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Audio operator vs camera operator

The differences between audio operators and camera operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an audio operator has an average salary of $134,230, which is higher than the $43,609 average annual salary of a camera operator.

The top three skills for an audio operator include RF, IFB and TV. The most important skills for a camera operator are video production, camera equipment, and camera operation.

Audio operator vs camera operator overview

Audio OperatorCamera Operator
Yearly salary$134,230$43,609
Hourly rate$64.53$20.97
Growth rate10%12%
Number of jobs32,55826,006
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4237
Years of experience2-

Audio operator vs camera operator salary

Audio operators and camera operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Audio OperatorCamera Operator
Average salary$134,230$43,609
Salary rangeBetween $92,000 And $194,000Between $25,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between audio operator and camera operator education

There are a few differences between an audio operator and a camera operator in terms of educational background:

Audio OperatorCamera Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityJohns Hopkins University

Audio operator vs camera operator demographics

Here are the differences between audio operators' and camera operators' demographics:

Audio OperatorCamera Operator
Average age4237
Gender ratioMale, 73.8% Female, 26.2%Male, 77.2% Female, 22.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 5.0% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%10%

Differences between audio operator and camera operator duties and responsibilities

Audio operator example responsibilities.

  • Maintain microphone integrity and quality for transmitters, receivers, and IFB.
  • Receive and process audio transmissions from remote locations including IFB assignments and troubleshooting.
  • Conduct staff training on office software, internet usage, and PC troubleshooting.
  • Operate the administrative and technical aspects of a video teleconferencing center for clients ranging from civilian executives to four-star generals.
  • Mix FOH and monitors for all annual international conference events including performances.

Camera operator example responsibilities.

  • Set up and operate cameras during basketball, volleyball, baseball, football, and softball games.
  • Work involve studio productions and field shoots doing camera work, control room work, and grip work.
  • Live footage capture at indoor and outdoor events including basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, and lacrosse.
  • Operate studio equipment (camera, audio, teleprompter) and assist producers and in-studio guests for live talk shows.
  • Gather camera shots of a variety of sports at school games such as basketball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball.
  • Make sure the anchors have the right microphones, IFB, scripts and rundowns.
  • Show more

Audio operator vs camera operator skills

Common audio operator skills
  • RF, 20%
  • IFB, 14%
  • TV, 11%
  • Control Room, 8%
  • Audio Console, 7%
  • SSL, 7%
Common camera operator skills
  • Video Production, 24%
  • Camera Equipment, 13%
  • Camera Operation, 7%
  • Audio Equipment, 5%
  • CCTV, 4%
  • Live Broadcasts, 4%

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