How to hire a camera operator

How to hire a camera operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step camera operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a camera operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new camera operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a camera operator do?

Post a camera operator job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the camera operator you need to hire. Certain camera operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a camera operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a camera operator that fits the bill.

   This list shows salaries for various types of camera operators.

   Type of Camera Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Camera Operator	Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate moving images that entertain or inform an audience.	$12-35
   Video Producer	Generally, a video producer manages and coordinates different aspects of the video production process. Video producers establish and develop multimedia content for internal corporate announcement videos, customer stories, and any other business projects... Show more	$16-47
   Video Production Internship	A video production intern is responsible for supporting the digital content production team in creating engaging video content for the target audience of the business or according to a client's specifications and requirements. Video production interns familiarize themselves with the use of various software tools and applications, shadowing tenured video producers on actual applications and media publications... Show more	$10-24

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Video Production
   • Camera Equipment
   • Camera Operation
   • Audio Equipment
   • CCTV
   • Live Broadcasts
   • Photography
   • JIB
   • Studio Cameras
   • B-Roll
   • Teleprompter
   • Video Equipment
   • Football Games
   • HD

   Check all skills

   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.

   More camera operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your camera operator job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A camera operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a camera operator in Wisconsin may be lower than in New York, and an entry-level camera operator usually earns less than a senior-level camera operator. Additionally, a camera operator with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average camera operator salary

   $43,609yearly

   $20.97 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level camera operator salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average camera operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New York	$63,756	$31
   2	California	$59,822	$29
   3	Texas	$53,037	$26
   4	Nevada	$52,491	$25
   5	Michigan	$51,802	$25
   6	Arkansas	$50,745	$24
   7	Maryland	$48,088	$23
   8	New Jersey	$46,172	$22
   9	Utah	$44,593	$21
   10	Washington	$44,433	$21
   11	Pennsylvania	$42,457	$20
   12	Ohio	$41,542	$20
   13	Missouri	$40,986	$20
   14	Illinois	$40,805	$20
   15	South Carolina	$40,720	$20
   16	Iowa	$40,484	$19
   17	Virginia	$40,446	$19
   18	Florida	$40,186	$19
   19	New Hampshire	$39,595	$19
   20	District of Columbia	$38,673	$19

   Average camera operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Apple	$91,798	$44.13	26
   2	Ilitch Holdings	$64,232	$30.88
   3	Univision Communications	$55,946	$26.90	6
   4	NBCUniversal	$53,644	$25.79	5
   5	Fox News	$51,408	$24.72
   6	Prairie Meadows	$47,171	$22.68
   7	Qualcomm	$46,804	$22.50	12
   8	Morton High School	$43,462	$20.90
   9	BuzzFeed	$42,803	$20.58
   10	Globalcitizen	$41,428	$19.92
   11	MaxMedia	$40,220	$19.34
   12	WarnerMedia	$40,188	$19.32
   13	Synergy Sports Technology	$40,174	$19.31
   14	Emerald Downs	$38,908	$18.71
   15	City of Dover	$38,237	$18.38
   16	WMSN FOX 47 News, Madison	$38,053	$18.29	10
   17	Warner Bros.	$37,012	$17.79	3
   18	Nexstar Media Group	$36,841	$17.71	7
   19	Eastridge Workforce Solutions	$35,890	$17.25
   20	Hearst	$29,142	$14.01	3

4. Writing a camera operator job description

   A camera operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a camera operator job description:

   Camera operator job description example

   As needed position in the Media Services Division. $10.00 per hour with a 4 hour minimum. Position is open until filled.
   
   Performs highly responsible work supporting and maintaining the operation of the City's audio / video recording systems. This position focuses on the video recording of public meetings, generally during the evening hours.
   
   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Except as specifically noted, the following functions are considered essential to this position. The listed examples may not include all duties found in this class):
   
   1. Provides professional, competent and timely service in the recording of public meetings. Excellent communications skills are required to efficiently and effectively provide information to employees and public board / commission members and the City Council on their use of audio / video recording services.
   
   2. Arrive at least fifteen (15) minutes in advance of all public meetings. Operate audio / video equipment throughout entirety of meeting. Most meetings last approximately one to four hours.
   
   3. Configure video equipment to broadcast on Channel 22 and record meeting to current recording media. Return Channel 22 to rolling presentation, or other current, media at close of meeting.
   
   4. Assist public board / committee, City Council and employees liaisons with audio recording and conversion needs as required.
   
   5. Works in a supportive role in the implementation, ongoing maintenance and upgrade of audio / video recording equipment in the City departments.
   
   6. Evaluates trends in information and telecommunication technology, hardware, software and audio / video recording and makes recommendations to Director of Media Services regarding appropriate hardware, software and system needs.
   
   7. Exercises discretion and maintains appropriate confidentiality concerning municipal related matters.
   8. Coordinates activities with other employees, departments or agencies.
   
   9. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees, other departments and agencies, and the general public.
   
   10. Maintains familiarity with and executes safe work procedures associated with assigned work.
   
   11. Performs other related duties as required.
   
   Requirements
   
   KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS: Well-developed skills to troubleshoot, prioritize, escalate and find technical solutions quickly and effectively, often using online and vendor resources; Entry-level knowledge of audio / video equipment, computer hardware and software applications related to audio / video recording, conversion and distribution. Basic knowledge of the capabilities and requirements of information technology equipment including CATV equipment from current cable franchise provider; Knowledge of the principles and techniques of systems documentation; Knowledge of the functions and organization of municipal government. Demonstrated ability to prioritize, complete and document own work; ability to make accurate arithmetic calculations; demonstrated oral and written communication; ability to maintain electronic and written records and prepare reports. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, City Council, public boards and commissions and the public and to deal with service problems courteously and tactfully.
   
   EDUCATION/LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from a college/university with an Associate's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely-related field, OR at least one year progressively responsible experience in audio / video management, support, or related information systems work; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must maintain valid NH motor vehicle operator's license.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find camera operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your camera operator job on Zippia to find and recruit camera operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with camera operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new camera operator

   Once you've found the camera operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a camera operator?