A camera operator must operate and handle motion picture cameras to film scenes connected to TV transmission, promotions, and motion movies. Also, you are to decide on camera positions, create good shots, and give suggestions. You have to regularly carry out tests and ensure the tools are clean, to create an appropriate working setting. As a camera operator, you have to cooperate with electricians, directors, and sound and lighting technicians. This is to improve the operations and decide filming arrangements. Additionally, you must execute all quality checks associated with the efficacious sustenance of the camera as well as keep all sectors connected to the studio and costume room. Occasionally, you would have to go to several locations for shots or film scenes and also prepare and organize equipment for the operation. Your job requires you to gather and edit unrefined film on the location to transfer it to television associates for broadcast.
The educational requirement is GED or a high school degree as this job does not necessarily require a university education. Also, you must demonstrate outstanding creativity, multi-tasking, and organizational skill. Furthermore, you must be able to operate calmly under pressure and for a long period. As a camera operator, you will earn an annual average salary of $45,595 or $21.92 per hour.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a Camera Operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $22.15 an hour? That's $46,068 a year!
Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 11% and produce 7,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
There are certain skills that many Camera Operators have in order to accomplish their responsibilities. By taking a look through resumes, we were able to narrow down the most common skills for a person in this position. We discovered that a lot of resumes listed Creativity, Detail oriented and Hand-eye coordination.
If you're interested in becoming a Camera Operator, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 67.8% of Camera Operators have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 3.0% of Camera Operators have master's degrees. Even though most Camera Operators have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.
Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become a Camera Operator. When we researched the most common majors for a Camera Operator, we found that they most commonly earn Bachelor's Degree degrees or Associate Degree degrees. Other degrees that we often see on Camera Operator resumes include High School Diploma degrees or Master's Degree degrees.
You may find that experience in other jobs will help you become a Camera Operator. In fact, many Camera Operator jobs require experience in a role such as Production Assistant. Meanwhile, many Camera Operators also have previous career experience in roles such as Internship or Director Of Photography.