Life As a Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator
Occupation Description Operate television, video, or motion picture camera to record images or scenes for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures.
Video Camera Operator Responsibilities
- Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.
- Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
- View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.
- Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
- Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.
- Label and record contents of exposed film and note details on report forms.
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Video Camera Operator Needed Skills
Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Types of Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator
- News Camera Person
- Movie Shot Camera Operator
- News Reel Cameraman
- Creative Services Director
- Newscast Director
Job Outlook for Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators
There were about 25,100 jobs for Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,800 new jobs for Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator by 2026. There will be an estimated 2,600 positions for Video Camera Operator per year.
The states with the most job growth for Video Camera Operator are Georgia, Utah, and New Mexico. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Video Camera Operator
The salary for Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators ranges between about $25,790 and $102,470 a year.
Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators who work in District of Columbia, New York, or Oregon, make the highest salaries.
How much do Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $44,610 |
| Arizona | $61,580 |
| Arkansas | $57,420 |
| California | $77,540 |
| Colorado | $55,220 |
| Connecticut | $48,560 |
| District of Columbia | $77,770 |
| Florida | $50,600 |
| Georgia | $59,110 |
| Hawaii | $59,780 |
| Illinois | $45,340 |
| Indiana | $40,610 |
| Iowa | $36,580 |
| Kansas | $42,940 |
| Kentucky | $38,670 |
| Louisiana | $47,800 |
| Maine | $39,790 |
| Maryland | $57,780 |
| Massachusetts | $52,380 |
| Michigan | $58,090 |
| Minnesota | $45,600 |
| Missouri | $50,150 |
| Montana | $32,940 |
| Nevada | $49,770 |
| New Hampshire | $32,020 |
| New Jersey | $62,690 |
| New York | $86,430 |
| North Carolina | $57,390 |
| North Dakota | $42,690 |
| Ohio | $55,600 |
| Oklahoma | $46,550 |
| Oregon | $68,100 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,350 |
| South Carolina | $48,230 |
| South Dakota | $30,480 |
| Tennessee | $51,140 |
| Texas | $57,360 |
| Utah | $50,810 |
| Vermont | $40,610 |
| Virginia | $55,410 |
| Washington | $65,400 |
| West Virginia | $46,700 |
| Wisconsin | $42,110 |
What Tools do Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- YouTube
- Google Drive
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Cloud
- Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects
How to Become a Video Camera Operator
Individuals working as a Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Video Camera Operator?
Where do Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operator sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
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