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Cinematographer vs video camera operator

The differences between cinematographers and video camera operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cinematographer has an average salary of $72,245, which is higher than the $44,412 average annual salary of a video camera operator.

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

Cinematographer vs video camera operator overview

CinematographerVideo Camera Operator
Yearly salary$72,245$44,412
Hourly rate$34.73$21.35
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs5,74832,353
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

Cinematographer vs video camera operator salary

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

CinematographerVideo Camera Operator
Average salary$72,245$44,412
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $118,000Between $25,000 And $76,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between cinematographer and video camera operator education

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

CinematographerVideo Camera Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityHarvard University

Cinematographer vs video camera operator demographics

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

CinematographerVideo Camera Operator
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 85.3% Female, 14.7%Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 7.1% White, 63.1% 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 cinematographer and video camera operator duties and responsibilities

Cinematographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage equipment setup and on-site DVD sales.
  • Manage all principal photography and editing.
  • Used DSLR, macro, and underwater camera equipment to film wildlife in wood settings.
  • Create promotional videos for viewing on the Lily.B website, Facebook, YouTube, and other social networking sites.
  • Work together with DP Brian Hwang
  • Produce documentaries, reality shows and live events.
  • 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.

Cinematographer vs video camera operator skills

Common cinematographer skills
  • Video Production, 15%
  • Cinema, 11%
  • Music Videos, 11%
  • DSLR, 10%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 7%
  • Photography, 6%
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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