 · Medium preparation needed

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$74,990

a year

Hourly

$36.05

per hour

10th$38,520Median$74,99090th$135,180

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$83,210

$40.01 per hour

Middle 50%

$50,920 – $106,660

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$38,520 – $135,180

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

21,550

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $38,520; $18.52/hr
25th percentile: $50,920; $24.48/hr
Median percentile: $74,990; $36.05/hr
75th percentile: $106,660; $51.28/hr
90th percentile: $135,180; $64.99/hr

What do camera operators, television, video, and film do?

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

The tasks that matter most day to 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.
Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
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 to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 61% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree61%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)18%
Some College Courses15%
Bachelor's Degree7%

Common questions

How much does a camera operators, television, video, and film earn?

The national median is $74,990 a year. The full range runs from $38,520 at the 10th percentile to $135,180 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a camera operators, television, video, and film without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.8/5
Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Speaking3.3/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5

Knowledge areas

English Language4.3/5
Computers and Electronics4.0/5
Communications and Media3.8/5
Telecommunications3.8/5
Engineering and Technology2.9/5
Public Safety and Security2.8/5
Education and Training2.8/5
Mathematics2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness, Time Management, Complex Problem Solving.