Arts, Design, Media & Sports
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Also called: Camera Operator, Cameraman, Master Control Operator (MCO), News Videographer
US median pay
$74,990
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+1.3%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
2,500
32,600 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
- Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
- Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
- Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
- Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Coordination3.2/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
- Service Orientation2.9/5
- Quality Control Analysis2.9/5
- Persuasion2.9/5
Knowledge
- English Language4.3/5
- Computers and Electronics4.0/5
- Communications and Media3.8/5
- Telecommunications3.8/5
- Engineering and Technology2.9/5
- Public Safety and Security2.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Associate's degree61%
- High school diploma18%
- Some college15%
Who this job suits
Mostly Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.