Arts & Media27-4031.00Specialization

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

$61,800
Median Pay
2 to 4 years
Training
🟑
AI-Augmented

This is a specialization of

Media Equipment Workers

Career Overview Video

AI Impact Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 3/6: balanced factors means AI will assist but humans remain essential

🟑AI-Augmented

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Medium+1

42% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Stable+1

+1% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Moderate+1

EPOCH score: 17/25

Total Score3/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

Key Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.
  • Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
  • Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
  • Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
  • Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
  • Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.

Education & Training

Typical Entry Education

Associate's degree

Time to Job Ready

1-3 years

Based on Job Zone 3. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.

Technology Skills

Video editing software (Premiere, Final Cut)Camera control systemsColor grading toolsMicrosoft OfficeFile management systems

Key Abilities

VisualizationNear VisionFar VisionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityOral ComprehensionSpeech ClarityVisual Color DiscriminationSpeech RecognitionInformation Ordering

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Compensation Details

$34,420
10th Percentile
$61,800
Median
$120,740
90th Percentile

Based on 23,940 employed workers

Also Known As

Advanced Air Mobility Operator (AAM Operator)Advanced Air Mobility Pilot (AAM Pilot)Advanced Air Mobility Technician (AAM Technician)Aerial Camera OperatorAnimation Camera OperatorCamera EngineerCamera OperatorCamera PersonCameramanCinematographer

Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

O*NET Code: 27-4031.00