Salary guide
Camera Operator Salary & Pay Scale (2026)
What camera operators earn per year, per hour and per month, with the full percentile range, the factors that move pay and how to earn more.
The median camera operator salary in the U.S. is $74,990 per year, or $36.05 per hour, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for May 2025. The lowest-paid 10% earned under $38,520, while the top 10% earned more than $135,180.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
Camera Operator pay scale
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly* | What it usually reflects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,520 | $18.52 | Typical for new workers, part-time markets and lower-paying settings |
| 25th percentile | $50,920 | $24.48 | Early career, a year or two of experience |
| Median (50th) | $74,990 | $36.05 | Mid-career: half earn more, half earn less |
| 75th percentile | $106,660 | $51.28 | Experienced workers, specialists and higher-paying employers |
| 90th percentile | $135,180 | $64.99 | Top earners: senior, specialized, supervisory or high-cost areas |
*Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. Percentile descriptions are general patterns, not guarantees.
Monthly and biweekly pay
| Pay period | At 25th percentile | At median | At 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per year | $50,920 | $74,990 | $106,660 |
| Per month | $4,243 | $6,249 | $8,888 |
| Every two weeks | $1,958 | $2,884 | $4,102 |
| Per week | $979 | $1,442 | $2,051 |
Gross pay before taxes and deductions.
What affects camera operator pay
- Portfolio strength and client list
- Industry (advertising, film, tech and corporate roles often pay more)
- Freelance rates versus salaried positions
- Software skills such as Adobe Creative Cloud, DaVinci Resolve or Pro Tools
- Geography and cost of living: metropolitan areas and some states pay well above the national median
How to earn more as a camera operator
- Get credentialed: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, Camera manufacturer training, Steadicam training.
- Build specialty experience: Assist operators.
- Move up: roles such as camera operator and director of photography typically pay more.
- Negotiate: research local pay and use our salary negotiation guide.
Camera Operator pay vs. related careers
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of camera operators to change by +1.3% from 2025–35, slower than average compared with the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 2,500 openings are projected each year, on average, including openings to replace workers who retire or change occupations.
About this data
Figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2025), which covers wage and salary workers nationwide under SOC code 27-4031 (“Camera operators, television, video, and film”). Wages exclude self-employment income, overtime and most bonuses unless they are part of regular pay. We refresh these numbers when BLS releases new estimates each spring.
Camera Operator salary FAQ
How much does a camera operator make per hour?
The median hourly wage for camera operators was $36.05 in May 2025 (BLS). Hourly pay for the lowest 10% was about $18.52 and the top 10% earned about $64.99 or more.
How much does a camera operator make a month?
At the median annual wage of $74,990, that works out to about $6,249 per month before taxes, or about $2,884 every two weeks.
What is the starting salary for a camera operator?
New camera operators often start near the lower end of the range. The 10th percentile was $38,520 and the 25th percentile was $50,920 per year in May 2025. Starting pay depends on location, employer and credentials.
How can camera operators earn more?
Common ways include earning FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and Camera manufacturer training, gaining specialty experience, taking shifts or roles with premium pay, and moving up the career ladder to roles such as camera operator.
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.