Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary by state
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film is a professional role in the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media job family, focused on Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film work. Pay for this title reflects both its level and its scope; see our Title Level and Organization Responsibility guides for how WePayFairly defines them.
What Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Films do
Typical education: Associate's Degree
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.
Top skills:Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCoordinationTime Management
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary by industry
Information
12,280 workers
$89,500
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
2,770 workers
$83,500
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
1,740 workers
$117,000
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
1,310 workers
$66,000
Educational Services
860 workers
$58,000
Federal, State, and Local Government, excl. State & Local Schools & Hospitals & USPS
770 workers
$70,500
Local Government, including Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
600 workers
$62,000
State Government, including Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
340 workers
$60,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How much does a Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film make?
The average base salary for a Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in the United States is $86,000 per year, or about $41.35 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $52,500 and $110,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media roles?
The Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media job family averages $86,500 across 41 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
