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Cameraman vs camera operator

The differences between cameramen and camera operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cameraman has an average salary of $69,673, which is higher than the $43,609 average annual salary of a camera operator.

The top three skills for a cameraman include music videos, camera equipment and video production. The most important skills for a camera operator are video production, camera equipment, and camera operation.

Cameraman vs camera operator overview

CameramanCamera Operator
Yearly salary$69,673$43,609
Hourly rate$33.50$20.97
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs7526,006
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

Cameraman vs camera operator salary

Cameramen and camera operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

CameramanCamera Operator
Average salary$69,673$43,609
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $112,000Between $25,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between cameraman and camera operator education

There are a few differences between a cameraman and a camera operator in terms of educational background:

CameramanCamera Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityJohns Hopkins University

Cameraman vs camera operator demographics

Here are the differences between cameramen' and camera operators' demographics:

CameramanCamera Operator
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 94.3% Female, 5.7%Male, 77.2% Female, 22.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%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%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between cameraman and camera operator duties and responsibilities

Cameraman example responsibilities.

  • Film b-roll scenes of a high school graduation ceremony
  • Work with director and director of photography on framing.
  • Play a lead role on shoots as ENG cameraman.
  • Operate HD camera on various hunts for promotional purposes.
  • Operate video camera and other relate equipment on live reports.
  • Film college sporting events which include football, basketball, and volleyball.
  • Show more

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

Cameraman vs camera operator skills

Common cameraman skills
  • Music Videos, 24%
  • Camera Equipment, 15%
  • Video Production, 9%
  • Photography, 6%
  • Football Games, 3%
  • B-Roll, 3%
Common camera operator skills
  • Video Production, 24%
  • Camera Equipment, 13%
  • Camera Operation, 7%
  • Audio Equipment, 5%
  • CCTV, 4%
  • Live Broadcasts, 4%

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