Camera operators, television, video, and film
SOC Code: 27-4031Also known as:
Advanced Air Mobility Operator (AAM Operator), Advanced Air Mobility Pilot (AAM Pilot), Advanced Air Mobility Technician (AAM Technician), Aerial Camera Operator, Animation Camera Operator
Median Annual Salary
$68,810
+1.2% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
36K
Current Jobs
What Camera operators, television, video, and film Do
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
💰 Salary
$68,810
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.2%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
36,400
Projected Employment (2034)
36,900
Related Careers
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians
$70,760 •
+1.1% growth
Producers and directors
$83,480 •
+4.9% growth
Audio and video technicians
$54,830 •
+3.3% growth
Broadcast technicians
$53,920 •
-2.8% growth
Avionics technicians
$81,390 •
+8.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Coordination
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
- Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
- Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Camera operators, television, video, and film
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a camera operators, television, video, and film:
Cinematography and Film/Video Production
9,544 degrees awarded •
285 colleges offer this program
Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician
1,515 degrees awarded •
85 colleges offer this program
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other
684 degrees awarded •
16 colleges offer this program
Documentary Production
88 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Camera operators, television, video, and film
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become camera operators, television, video, and film.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do camera operators, television, video, and film make?
The median annual salary for camera operators, television, video, and film is $68,810.
What education do camera operators, television, video, and film need?
Most camera operators, television, video, and film positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Cinematography and Film/Video Production, Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician, Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other.
Is becoming a camera operators, television, video, and film a good career choice?
Camera operators, television, video, and film is projected to see +1.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for camera operators, television, video, and film?
Top colleges for aspiring camera operators, television, video, and film include
New York University, University of Southern California, Columbia University in the City of New York, University of Central Florida, Loyola Marymount University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to camera operators, television, video, and film?
Camera operators, television, video, and film may also be known as: 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, Camera Operator, Camera Person, Cameraman, Cinematographer, Commercial Drone Operator, Commercial Drone Pilot, Creative Specialist, Drone Camera Operator, Drone Operator, Drone Pilot, Electronic News Gathering Camera Operator (ENG Camera Operator), Event Videographer, Filmmaker, Legal Videographer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.