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Video and Film Camera Operators Job Overview

Video and Film Camera Operators produce images that tell a story, inform or entertain an audience or record an event. Some camera operators do their own editing. They use video or motion picture cameras to shoot a wide range of materials constructed from many different shots by film and video editors. Technical expertise and creativity is vital for making commercial-quality movies and video programs. Some camera operators shoot private ceremonies and special events, such as weddings and conference program sessions. Those who record these images on videotape are often called videographers. Those employed in the entertainment field use motion picture cameras to film movies, television programs and commercials. Those who film motion pictures also are known as cinematographers.

Video and Film Camera Operators Schools and Degrees

Video and film camera operators can acquire skills through formal postsecondary training at vocational schools, colleges, universities, or photographic institutes which teach equipment operation, photographic processes and camera techniques. A bachelor’s degree may be required for some positions. Training in videography can be helpful.

Job Requirements

Producing successful images requires choosing and presenting interesting material, selecting appropriate equipment and applying a good eye and a steady hand to ensure smooth, natural movement of the camera. They should be patient, accurate and detail oriented. They should also have good communication skills. Those who run their own business or freelance, need business skills and talent.

Nature of Work

They frequently travel filming television programs, motion pictures, conventions or sporting events. Some of them work in uncomfortable and dangerous surroundings. They need to wait long hours in all kinds of weather for an event to take place and must stand or walk for long periods while carrying heavy equipment, all while working under strict deadlines. Hours of work and working schedules vary considerably. Camera operators who work in the entertainment field often meet with directors, actors, editors and camera assistants to discuss ways of filming, editing and improving the scenes by using specialized sound effects.

Video and Film Camera Operators Jobs and Outlook

According to research in 2006, video and film camera operators held about 27,000 jobs in the U.S. That number is expected to grow by 12% in the next ten years. Employment is highest in the following industries:

• Cable and Other Subscription Programming
• Federal Executive Branch
• Motion Picture and Video Industries
• Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Radio and Television Broadcasting

The mean hourly wage for video and film camera operators in the US is about $22.39, while the mean annual wages are around $46,570.

Job Numbers and Growth

There were about 27,000 video and film camera operators across the US in 2008. Unemployment for workers was considered high in the recent past, relative to other occupations. The percentage of employees unemployed in 2008 was 7%.

Area Job Conditions

The cities with the most video and film camera operators per capita are Elizabethtown (Kentucky), Hartford (Connecticut), and Reno (Nevada), while the worst cities are Minneapolis (Minnesota), Santa Ana (California), and Houston (Texas).

The highest salaries for workers are in and around Santa Ana (California), Albany (New York), and Washington (District of Columbia). The lowest-paying areas are Sioux Falls (South Dakota), Madison (Wisconsin), and Jackson (Mississippi).

Training and Education

Education or job training for employees typically involves a postsecondary vocational award. At least 58% of video and film camera operators had a degree of four or more years. About 29% of workers had some college below a bachelor's degree. An estimated 13% of employees had just a high-school diploma. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

An estimated 19% of video and film camera operators work part-time. An estimated 17% of workers were self-employed.

Video And Film Camera Operators by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

Alabama

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Illinois

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Nevada

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Washington

Wisconsin