Jobs / Design, media, and writing / 27-4031.00

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

US jobs
21,550
Median wage
$74,990 a year
Job family
Design, media, and writing

Can agents do the work of camera operators, television, video, and film?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Design, media, and writing: Unmeasured (no change in 12 months)

No direct benchmark gives a success rate.

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 19%Operate audiovisual or related equipmentNot measured
  • 12%Set up equipmentNot measured
  • 10%Operate communications equipment or systemsNot measured
  • 9%Determine operational methods or proceduresNot measured
  • 8%Coordinate artistic or entertainment activitiesNot measured
  • 7%Inspect completed work or finished productsNot measured
  • 6%Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipmentNot measured
  • 6%Communicate with others about specifications or project detailsNot measured

Benchmarks for the job family

These cover work in design, media, and writing, not always this occupation's tasks.

Also relevant

These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.

Context only

These benchmarks span many occupations, or they test how agents behave. They give context but do not set the step.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • 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.
  • Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
  • Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
  • Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
  • Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
  • Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
Other job titles for this occupation (69)

Camera Operator · Cameraman · Master Control Operator (MCO) · News Videographer · Production Technician · Studio Camera Operator · Television News Photographer · Videographer · 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 Person · Cinematographer · Commercial Drone Operator · Commercial Drone Pilot · Creative Specialist · Drone Camera Operator · Drone Operator · Drone Pilot · Electronic News Gathering Camera Operator (ENG Camera Operator) · Event Videographer · Filmmaker · Legal Videographer · Motion Designer · Motion Picture Camera Operator · Motion Picture Cameraman · Motion Picture Photographer · Movie Shot Camera Operator · Movie Shot Cameraman · News Camera Operator · News Camera Person · News Reel Cameraman · Operations Technician · Optical Effects Camera Operator · Remote Camera Operator · Remote Pilot · Remotely 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) · Remotely Piloted Aircraft Technician (RPA Technician) · Sensor Operator · Sports Videographer · Studio Technician · Television Camera Operator · Television Cameraman · Unmanned Aerial Camera Operator · Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator) · Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot) · Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician) · Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Operator (UAV Operator) · Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Pilot (UAV Pilot) · Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Technician (UAV Technician) · Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator) · Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot) · Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator) · Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot) · Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician) · Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician) · Urban Air Mobility Operator (UAM Operator) · Urban Air Mobility Pilot (UAM Pilot) · Urban Air Mobility Technician (UAM Technician) · Video Camera Operator · Video Coordinator · Video Operator · Video Specialist