Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film earn a median of $74,990 per year ($36.05/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 1.3% through 2035, with about 2,500 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 27-4031
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film in four numbers
- Median pay
- $74,990a year, or $36.05/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $39KTop 10% $135K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +1.3%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+1.3%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +1.3% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 2,50032,600 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202532.6K
- Projected 203533K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 32.6K Projected 2035 33K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school17.8%
- Some college14.6%
- Associate's60.7%
- Bachelor's6.9%
Highest education held by camera operators, television, video, and film Segment Value High school 17.8% Some college 14.6% Associate's 60.7% Bachelor's 6.9%
Also advertised as: Camera Operator, Cameraman, Master Control Operator (MCO), News Videographer, Production Technician, Studio Camera Operator.
Pay
How much do Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film make?
Every camera operator, television, video, and film in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$74,990
Middle half earn $50,920 to $106,660
- 10th
- $38,520
- 25th
- $50,920
- 75th
- $106,660
- 90th
- $135,180
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $38,520 |
| 25th | $50,920 |
| Median | $74,990 |
| 75th | $106,660 |
| 90th | $135,180 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $74,990
- Median hourly wage
- $36.05/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $83,210
- People employed
- 21,550
Versus all US occupations
At $74,990, Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film earn 47% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $24,010 a year.
Versus arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations
Inside the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media group, where the middle occupation pays $68,060, this is 10% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $135,180 or more while the bottom 10% earn $38,520, a gap of 3.5×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 50% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
California posts the highest raw median ($106,900), but once local prices are taken into account Illinois leads at $100,212 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1California | $106,900 | $96,550 | 4,700 |
| 2Illinois | $100,170 | $100,212 | 1,060 |
| 3District of Columbia | $98,300 | $89,444 | 240 |
| 4New York | $93,410 | $86,554 | 2,930 |
| 5Georgia | $85,050 | $88,324 | 570 |
| 6Alaska | $83,620 | $81,693 | 50 |
| 7Colorado | $74,990 | $72,769 | 300 |
| 8Utah | $73,450 | $74,294 | 240 |
| 9Arizona | $68,250 | $67,791 | 520 |
| 10Maryland | $65,870 | $62,758 | 290 |
Job outlook
Is Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +1.3% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | +1.3% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film to change 1.3% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 400 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 2,500 openings are projected each year, 7.7% of the 32,600 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Overall demand for content and an increase in special effects are expected to create jobs for film and video editors over the projections decade.
The consolidation of roles, such as editors who determine the best angles for a shoot, as well as the use of robotic cameras and the increasing reliance on amateur film footage may reduce employment growth for camera operators.
Getting in
How to become a Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film
Film and video editors and camera operators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as camera operators, television, video, and film.
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree60.7%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)17.8%
- Some College Courses14.6%
- Bachelor's Degree6.9%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 60.7% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 17.8% |
| Some College Courses | 14.6% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 6.9% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film do?
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate images that entertain or inform an audience. Camera operators capture a wide range of material for television, movies, and other media. Editors arrange footage shot by camera operators and collaborate with producers and directors to create the final content.
Day-to-day tasks
- Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
- Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
- Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
- Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
- Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
- Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
- Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
- Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most film and video editors and camera operators work full time, although part-time work is common. Work hours often vary with the type of operator or editor. Those who work in broadcasting may put in additional hours to meet a deadline. Those who work in the motion picture industry may have busy schedules while filming, but they go through a period of looking for work once a film is complete and before they are hired for their next job.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where camera operators, television, video, and film work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Self-employed workers35%
- Motion picture and video industries21%
- Publishing, broadcasting, and content providers14%
- Professional, scientific, and technical services8%
- Employment services4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 35% |
| Motion picture and video industries | 21% |
| Publishing, broadcasting, and content providers | 14% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 8% |
| Employment services | 4% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening3.8
- Reading Comprehension3.3
- Speaking3.3
- Critical Thinking3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Writing2.9
- Active Learning2.9
- Learning Strategies2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 3.8 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.3 |
| Speaking | 3.3 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Writing | 2.9 |
| Active Learning | 2.9 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Coordination3.3
- Judgment and Decision Making3.3
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
- Time Management3.1
- Complex Problem Solving3.0
- Persuasion2.9
- Service Orientation2.9
- Operations Monitoring2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Coordination | 3.3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 |
| Time Management | 3.1 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 |
| Persuasion | 2.9 |
| Service Orientation | 2.9 |
| Operations Monitoring | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Desktop publishing software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Video creation and editing software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Cloud-based data access and sharing software
- Electronic mail software
- Web page creation and editing software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 5 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
- Artistic5.0
- Realistic4.9
- Conventional3.6
- Enterprising2.3
- Investigative2.0
- Social1.8
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film
O*NET related occupations
- Architecture and Engineering
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologist and Technician
$73,900median a year
Most earn $48K to $110K
+2.6%Associate's - Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairer
$52,720median a year
Most earn $34K to $84K
−15.5%High school
More arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media careers
Median annual pay, with camera operators, television, video, and film highlighted
- Art Director$114,850
- Technical Writer$90,390
- Editor$77,920
- Writer and Author$76,910
- Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film$74,990
- Public Relations Specialist$74,750
- Interior Designer$67,190
- Graphic Designer$62,960
- Photographer$44,660
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Art Director | $114,850 |
| Technical Writer | $90,390 |
| Editor | $77,920 |
| Writer and Author | $76,910 |
| Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film | $74,990 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $74,750 |
| Interior Designer | $67,190 |
| Graphic Designer | $62,960 |
| Photographer | $44,660 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within camera operator, television, video, and film
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film appears on
Questions
Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film: frequently asked questions
How much do Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film make?
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film earn a median of $74,990 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 47% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $36.05/hr. The middle half earn between $50,920 and $106,660. The top 10% earn $135,180 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as some preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 60.7% hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree.
Is Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 1.3% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 2,500 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film do?
Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate images that entertain or inform an audience. A core O*NET task: observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements. Employers most often ask for Desktop publishing software, Document management software, Graphics or photo imaging software.
Which states pay Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film the most?
The highest state medians for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film are California ($106,900), Illinois ($100,170), District of Columbia ($98,300) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Illinois moves to the top at $100,212.
What personality type suits a Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film?
O*NET scores Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film highest on the Artistic, Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ISTP, INTJ, ISTJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.