Career
Camera operators, television, video, and film
Film the shots for TV, movies and video.
Here's what you actually need to know.
The work
What people in this job do
- 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.
The outlook
How the forecast changed this year
The deeper question
What kind of person does this path ask you to become?
What this work centers on
O*NET interest profile, scored 1–7.
The work
Do you want most of your days spent on creation & expression, then objects & tools?
Responsibility
Are you willing to be the one responsible for this?
“Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.”
Development
What would you need to build over the next 5–10 years?
Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Judgment and Decision Making.
Trade-offs
What does it ask of you in exchange?
4 years of education after high school (bachelor's degree), for a median of $74,990 a year and 2,500 openings nationally each year.
Paths in
Degrees that lead here
- Film and PhotographySee the degree →
- Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/TechnicianCIP 10.0202
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, OtherCIP 10.0299
- Cinematography and Film/Video ProductionCIP 50.0602
- Documentary ProductionCIP 50.0607
Paths across
Careers that use similar skills
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$73,900 · +2.6%
- Broadcast Technicians$59,570 · -3.1%
- Audio and Video Technicians$58,100 · +3.9%
- Media Technical Directors/Managers
- Avionics Technicians$82,280 · +9.4%
Ask anything about this career.
“Would this make sense if I don't want to sit at a desk all day?” Answers will come from the sources on this page, with citations. Coming soon.
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Sources
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
- BLS Employment Projections, 2024–34 (archived), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
- O*NET 31.0 Database (August 2026), National Center for O*NET Development / U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
- CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk, NCES and BLS. Retrieved 2026-10-01.