Career comparison
Broadcast 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. $59,570), while broadcast technicians usually get to work faster (2-year degree of training). Broadcast technicians keep TV and radio signals on the air. 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
| Broadcast Technician | Camera Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $59,570 ($28.64/hr) | $74,990 ($36.05/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $31,390 – $123,670 | $38,520 – $135,180 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -3.1% (a projected decline) | +1.3% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 1,600 | 2,500 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 2-year degree | 4 years or on-set experience |
| Key credential | SBE certification | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate |
| Work setting | Technicians work in stations, control rooms and remote sites.. | Camera operators work on film sets, in studios, at sports venues, news scenes and events, often on location.. |
What each job does
Broadcast Technician
- Run master control
- Monitor signals
- Operate switchers
- Maintain equipment
- Set up remote broadcasts
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. Both are part of the arts, media & design field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose broadcast technician if…
- I like media tech
- I stay calm live
- I like troubleshooting
Choose camera operator if…
- I love film and TV
- I have a strong visual eye
- I enjoy teamwork
Still torn? Take the Broadcast Technician fit quiz and the Camera Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, broadcast technician or camera operator?
Camera Operators earn more at the median: $74,990 versus $59,570 for broadcast technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Broadcast Technicians typically train faster (2-year degree) than camera operators (4 years or on-set experience).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects camera operators to grow +1.3% from 2025–35, compared with -3.1% for broadcast technicians.