Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

These professionals operate television, video, or film cameras to capture high-quality images and scenes. The daily work relies heavily on artistic interests, as operators must think creatively to compose shots. They spend their time getting information, identifying objects, actions, and events, and making decisions to solve technical problems on set. Controlling machines and processes, working with computers, and inspecting equipment are also essential tasks.

Success in this role requires strong communication skills to coordinate with supervisors, peers, and subordinates, as well as the ability to build and maintain interpersonal relationships. Operators must possess key skills like active listening, critical thinking, coordination, and time management. They rely on knowledge in communications and media, telecommunications, computers and electronics, and production and processing. To handle the fast-paced production environment, workers need work styles such as dependability, attention to detail, adaptability, and high stress tolerance.

To enter this field, the typical education required is a bachelor's degree, though the career is classified as requiring medium preparation, which can also include vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience. Students preparing for this career often major in film, video, and photographic arts, or audiovisual communications technologies and techniques.

Depending on where you plan to work, some states list a license for this occupation. Gaining hands-on experience with camera equipment and production processes during school can help graduates transition into professional roles.

The median annual pay for camera operators is $74,990. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and the type of production, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $38,520 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $135,180.

There are 21,550 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 1.3 percent, which is slower than the average for all occupations. Despite this slow growth rate, about 2,500 openings are projected to become available each year.