How To Become A Camera Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a camera engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Harvey Hoffman

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a camera engineer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $38.83 an hour? That's $80,765 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 12% and produce 9,600 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a camera engineer?

Dr. Harvey Hoffman

Associate Dean of Engineering, Fairfield University

Graduates need to be flexible and open to taking on new projects, exploring new industries, perhaps non-traditional areas where they see growth, while building and maintaining their networking relationships. Go where the demand is for the role you seek. I hate to use a cliche, but remember that your engineering career is a journey that may take you in many directions. Be open to change.

A professional in any field must continue to learn. Your engineering degree gave you the necessary tools. You must engage in lifelong learning to increase your knowledge and improve your skills and competencies to set yourself apart.

ScoreCamera EngineerUS Average

Salary

6.3

Avg. Salary $80,765

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.7

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.24%

Asian 5.69%

Black or African American 5.05%

Hispanic or Latino 13.31%

Unknown 5.05%

White 70.65%

Gender

female 18.92%

male 81.08%

Age - 36

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36

Stress level

7.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a camera engineer

Explore camera engineer education requirements

Most common camera engineer degrees

Bachelor's

72.7 %

Associate

13.6 %

Master's

9.1 %

Start to develop specific camera engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Design Methodology	58.90%
Camera Module	29.29%
CG	11.81%

Complete relevant camera engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New camera engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a camera engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real camera engineer resumes.

Research camera engineer duties and responsibilities

Resolve EMC issues with existing products.
Used broadcast camera to shoot sports for college TV station
Coordinate with other camera operators and photography director to ensure professional video footage.
Mail tapes, progress reports, production notes and footage to MTV's NY office.

Apply for camera engineer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a camera engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams