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Editor/camera operator vs cinematographer

The differences between editor/camera operators and cinematographers 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 $59,567 average annual salary of an editor/camera operator.

The top three skills for an editor/camera operator include video production, camera operation and audio equipment. The most important skills for a cinematographer are video production, cinema, and music videos.

Editor/camera operator vs cinematographer overview

Editor/Camera OperatorCinematographer
Yearly salary$59,567$72,245
Hourly rate$28.64$34.73
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs30,3145,748
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

Editor/camera operator vs cinematographer salary

Editor/camera operators and cinematographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Editor/Camera OperatorCinematographer
Average salary$59,567$72,245
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $99,000Between $43,000 And $118,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between editor/camera operator and cinematographer education

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

Editor/Camera OperatorCinematographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityJohns Hopkins University

Editor/camera operator vs cinematographer demographics

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

Editor/Camera OperatorCinematographer
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 81.5% Female, 18.5%Male, 85.3% Female, 14.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between editor/camera operator and cinematographer duties and responsibilities

Editor/camera operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
  • Film and edit the biggest fishing show on YouTube.
  • Film on a wide variety of HD cameras including DSLR's.
  • Encode productions in various formats for online viewing and DVD mastering.
  • Edit compelling YouTube videos of drones with footage and still images assign.
  • Assist the main cameramen in taking photos and editing them using Photoshop.
  • Show more

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

Editor/camera operator vs cinematographer skills

Common editor/camera operator skills
  • Video Production, 39%
  • Camera Operation, 7%
  • Audio Equipment, 4%
  • Video Content, 3%
  • Motion Graphics, 3%
  • Promotional Videos, 3%
Common cinematographer skills
  • Video Production, 15%
  • Cinema, 11%
  • Music Videos, 11%
  • DSLR, 10%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 7%
  • Photography, 6%

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