What Do Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator Do?
Video Camera Operator Definition 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: What Do They Do?
- Label and record contents of exposed film and note details on report forms.
- 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.
- Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
- Download exposed film for shipment to processing labs.
- Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
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Video Camera Operator Required Skills
These are the skills Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Types of Video Camera Operator Jobs
- Television Production Assistant
- Producer
- Operations Technician
- Video Editor
- Video Operator
Is There Going to be Demand for Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators?
There were about 25,100 jobs for Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Video Camera Operator
Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators make between $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 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 |
What Tools do Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators Use?
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 education or degrees do I need to become a Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators?

Below are examples of industries where Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators work:

Similar Careers
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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