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Salary and Benefits

Camera Operator
$33K-$41K / yr. (est.)
$34K
$37,497 / year
$41K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About Camera Operator

What does a Camera Operator do?

As camera operators, we primarily focus on working behind the camera. We have to make sure that the scene for a film or a TV show is being captured from the right angle and with the right lighting. To do that, we must have all the information related to not just the camera, but other equipment as well, such as different types of lenses, tripods, and filters. Additionally, we must know how to operate different types of cameras, too. We have to coordinate with the other crew members, mainly the production designers, directors, and electricians to ensure the scenes can be captured without any interference.

Core tasks:

  • operating cameras for filming televisions dramas, advertisements, or feature films
  • knowing everything about different types of equipment
  • identifying problems with a scene and reporting them to directors

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming Camera Operator?
On average, people work 3-5 years in other positions prior to becoming a Camera Operator.
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Camera OperatorSeattle, WA - A year ago
well, that's just the way things are! If everyone could become a Camera Operator overnight, it wouldn't be a special job anymore. 🤷
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Camera OperatorNew York City, NY - A year ago
🔥 I can't believe this! I've worked my butt off to get where I am, and now they're saying I have to start all over in some other job before becoming a Camera Operator? This is outrageous!
How Long Do Camera Operator Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, Camera Operators works in this position for 3-5 years across multiple employers.
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CinematographerAustin, TX - A year ago
After putting so much effort into cultivating a working relationship with a Camera Operator, it's disheartening to see them switch employers every few years.
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Student Media ManagerBoston, MA - A year ago
🔥 Wow, I had no idea that Camera Operators change jobs frequently! That's a lot of adjustment and networking to keep up with!
What Is the Job Hopper Score for Camera Operator Employees?
Frequent job changes in Camera Operator, indicating a willingness to change companies and roles more frequently.
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NurseNew York City, NY - A year ago
😡 Changing healthcare facilities often carries the risk of limited continuity of care and patient relationship. It's not just about the job; it's about people's lives!
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ChefNew Orleans, LA - A year ago
look, jobs in the service industry can be tough. cook burnout is real. sometimes it takes a change of scene or a fresh kitchen to revive our culinary fire 🔥

Career path

Path to job

Discover a Camera Operator's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a Camera Operator typically studied at.
Columbia College Chicago
Full Sail University

Path after job

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of Camera Operator Employees?
Gender ratio in Camera Operator position: 0.806861679504749 Male and 0.193138320495251 Female. Age ratio in Camera Operator position: 16-20: 27%, 21-30: 63%, 31-40: 7%, 41-50: 2%, 51-60: 1%, 60+: 0%. Camera Operator position is predominantly male (80.7%) with the largest age group being 21-30 years old, followed by 16-20 years old.
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Camera OperatorMiami, FL - A year ago
🙄 80% males? Really? This industry needs more gender equality!
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Camera OperatorSeattle, WA - A year ago
Man, this gender disparity is disappointing. Why aren't more women pursuing this career? 👎

Workplaces

What Industries Does Camera Operator Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of Camera Operator: Publishing & Broadcasting, Arts / Entertainment / Recreation, Education, Information Technology, Religious / Grantmaking / Civic. Camera Operator employees most likely come from a Publishing & Broadcasting industry background.
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Camera OperatorHouston, TX - A year ago
Y'all, being a Camera Operator in the information technology industry ain't easy. We gotta capture those crucial moments with the speed of light! ⚡
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Camera OperatorMiami, FL - A year ago
I work as a Camera Operator in the religious sector, and let me tell you, we are responsible for creating the spiritual atmosphere through our visual storytelling. 🙏

Find your job as Camera Operator

Discussion about Camera Operator

Want to know more about Camera Operator position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about Camera Operator position with others in our community.
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Do a lot of women work as a Camera Operator?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
Mostly men choose this job, but women also choose this.
What is the typical age to work as a Camera Operator?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
The average age is 25
Is a Camera Operator considered to be a junior profession?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
You probably need around 4 years to work as a Camera Operator
Which industries have a lot of people working in Camera Operator roles?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Information is typical for a Camera Operator to work in.
Is a degree needed to work as a Camera Operator?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
Most people have No higher education
Which company are you working for as a Camera Operator?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
Working as a Camera Operator it might be a good next step to work for ESPN, FOX Sports and Freelance Camera Operator
How many years do people spend as a Camera Operator in their career path?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
A Camera Operator typically changes positions after 4 years.
Is it frequent for people to switch companies and still work as a Camera Operator?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
We can say that a Camera Operator is likely a job hopper role.
From which job titles people come from to work as a Camera Operator?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
You have a good chance of becoming a Camera Operator if you are working as Production Assistant, Videographer or Producer
What are the typical next steps for someone working as a Camera Operator?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Production Assistant, Producer or Director OF Photography can be a good next step
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Disclaimer

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