What Does it Take to Be a Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator?
Example of Video Camera Operator Job 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
- Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
- Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
- 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.
- Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
- Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
- Direct studio productions.
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Video Camera Operator 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.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Motion Picture Camera Operator
- News Camera Operator
- Photojournalist
- Electronic News Gathering Camera Operator
- Director
Is There Job Demand for Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators?
In the United States, there were 25,100 jobs for Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator in 2016. 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.
Average Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators Salary
The salary for Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators ranges between about $25,790 and $102,470 a year.
Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators who work in District of Columbia, New York, or Oregon, make the highest salaries.
How much do Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators make in each U.S. state?
| 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
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators:
- 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 AfterEffects
- Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro
Becoming a Video Camera Operator
What education or degrees do I need to become a Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator?
What work experience do I need to become a Video Camera Operator?
Who Employs Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators?
Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
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