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Cameraman vs video camera operator

The differences between cameramen and video 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 $44,412 average annual salary of a video camera operator.

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

Cameraman vs video camera operator overview

CameramanVideo Camera Operator
Yearly salary$69,673$44,412
Hourly rate$33.50$21.35
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs7532,353
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

Cameraman vs video camera operator salary

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

CameramanVideo Camera Operator
Average salary$69,673$44,412
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $112,000Between $25,000 And $76,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between cameraman and video camera operator education

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

CameramanVideo Camera Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Cameraman vs video camera operator demographics

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

CameramanVideo Camera Operator
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 94.3% Female, 5.7%Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9%
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, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between cameraman and video 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

Video camera operator example responsibilities.

  • Operate the administrative and technical aspects of a video teleconferencing center for clients ranging from civilian executives to four-star generals.
  • Mail tapes, progress reports, production notes and footage to MTV's NY office.

Cameraman vs video camera operator skills

Common cameraman skills
  • Music Videos, 24%
  • Camera Equipment, 15%
  • Video Production, 9%
  • Photography, 6%
  • Football Games, 3%
  • B-Roll, 3%
Common video camera operator skills
  • Camera Operators, 28%
  • Visual Services, 10%
  • Video Production, 10%
  • Live Video, 6%
  • Photography, 6%
  • Live Events, 6%

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