Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between camera operators and freelance video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a freelance video editor has an average salary of $54,795, which is higher than the $43,609 average annual salary of a camera operator.
The top three skills for a camera operator include video production, camera equipment and camera operation. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.
| Camera Operator | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $43,609 | $54,795 |
| Hourly rate | $20.97 | $26.34 |
| Growth rate | 12% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 26,006 | 5,910 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
A camera operator is responsible for operating various technical equipment to support technical operations, such as media productions and live events. Camera operators must have extensive knowledge of different camera features to select the appropriate device and manage the production's overall visual presentation. They also deliver the perfect footage on different angles for easy editing techniques alongside the technical crews and director's supervision. A camera operator should be communicative, as well as having excellent time-management and multi-tasking skills to adhere to the demands of production and schedules.
A freelance video editor offers video editing services to individuals and businesses. Most freelance video editors manage their own time and work at their preferred places, some even working from home. Among their responsibilities include meeting with clients to identify their needs and preferences, negotiating contracts, gathering and editing clips, and completing projects within deadlines. There are also instances when they must shoot videos in adherence to the contract's terms. Moreover, a freelance video editor must establish positive relationships with clients to develop a strong client base.
Camera operators and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Camera Operator | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Average salary | $43,609 | $54,795 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $74,000 | Between $32,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | - |
| Highest paying state | New York | - |
| Best paying company | Apple | - |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a camera operator and a freelance video editor in terms of educational background:
| Camera Operator | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Photography | Photography |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | New York University |
Here are the differences between camera operators' and freelance video editors' demographics:
| Camera Operator | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.2% Female, 22.8% | Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |