Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film pay in California
In California, the median pay for camera operators, television, video, and film is $51.39 an hour ($106,900 a year). About 4,700 people work in this job there.
That is 43% higher than the U.S. median ($74,990). California ranks 1st of 46 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for camera operators, television, video, and film in California
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $25.92 | $53,910 |
| 25% of workers | $36.57 | $76,060 |
| Half of workers (median) | $51.39 | $106,900 |
| 75% of workers | $62.96 | $130,960 |
| 90% of workers | $74.16 | $154,240 |
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film pay in California metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $107,620 | 3,540 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $98,500 | 280 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $84,870 | 50 |
| Fresno | $80,030 | 40 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $71,390 | 50 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $56,580 | 150 |
California unemployment rate: 5.1% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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 California
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Producers and Directors | $129,790 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $64,620 |
| Film and Video Editors | $88,490 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | $78,150 |
| Lighting Technicians | $94,070 |
| Broadcast Technicians | $72,800 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $81,550 |
| Avionics Technicians | $92,480 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: 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.