How To Become A Camera Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a camera operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A camera operator must operate and handle motion picture cameras to film scenes connected to TV transmission, promotions, and motion movies. Also, you are to decide on camera positions, create good shots, and give suggestions. You have to regularly carry out tests and ensure the tools are clean, to create an appropriate working setting. As a camera operator, you have to cooperate with electricians, directors, and sound and lighting technicians. This is to improve the operations and decide filming arrangements. Additionally, you must execute all quality checks associated with the efficacious sustenance of the camera as well as keep all sectors connected to the studio and costume room. Occasionally, you would have to go to several locations for shots or film scenes and also prepare and organize equipment for the operation. Your job requires you to gather and edit unrefined film on the location to transfer it to television associates for broadcast.

The educational requirement is GED or a high school degree as this job does not necessarily require a university education. Also, you must demonstrate outstanding creativity, multi-tasking, and organizational skill. Furthermore, you must be able to operate calmly under pressure and for a long period. As a camera operator, you will earn an annual average salary of $45,595 or $21.92 per hour.

ScoreCamera OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.4

Avg. Salary $43,609

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

7.7

Growth Rate 12%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.25%

Asian 7.06%

Black or African American 6.75%

Hispanic or Latino 18.29%

Unknown 5.25%

White 62.40%

Gender

female 22.78%

male 77.22%

Age - 36

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36

Stress Level

7.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

6.9

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

4.4

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a camera operator

Explore camera operator education requirements

Most common camera operator degrees

Bachelor's

67.8 %

Associate

18.6 %

High School Diploma

7.5 %

Start to develop specific camera operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Video Production	23.74%
Camera Equipment	12.94%
Camera Operation	6.90%
Audio Equipment	5.03%
CCTV	4.00%

Complete relevant camera operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New camera operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a camera operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real camera operator resumes.

Research camera operator duties and responsibilities

Set up and operate cameras during basketball, volleyball, baseball, football, and softball games.
Work involve studio productions and field shoots doing camera work, control room work, and grip work.
Live footage capture at indoor and outdoor events including basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, and lacrosse.
Operate studio equipment (camera, audio, teleprompter) and assist producers and in-studio guests for live talk shows.

Prepare your camera operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your camera operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a camera operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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