What is a videographer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A videographer creates content for various purposes, such as documentaries, films, advertisements, and events. They use cameras, lighting equipment, and sound recording devices to capture and edit footage that tells a story or conveys a message. They work closely with directors, producers, and clients to ensure the final product meets their expectations. They have excellent technical skills, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure to deliver a high-quality end product.

ScoreVideographerUS Average
Salary
3.4

Avg. Salary $43,620

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.7

Growth Rate 10%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.37%

Asian 5.15%

Black or African American 9.07%

Hispanic or Latino 16.83%

Unknown 6.25%

White 62.33%

Gender

female 23.95%

male 76.05%

Age - 41
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 - 41
Stress Level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.3

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.6

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Videographer?

Pros

  • Opportunity to work on diverse projects

  • Flexibility in work schedule

  • Possibility for travel

  • Opportunity for self-promotion and building a personal brand

  • Satisfaction from delivering high-quality content

Cons

  • High competition in the industry

  • Physical strain from carrying equipment and standing for long periods of time

  • Difficult clients or subjects to work with

  • Inconsistent income and financial instability

  • Isolation and lack of social interaction during editing and post-production stages.

Videographer career paths

Key steps to become a videographer

  1. Explore videographer education requirements

    Most common videographer degrees

    Bachelor's

    72.5 %

    Associate

    15.8 %

    High School Diploma

    5.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific videographer skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Training Videos30.69%
    Video Production7.57%
    Video Content5.89%
    Photography5.75%
    Motion Graphics3.36%
  3. Complete relevant videographer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New videographers 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 videographer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real videographer resumes.
  4. Research videographer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the company s Instagram.
    • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
    • Work as a DP on promotional content for TVSEMINARY.com.
    • Design skills using various software applications for graphics and animation.
  5. Prepare your videographer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your videographer 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 videographer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Videographer Resume templates

    Build a professional Videographer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Videographer resume.
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  6. Apply for videographer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a videographer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Videographer Job

Zippi

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Average videographer salary

The average Videographer salary in the United States is $43,620 per year or $21 per hour. Videographer salaries range between $30,000 and $62,000 per year.

Average Videographer Salary
$43,620 Yearly
$20.97 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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