On a good day at work, I go home without a voice. I've talked circles around everybody and people have retained at least a good chunk of what I've said. That's a good day.
CAREER
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$57,200
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+14% (faster than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Do
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
Other Job Titles Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film May Have
Camera Operator, Cameraman, Master Control Operator (MCO), News Videographer, Production Technician, Studio Camera Operator, Television News Photographer, Videographer
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May 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.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (55%)
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Certification / License
Flight Instructor
Certification / License
Athletic Training/Trainer
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Communication is huge, and it's not always something they teach in school. A book can't teach you how to relate to people; you can only get people skills by interacting with other people.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
The best thing I ever did was buy my own camera and just start shooting. Then I bought my own computer and learned how to edit. If you have all the tools, you can go ahead and make the mistakes while you're learning. The more you make those mistakes, the more you'll be able to anticipate what people need, and what kind of problems you're going to run into next time. Above all, put yourself out there humbly. Don't try to chime in on everything; sit back and let people teach you something.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
