Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film fall under the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media category in the U.S. occupational classification. Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film earn a median salary of $74,990 per year, ranking in the top 34% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.3% job growth through 2035, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do camera operators, television, video, and film earn?

The median annual wage for camera operators, television, video, and film is $74,990. That puts camera operators, television, video, and film at #279 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is camera operators, television, video, and film a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for camera operators, television, video, and film is +1.3%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 32K positions in 2024 to 33K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What education does my child need to become camera operators, television, video, and film?

The standard path into camera operators, television, video, and film begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Public Relations Specialists
  $74,750 median
• Music Directors and Composers
  $73,710 median
• Media and Communication Workers, All Other
  $73,620 median
• Sound Engineering Technicians
  $73,130 median
• Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
  $72,420 median
• Artists and Related Workers, All Other
  $71,240 median

Common questions parents ask about camera operators, television, video, and film