Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film pay in the United States

In the U.S., the median pay for camera operators, television, video, and film is $36.05 an hour ($74,990 a year). About 21,550 people work in this job there.

$36.05Median hourly pay
$50,920–$106,660Middle half of workers, yearly
21,550People in this job in the U.S.

Pay range for camera operators, television, video, and film in the U.S.

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$18.52$38,520
25% of workers$24.48$50,920
Half of workers (median)$36.05$74,990
75% of workers$51.28$106,660
90% of workers$64.99$135,180

Best-paying states for camera operators, television, video, and film

StateMedian yearly payPeople in this job
California$106,9004,700
Illinois$100,1701,060
District of Columbia$98,300240
New York$93,4102,930
Georgia$85,050570
Alaska$83,62050
Colorado$74,990300
Utah$73,450240
Arizona$68,250520
Maryland$65,870290

Pay by state

Education, experience and outlook for camera operators, television, video, and film

  • Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 6 months to 1 year (O*NET)
  • Job outlook: +1.3% over ten years, little or no change · about 2,500 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in the U.S.

JobMedian yearly pay
Producers and Directors$90,360
Audio and Video Technicians$58,100
Film and Video Editors$75,420
Broadcast Technicians$59,570
Avionics Technicians$82,280
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$73,900
Sound Engineering Technicians$73,130
Lighting Technicians$68,060

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.