A camera operator captures video and film for television, movies, and other media. You'll work on set, frame shots, and manage camera equipment. It's creative, technical, and you can start with an associate degree.
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Camera operators set up and operate cameras to capture footage for television, film, and video productions. You'll work closely with directors and producers to frame shots that match the creative vision. The role involves thinking creatively about how to tell a story visually, monitoring equipment during shoots, and making real-time decisions about angles, movement, and focus. You'll communicate with crew members, identify the best moments to capture, and solve technical problems on set. This is hands-on work that blends artistic judgment with technical skill.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film earn a median of $74,990 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 2,900 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most camera operators earn an associate degree in film, video production, or a related field. Your education will cover camera operation, lighting, editing software, and the technical side of production. You'll also build knowledge in communications, electronics, and public safety on set. Beyond coursework, you'll gain experience through internships, student projects, and entry-level production roles. Many operators start as production assistants or camera assistants to learn on the job while building a portfolio of work.
Most camera operators come through an associate degree program or on-set apprenticeships. If you're deciding between paths or want to map out your next steps, Pathly can map the camera operator, television, video, and film path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to find the route that fits your timeline and goals.
Many camera operator, television, video, and films must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're drawn to creative work and visual storytelling. You think in images and want to shape how stories are told through a camera lens.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).