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 $68,810 per year, ranking in the top 34% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.2% job growth through 2034, 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 $68,810. That puts camera operators, television, video, and film at #274 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 +1.2%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 36K positions in 2024 to 36K in 2034, a net change of 0K. 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 do camera operators, television, video, and film do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working camera operators, television, video, and film, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
2. 2.Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
3. 3.Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
4. 4.Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
5. 5.Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
6. 6.Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
7. 7.Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
8. 8.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.

Top skills for camera operators, television, video, and film

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

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

• Art Directors
  $111,040 median
• Special Effects Artists and Animators
  $99,800 median
• Technical Writers
  $91,670 median
• Producers and Directors
  $83,480 median
• Fashion Designers
  $80,690 median
• Commercial and Industrial Designers
  $79,450 median

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