Education:
61%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
18%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
This is a sub-career of
Film and Video Editor or Camera Operator
More sub-careers
Select a specialized sub-career for more details.
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Job Outlook:
Faster than average
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Salary
High:
$116,770.00
Average:
$69,940.00
Hourly
Average:
$33.63
What they do:
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
On the job, you would:
- Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
- Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
- Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
Important Qualities
Communication skills. Film and video editors and camera operators must communicate with other members of a production team, including producers and directors, to ensure that the project goes smoothly.
Computer skills. Film and video editors must use sophisticated editing software.
Creativity. Film and video editors and camera operators should be able to imagine what the result of their filming or editing will look like to an audience.
Detail oriented. Editors look at every frame of film and decide what should be kept or cut in order to maintain the best content.
Hand–eye coordination. Camera operators need to be able to move about the action while holding a camera steady.
Physical stamina. Camera operators may need to carry heavy equipment for long periods, particularly when they are filming on location.
Visual skills. Film and video editors and camera operators must see clearly what they are filming or editing in the postproduction process.
Personality
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Characteristics of this Career |
|---|---|---|---|
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99% | Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. | |
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87% | Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. | |
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83% | Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. | |
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78% | Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. | |
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77% | Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. | |
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76% | Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. | |
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75% | Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. | |
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73% | Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. | |
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73% | Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
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89% | Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services. | |
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83% | Artistic - Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Values of the Work Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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61% | Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
Aptitude
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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69% | Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. | |
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69% | Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). | |
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69% | Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance. | |
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66% | Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. | |
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66% | Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
Job Details
Responsibilities
Edit audio or video recordings.
Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
Select materials or props.
Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.
Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.
Research new technologies.
Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
Direct productions or performances.
Create computer-generated graphics or animation.
Write informational material.
Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.
Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.
Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.
Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.
Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.
Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
Inspect sets or exhibits.
Coordinate activities of production personnel.
Label production materials.
Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.
Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.
Manage content of broadcasts or presentations.
Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.
Review details of technical drawings or specifications.
Label production materials.
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent |
|---|---|---|---|
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99% | Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? | |
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94% | Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job? | |
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93% | Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? | |
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90% | Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? | |
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88% | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls - How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? | |
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84% | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? | |
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80% | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? | |
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73% | Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? | |
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70% | Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? | |
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68% | Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? | |
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67% | Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? | |
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65% | Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Tasks & Values |
|---|---|---|---|
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90% | Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. | |
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90% | Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. | |
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89% | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. | |
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85% | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. | |
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85% | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. | |
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83% | Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. | |
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82% | Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. | |
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80% | Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). | |
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79% | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. | |
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76% | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. | |
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76% | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. | |
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73% | Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. | |
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72% | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. | |
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68% | Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. | |
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66% | Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
What Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators Do
Nearly all video editing work is done on a computer.
Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate images that entertain or inform an audience. Camera operators capture a wide range of material for television, movies, and other media. Editors arrange footage shot by camera operators and collaborate with producers and directors to create the final content.
Duties
Film and video editors and camera operators typically do the following:
- Shoot and record television programs, films, music videos, documentaries, or news and sporting events
- Organize digital footage with video-editing software
- Collaborate with a director to determine the overall vision of the production
- Discuss filming and editing techniques with a director to improve a scene
- Select the appropriate equipment, such as the type of lens or lighting
- Shoot or edit a scene based on the director’s vision
Many camera operators supervise one or more assistants. The assistants set up the camera equipment and may be responsible for its storage and care. Assistants also help the operator determine the best shooting angle and make sure that the camera stays in focus.
Likewise, editors often have one or more assistants. The assistants support the editor by keeping track of each shot in a database or loading digital video into an editing bay. Assistants also may do some of the editing tasks.
Most operators prefer using digital cameras because the smaller, more inexpensive instruments give them more flexibility in shooting angles. Digital cameras also have changed the job of some camera assistants: Instead of loading film or choosing lenses, they download digital images or choose a type of software program to use with the camera. In addition, drone cameras give operators an opportunity to film in the air, or in places that are hard to reach.
Nearly all editing work is done on a computer, and editors often are trained in a specific type of editing software.
The following are examples of types of camera operators:
Cinematographers film motion pictures. They usually work with a team of camera operators and assistants. Cinematographers determine the angles and types of equipment that will best capture a shot. They also adjust the lighting in a shot, because that is an important part of how the image looks.
Cinematographers may use stationary cameras that shoot whatever passes in front of them, or they may use a camera mounted on a track and move around the action. Some cinematographers sit on cranes to film an action scene; others carry the camera on their shoulder while they move around the action.
Some cinematographers specialize in filming cartoons or special effects. For information about a career in animation, see special effects artists and animators. Other cinematographers function as a film’s artistic director. For information about these workers, see art directors.
Studio camera operators work in a broadcast studio and videotape their subjects from a fixed position. There may be one or several cameras in use at a time. Operators normally follow directions that give the order of the shots. They often have time to practice camera movements before shooting begins. If they are shooting a live event, they must be able to make adjustments at a moment’s notice and follow the instructions of the show’s director. The use of robotic cameras is common among studio camera operators, and one operator may control several cameras at once.
Videographers film or videotape private ceremonies or special events, such as weddings. They also may work with companies and make corporate documentaries on a variety of topics. Most videographers edit their own material.
Many videographers run their own business or do freelance work. They may submit bids, write contracts, and get permission to shoot on locations that may not be open to the public. They also get copyright protection for their work and keep financial records.
Many editors and camera operators, but particularly videographers, put their creative work online. If it becomes popular, they gain more recognition, which can lead to future employment or freelance opportunities.
Work Environment
Camera operators, television, video, and film held about 36,500 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of camera operators, television, video, and film were as follows:
| Self-employed workers | 33% |
| Motion picture and video industries | 27 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 10 |
| Government | 2 |
Film and video editors held about 51,000 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of film and video editors were as follows:
| Motion picture and video industries | 37% |
| Self-employed workers | 34 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 10 |
Film and video editors and camera operators typically work in studios or offices. Camera operators and videographers often shoot raw footage on location.
Film and video editors work in editing rooms by themselves, or with producers and directors, for many hours at a time. Cinematographers and operators who shoot for movies or television may film on location and be away from home for months at a time. Operators who travel usually must carry heavy equipment to their shooting locations.
Some camera operators work in uncomfortable or even dangerous conditions, such as severe weather, military conflicts, and natural disasters. They may have to stand for long periods waiting for an event to take place. They may carry heavy equipment while on shooting assignment.
Work Schedules
Most film and video editors and camera operators work full time, although part-time work is common. Work hours often vary with the type of operator or editor. Those who work in broadcasting may put in additional hours to meet a deadline. Those who work in the motion picture industry may have busy schedules while filming, but they go through a period of looking for work once a film is complete and before they are hired for their next job.
Getting Started
How to Become a Film and Video Editor or Camera Operator
Most editor and camera operator positions require a bachelor's degree in a field related to film or broadcasting.
Film and video editors and camera operators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting.
Education
Film and video editors and camera operators typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. The degree is often in film, broadcasting, or a related fine and performing arts or communications field. Many colleges offer courses in cinematography or video-editing software. Coursework involves a mix of film theory with practical training.
Film and video editors and camera operators must have an understanding of digital cameras and editing software because both are now used on film sets.
Training
Employers may offer new employees training in the type of specialized editing software those employers use. Most editors eventually specialize in one type of software, but beginners should be familiar with as many types as possible.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Editors may demonstrate competence in various types of editing software by earning certification, which is generally offered by software vendors. Certification requires passing a comprehensive exam, and candidates can prepare for the exam on their own, through online tutorials, or through classroom instruction.
Advancement
Experienced film and video editors and camera operators with creativity and leadership skills can advance to overseeing their own projects. For more information, see the profile on producers and directors.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 8,200 openings for film and video editors and camera operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Projected employment of film and video editors and camera operators varies by occupation (see table).
The number of online-only platforms, such as streaming services, is likely to increase, along with the number of shows produced for these platforms. This growth may lead to more work for film and video editors and camera operators.
The consolidation of roles—such as editors who determine the best angles for a shoot, the use of robotic cameras, and the increasing reliance on amateur film footage—may lead to fewer jobs for camera operators. However, more film and video editors are expected to be needed because of an increase in special effects and overall available content.
Contacts for More Information
For more information about film and video editors and camera operators, visit
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of film and video editors and camera operators.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians |
Broadcast, sound, and video technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for media programs. |
See How to Become One | $53,960 |
|
Editors |
Editors plan, review, and revise content for publication. |
Bachelor's degree | $73,080 |
|
Special Effects Artists and Animators |
Special effects artists and animators create images that appear to move and visual effects for various forms of media and entertainment. |
Bachelor's degree | $98,950 |
|
Photographers |
Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $40,170 |
|
Producers and Directors |
Producers and directors make business and creative decisions about film, television, stage, and other productions. |
Bachelor's degree | $85,320 |
|
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists |
News analysts, reporters, and journalists keep the public updated about current events and noteworthy information. |
Bachelor's degree | $55,960 |