Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Salary Guide 2025: Median $74,990
The median annual wage for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film is $74,990, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage hits $83,210, or roughly $36 an hour. Salaries range from about $38,520 at the 10th percentile to $135,180 at the 90th. The BLS counts 21,550 people working in the occupation as of May 2024.
How much Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film earn
The median $74,990 splits the profession: half earn more, half less. The bottom 10% of earners make $38,520 or less; top earners take home $135,180 or more. The mean hourly wage is about $40.00 (based on mean annual $83,210 ÷ 2,080 hours). Pay varies significantly with experience, industry, and location.
The highest-paid industries for camera operators include motion picture and video industries (mean $92,820), broadcasting ($78,510), and independent artists/writers/performers ($76,750). Freelance work is common, which can boost income for those with strong networks or reduce it during slow periods.
Pay by state
California tops the list with an annual mean wage of $106,900, driven by Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Illinois follows at $100,170, then D.C. ($98,300), New York ($93,410), and Georgia ($85,050). At the other end, Maine pays the least, with an average of $37,590. South Dakota ($44,160) and West Virginia ($43,390) are also low. If you can relocate to a top-paying state, the difference can be more than $60,000 a year.
How to become Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Most camera operators start with a bachelor's degree in film, broadcasting, or a related field. Hands-on experience is critical: internships at TV stations or production companies, entry-level runner or production assistant gigs, and building a demo reel. Some learn through vocational schools or community college programs. Certification isn't mandatory, but credentials from the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) or similar can help. On-the-job training is typical for new hires. The work often requires long, irregular hours and physical stamina to carry equipment.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 1.2% from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. That equates to about 2,900 openings per year, most from replacements for workers who retire or leave the field. Competition for jobs will be strong, especially in major media markets. Those with technical skills—like operating drones, digital cinema cameras, and editing software—will have an edge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-paying state for camera operators?
California, with a mean annual wage of $106,900.
Do you need a degree to become a camera operator?
Typically yes, a bachelor's in film or broadcasting is common, but experience and demo reel can substitute in some cases.
How many jobs are available for camera operators?
The BLS reports 21,550 jobs in 2024, with about 2,900 openings each year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film data.