Post job

Camera operator vs photographer, editor

The differences between camera operators and photographers, editor can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a photographer, editor has an average salary of $51,131, 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 photographer, editor are adobe photoshop, video cameras, and digital photography.

Camera operator vs photographer, editor overview

Camera OperatorPhotographer, Editor
Yearly salary$43,609$51,131
Hourly rate$20.97$24.58
Growth rate12%9%
Number of jobs26,00611,039
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age3739
Years of experience-2

What does a camera operator do?

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.

What does a photographer, editor do?

A Photographer, Editor selects, edits, and positions photos in print and web publications. They work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other publications.

Camera operator vs photographer, editor salary

Camera operators and photographers, editor have different pay scales, as shown below.

Camera OperatorPhotographer, Editor
Average salary$43,609$51,131
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $74,000Between $36,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew York
Best paying companyAppleUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryEducationTechnology

Differences between camera operator and photographer, editor education

There are a few differences between a camera operator and a photographer, editor in terms of educational background:

Camera OperatorPhotographer, Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityHarvard University

Camera operator vs photographer, editor demographics

Here are the differences between camera operators' and photographers, editor' demographics:

Camera OperatorPhotographer, Editor
Average age3739
Gender ratioMale, 77.2% Female, 22.8%Male, 62.9% Female, 37.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 6.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage10%11%

Differences between camera operator and photographer, editor duties and responsibilities

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

Photographer, editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Photograph original artwork on copy stands using DSLR's.
  • Complete assignments for weekly deadline using personal Nikon SLR film camera system.
  • Edit photos using Lightroom, and Photoshop to create special effects in post-production
  • Train to learn all types of digital cameras from the small point and shoots to the larger more advance DSLR cameras.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations and publication quality images using digital input devices, photo-editing and graphic arts software.
  • Show more

Camera operator vs photographer, editor skills

Common camera operator skills
  • Video Production, 24%
  • Camera Equipment, 13%
  • Camera Operation, 7%
  • Audio Equipment, 5%
  • CCTV, 4%
  • Live Broadcasts, 4%
Common photographer, editor skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 17%
  • Video Cameras, 12%
  • Digital Photography, 8%
  • Adobe Premiere, 6%
  • ENG, 5%
  • News Stories, 4%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs