Career Overview
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
Also Known As
- Camera Operator
- Cameraman
- Television News Photographer
- Videographer
Alternate Job Titles
- Advanced Air Mobility Operator (AAM Operator)
- Advanced Air Mobility Pilot (AAM Pilot)
- Advanced Air Mobility Technician (AAM Technician)
- Aerial Camera Operator
- Animation Camera Operator
- Camera Engineer
- Camera Operator
- Camera Person
- Cameraman
- Cinematographer
- Commercial Drone Operator
- Commercial Drone Pilot
- Creative Specialist
- Drone Camera Operator
- Drone Operator
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
- Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
- Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
- 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.
- Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
- Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
- Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Operate drones to capture aerial or unique angle footage for film, television, or video productions.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Communications and Media
- Telecommunications
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Far Vision
- Near Vision
- Visualization
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Clarity
- Speech Recognition
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
- Adaptability
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Audio equalizers
- Automatic film processors
- Batteries
- Cable compression crimp tools
- Circumaural headphones
- Digital light meters
- Digital multimeters
- Directors' viewfinders
- Distortion analyzers
- DJI Go 4
- DJI Pilot
- DroneDeploy
- DroneLogbook
- Electronic field production EFP cameras
- External monitors
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $36,240 |
| Median | $68,810 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $131,420 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 24,460
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $70,760
Broadcast Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $53,920
Audio and Video Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $54,830
Media Technical Directors/Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $83,480
Avionics Technicians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $81,390
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.