Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Camera operators in television, video, and film work in a field that blends creative vision with technical capability. Nationally, about 36,000 people work in this occupation, with a median annual salary of $68,810. The role typically calls for strong creativity and innovation, close attention to detail, and fine motor skills, combined with comfort using computers and information technology and mechanical abilities. Interpersonal, speaking, and listening skills also matter, as do physical strength and stamina, customer service, and adaptability. Employment is projected to grow by 1.2%, with about 3,000 annual openings, indicating ongoing demand. Opportunities are spread across many regions, with some states and metro areas offering notably higher salaries and distinct opportunity scores. For people interested in visually driven work that requires both artistic and technical strengths, this occupation can provide a long-term career path, and the data show consistent, if modest, employment growth and regular openings nationwide.
The national median annual salary for camera operators in television, video, and film is $68,810, but earnings vary widely by location. Among the top states, California stands out with a median salary of $106,900, followed by New York at $93,410 and Colorado at $74,990. Massachusetts and Washington have median salaries of $61,320 and $60,250, respectively. At the metro level, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA reports a median salary of $107,620, and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is at $98,500. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro shows a median of $93,410, while Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is at $83,320 and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH at $62,810. These differences show that location choices can significantly influence earning potential, with several large metro areas and states offering salaries well above the national median for this occupation.
National employment for camera operators in television, video, and film is 36,000, with a projected employment growth rate of 1.2%. This same 1.2% projected growth rate is reflected in the listed top states and metro areas, suggesting a broadly consistent growth outlook across these highlighted regions. There are about 3,000 annual openings nationwide, which indicates a flow of opportunities from new positions and turnover. While the projected growth rate is modest, the steady volume of annual openings can support both new entrants and experienced professionals seeking job changes. For people considering this career, the data point to an occupation with a stable employment base, gradual projected growth, and recurring opportunities to enter or advance in the field across different parts of the country.
Location makes a clear difference for camera operators in this field. Among states, California combines a high median salary of $106,900 with employment of 4,700 and an opportunity score of 67.38. New York also offers a strong mix of a $93,410 median salary, 2,930 employed, and a 65.78 opportunity score. Massachusetts, Colorado, and Washington provide additional options, with opportunity scores ranging from 56.29 to 65.87 and median salaries between $60,250 and $74,990. At the metro level, New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ stands out with an opportunity score of 77.27, a $93,410 median salary, and employment of 3,000. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA shows the highest listed metro median salary at $107,620 and employment of 3,540, with an opportunity score of 62.99. San Francisco, Washington DC-area, and Boston also offer notable combinations of salary, employment, and opportunity scores, giving candidates multiple geographically diverse choices.
The typical education requirement for camera operators in television, video, and film is a bachelor’s degree. This level of education supports the mix of creative and technical skills reflected in the occupation’s skill profile. Success in this field draws on creativity and innovation, being detail oriented, and strong fine motor abilities. At the same time, employers value proficiency with computers and information technology and mechanical skills, indicating the importance of handling equipment and digital tools. Interpersonal, speaking, and listening skills support effective collaboration, while customer service and adaptability help camera operators respond to different expectations and changing conditions. Physical strength and stamina are also highlighted, pointing to the physical aspects of the work. For students and career changers, planning for a bachelor’s degree while deliberately building these specific skills can align education and training with the core demands of this occupation.
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