Life As a Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator
Position Description Operate television, video, or motion picture camera to record images or scenes for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures.
Life As a Video Camera Operator
- Prepare slates that describe the scenes being filmed.
- Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
- Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
- Reload camera magazines with fresh raw film stock.
- Direct studio productions.
- Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
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Video Camera Operator Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Live Truck Operator
- Newscast Director
- Television Camera Operator
- Video Producer
- Television Producer
What Kind of Video Camera Operator Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 25,100 jobs in the United States for Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,800 new jobs for Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,600 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Video Camera Operator are Georgia, Utah, and New Mexico. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Video Camera Operator Make?
The average yearly salary of a Video Camera Operator ranges between $25,790 and $102,470.

Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators who work in District of Columbia, New York, or Oregon, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $44,610 |
Arizona | $61,580 |
Arkansas | $57,420 |
California | $77,540 |
Colorado | $55,220 |
Connecticut | $48,560 |
District of Columbia | $77,770 |
Florida | $50,600 |
Georgia | $59,110 |
Hawaii | $59,780 |
Illinois | $45,340 |
Indiana | $40,610 |
Iowa | $36,580 |
Kansas | $42,940 |
Kentucky | $38,670 |
Louisiana | $47,800 |
Maine | $39,790 |
Maryland | $57,780 |
Massachusetts | $52,380 |
Michigan | $58,090 |
Minnesota | $45,600 |
Missouri | $50,150 |
Montana | $32,940 |
Nevada | $49,770 |
New Hampshire | $32,020 |
New Jersey | $62,690 |
New York | $86,430 |
North Carolina | $57,390 |
North Dakota | $42,690 |
Ohio | $55,600 |
Oklahoma | $46,550 |
Oregon | $68,100 |
Pennsylvania | $46,350 |
South Carolina | $48,230 |
South Dakota | $30,480 |
Tennessee | $51,140 |
Texas | $57,360 |
Utah | $50,810 |
Vermont | $40,610 |
Virginia | $55,410 |
Washington | $65,400 |
West Virginia | $46,700 |
Wisconsin | $42,110 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- YouTube
- Google Drive
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Cloud
- Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects
How to Become a Video Camera Operator
What kind of Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator requirements are there?

What work experience do I need to become a Video Camera Operator?

Where Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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