Occupation · SOC 27-4031
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
Median wage
$68,810
$36,240–$131,420
Projected growth
+1.4%
Slower than average
Annual openings
40
per year
Employed (US)
24,460
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
242 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCoordinationTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessMonitoringCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingWritingService OrientationQuality Control AnalysisPersuasionOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlActive LearningLearning StrategiesEquipment SelectionNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesTroubleshootingRepairingInstructingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisEquipment MaintenanceOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignMathematicsManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesProgrammingInstallationScience
Knowledge areas
English LanguageComputers and ElectronicsCommunications and MediaTelecommunicationsEngineering and TechnologyPublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingMathematicsCustomer and Personal ServiceProduction and ProcessingLaw and GovernmentGeographyMechanicalAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeSociology and AnthropologyHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsTransportationSales and MarketingDesignPersonnel and Human ResourcesPsychologyBuilding and ConstructionPhysicsChemistryPhilosophy and TheologyForeign LanguageTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryEconomics and AccountingBiologyFood Production
Technology & tools
Adobe AcrobatAdobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe DreamweaverAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAdobe Premiere ProApple Final Cut ProApple Final Cut StudioAvid Technology audio visual editing softwareDaVinci ResolveEmail softwareGoogle DriveLitchiMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordPix4D Pix4DcaptureTikTokVideo editing softwareYouTube
Representative tasks
Thinking CreativelyGetting InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsWorking with ComputersControlling Machines and ProcessesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleHandling and Moving ObjectsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDocumenting/Recording InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCoaching and Developing OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesTraining and Teaching OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicAnalyzing Data or InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesSelling or Influencing OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Camera controls and basic settings — identify and adjust under direct supervision on a closed television or film set.Shot composition fundamentals — apply basic framing techniques with guidance from a director or senior camera operator.Zoom lens operation — practice changing focal lengths according to written rehearsal instructions in a controlled studio environment.Camera mount types — recognize and distinguish stationary, track-mounted, and crane-mounted configurations under instructor or crew guidance.Light and exposure basics — observe and describe how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO affect image quality during supervised shoots.Set observation — identify potential filming obstacles and report findings to a supervising crew member before a scheduled shoot.Crew communication — listen actively and relay assignment details between directors and technical staff during pre-production briefings.Camera maintenance routines — perform basic cleaning and storage procedures following standard protocols on production equipment.Live shot setup — assist in positioning and cabling cameras for a simple broadcast segment under close supervisory oversight.Video creation software — open, review, and label recorded footage files using standard production software on a studio workstation.
developing
Camera operation for broadcast — record television or advertising scenes with reduced oversight, consistently meeting director-specified quality standards.Shot composition and lens selection — frame and execute a variety of shots by independently applying knowledge of lenses, filters, and lighting on location or in-studio.Focus and exposure adjustment — modify camera, printer, and related equipment controls to achieve required depth of field and exposure during routine production runs.Zoom lens execution — operate zoom lenses smoothly and accurately to match specifications established in rehearsals for multi-camera television productions.Lighting requirement assessment — evaluate sets and locations for lighting challenges and recommend adjustments to electricians and lighting technicians before filming begins.Live broadcast setup — independently configure and execute live shots for scheduled broadcast segments, coordinating with the technical director and floor crew.Director collaboration — confer with directors and sound technicians to confirm filming sequences and camera movements, adapting plans when minor changes arise.Camera mount operation — set up and operate track-mounted or crane-mounted camera systems according to production schedules with minimal re-takes.Time management on set — prioritize and complete assigned camera tasks within tight production timelines across multi-scene shoots.Cloud-based asset management — upload, organize, and share recorded footage through cloud-based platforms following established production workflows.
proficient
Full-scope camera operation — independently operate television, video, and motion picture cameras across broadcast, advertising, and film productions from pre-production through final take.Advanced shot composition — synthesize knowledge of light, lenses, film stocks, filters, and camera settings to realize complex visual effects sought by directors on demanding productions.Non-routine exposure and focus challenges — diagnose and resolve difficult lighting conditions or focus anomalies autonomously during live or location shoots.Multi-mount camera strategy — select and execute stationary, track, and crane mount configurations to support complex scene choreography without director intervention.Location scouting and technical assessment — conduct independent surveys of sets and locations, producing detailed reports on filming requirements, hazards, and lighting solutions.Cross-department coordination — lead technical discussions with directors, sound engineers, lighting technicians, and electricians to align camera movements, effects, and sequences for high-stakes productions.Live broadcast troubleshooting — identify and resolve equipment or signal issues in real time to maintain uninterrupted live coverage during broadcasts.Critical judgment on framing and pacing — apply creative and technical decision-making to adjust shot selection mid-production when story or technical needs shift unexpectedly.Production software proficiency — use video creation, editing, and graphics software to review rushes, annotate issues, and support post-production handoffs on professional timelines.Mentorship of junior operators — guide entry-level camera operators through technical procedures and set protocols during active productions.
advanced
Camera department leadership — set the overall visual and technical direction for camera crews across simultaneous productions, ensuring consistent quality and creative alignment with executive stakeholders.Visual storytelling strategy — develop and champion camera language, framing philosophies, and lighting aesthetics that define a production's signature look at the organizational or network level.Complex multi-camera system design — architect multi-camera configurations for large-scale broadcasts or film productions, integrating crane, track, and specialized mounts to meet director and producer visions.Organizational workflow development — design and implement camera department workflows, including asset management protocols, technology adoption, and quality control standards across a production company.Senior crew development — create and lead training programs for camera operators, assistants, and technicians, building technical and creative capability within the department.Cross-functional production leadership — represent the camera department in executive-level planning sessions, negotiating resources, schedules, and technical requirements with directors, producers, and network executives.Emerging technology integration — evaluate and introduce new camera technologies, software platforms, and broadcast systems to maintain competitive production capabilities.Risk and contingency management — anticipate and resolve high-stakes technical or logistical failures during live or location shoots, preserving broadcast integrity and production timelines.Industry standards and compliance oversight — establish and enforce safety, intellectual property, and broadcast standards compliance protocols across all camera operations within the organization.Strategic vendor and partner relations — negotiate and manage relationships with equipment suppliers, rental houses, and technology vendors to optimize the department's capabilities and budget alignment.
Also known as
69 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Advanced Air Mobility Operator (AAM Operator)Advanced Air Mobility Pilot (AAM Pilot)Advanced Air Mobility Technician (AAM Technician)Aerial Camera OperatorAnimation Camera OperatorCamera EngineerCamera OperatorCamera PersonCameramanCinematographerCommercial Drone OperatorCommercial Drone PilotCreative SpecialistDrone Camera OperatorDrone OperatorDrone PilotElectronic News Gathering Camera Operator (ENG Camera Operator)Event VideographerFilmmakerLegal VideographerMaster Control Operator (MCO)Motion DesignerMotion Picture Camera OperatorMotion Picture CameramanMotion Picture PhotographerMovie Shot Camera OperatorMovie Shot CameramanNews Camera OperatorNews Camera PersonNews Reel CameramanNews VideographerOperations TechnicianOptical Effects Camera OperatorProduction TechnicianRemote Camera OperatorRemote PilotRemotely Piloted Aircraft Camera Operator (RPA Camera Operator)Remotely Piloted Aircraft Controller (RPA Controller)Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator (RPA Operator)Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot (RPA Pilot)