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Arts, Media & Design career
Camera Operator
Also called: Videographer · Cinematographer · Broadcast Camera Operator · Camera Assistant
What camera operators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a camera operator do?
Television, video and film camera operators capture footage for movies, TV shows, news, sports, commercials and online video. The median pay is $74,990 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years or on-set experience, and employment is projected to grow +1.3% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$74,990$36.05/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+1.3%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year2,500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 years or on-set experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs32,600Employment, 2025
What camera operators do
Camera operators capture the images that tell stories. They frame shots, adjust focus and exposure, move cameras on tripods, dollies, gimbals and drones, and work with directors and cinematographers. They shoot films, TV, live sports, news, events and online content.
Many camera operators have bachelor’s degrees in film or broadcasting, but reels and on-set experience matter most. Many start as production assistants or camera assistants.
Typical duties
- Set up and operate cameras
- Frame and compose shots
- Pull focus and set exposure
- Operate dollies, gimbals and cranes
- Follow the director’s shot list
- Maintain camera equipment
- Manage footage and media
Work environment and schedule
Camera operators work on film sets, in studios, at sports venues, news scenes and events, often on location.
Schedule: Hours are long and irregular, with early calls and travel.
A day in the life
- Arrive on set and prep cameras and lenses.
- Block the first scene with the director.
- Shoot a dolly move and adjust framing.
- Swap lenses and reset for coverage.
See a full day in the life of a camera operator →
Camera Operator salary
Half of camera operators earned more than $74,990 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $38,520 for the lowest 10% to $135,180 for the top 10%.
Full camera operator pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a camera operator
- Learn camera fundamentals
- Work as a PA or camera assistant
- Build a reel
- Network
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in film or broadcasting is typical, though experience and reels matter most.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a camera operator →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Camera operation
- Composition
- Focus pulling
- Lighting basics
- Camera movement
People skills
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Stamina
- Communication
All camera operator skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative visual work
- Exciting productions
- Variety of projects
- Freelance and staff options
Cons
- Long, irregular days
- Physically demanding
- Competitive entry
- Travel
Certifications and licenses
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate: For commercial drone filming.
- Camera manufacturer training: Such as RED, ARRI or Sony courses.
- Steadicam training: Specialized stabilizer training.
- Union membership: Such as IATSE for film and TV.
Career path
- Production Assistant: Support crews.
- Camera Assistant: Assist operators.
- Camera Operator: Shoot footage.
- Director of Photography: Lead visual style.
Learn the job before day one
Our Camera Operator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as frame a shot and pull focus during a shot, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Photographer
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Lighting Technician
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Audio and Video Technician
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Compare: Camera Operator vs. Video Editor · Camera Operator vs. Photographer · Camera Operator vs. Lighting Technician · Camera Operator vs. AV Technician
Camera Operator FAQ
Do camera operators need a degree?
Often, but experience counts.
Is camera work freelance?
Much of it is.
How do you start?
Many start as production or camera assistants.
How much does a camera operator make?
The median annual wage for camera operators was $74,990 ($36.05 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,520 and the highest 10% earned more than $135,180.
How long does it take to become a camera operator?
Most people need about 4 years or on-set experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in film or broadcasting is typical, though experience and reels matter most.
Do you need a degree to be a camera operator?
Not always. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, but many camera operators build careers through on-set experience, assisting and strong reels.
More camera operator questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-4031 (Camera operators, television, video, and film).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Camera operators, television, video, and film (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.