Career comparison
Audio and Video Technician vs. Camera Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Camera operators earn more at the median ($74,990 vs. $58,100), while audio and video technicians usually get to work faster (3–12 months of training). Audio and video technicians set up and run sound, video and lighting for events, meetings and productions. Camera operators shoot video for film, TV, news, sports and online content.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Audio and Video Technician | Camera Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $58,100 ($27.93/hr) | $74,990 ($36.05/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,990 – $100,650 | $38,520 – $135,180 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.9% (about as fast as average) | +1.3% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 6,600 | 2,500 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 3–12 months | 4 years or on-set experience |
| Key credential | AVIXA CTS | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate |
| Work setting | Technicians work in event venues, offices, schools, churches and studios, often lifting equipment and working long days.. | Camera operators work on film sets, in studios, at sports venues, news scenes and events, often on location.. |
What each job does
Audio and Video Technician
- Set up audio, video and lighting equipment
- Run sound and video during events
- Operate streaming and recording systems
- Troubleshoot technical problems
- Test and maintain equipment
Camera Operator
- 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
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work and teamwork. Both are part of the arts, media & design field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose audio and video technician if…
- I like technology and events
- I stay calm when things break
- I can lift equipment
Choose camera operator if…
- I love film and TV
- I have a strong visual eye
- I enjoy teamwork
Still torn? Take the Audio and Video Technician fit quiz and the Camera Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, audio and video technician or camera operator?
Camera Operators earn more at the median: $74,990 versus $58,100 for audio and video technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Audio and Video Technicians typically train faster (3–12 months) than camera operators (4 years or on-set experience).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects audio and video technicians to grow +3.9% from 2025–35, compared with +1.3% for camera operators.