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Media producer vs camera operator

The differences between media producers and camera operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a media producer has an average salary of $57,433, which is higher than the $43,609 average annual salary of a camera operator.

The top three skills for a media producer include instagram, training videos and twitter. The most important skills for a camera operator are video production, camera equipment, and camera operation.

Media producer vs camera operator overview

Media ProducerCamera Operator
Yearly salary$57,433$43,609
Hourly rate$27.61$20.97
Growth rate8%12%
Number of jobs17,82726,006
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4037
Years of experience12-

What does a media producer do?

A media producer is an individual who is involved in the production of audio and video content used for commercials, movies, online channels, or other mediums. Media producers are given tasks such as creating animation, editing, and arranging videos or developing program materials. They must have excellent skills in using software editing programs such as Final Cut Pro, AVID, and After Effects to create visual pieces. Media producers are also required to work closely with the production crew and directors, sound engineers, videographers, and producers.

What does a camera operator do?

A camera operator is responsible for operating various technical equipment to support technical operations, such as media productions and live events. Camera operators must have extensive knowledge of different camera features to select the appropriate device and manage the production's overall visual presentation. They also deliver the perfect footage on different angles for easy editing techniques alongside the technical crews and director's supervision. A camera operator should be communicative, as well as having excellent time-management and multi-tasking skills to adhere to the demands of production and schedules.

Media producer vs camera operator salary

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

Media ProducerCamera Operator
Average salary$57,433$43,609
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $79,000Between $25,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CityFarmington, CTNew York, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutNew York
Best paying companyAltice USAApple
Best paying industryTechnologyEducation

Differences between media producer and camera operator education

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

Media ProducerCamera Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityJohns Hopkins University

Media producer vs camera operator demographics

Here are the differences between media producers' and camera operators' demographics:

Media ProducerCamera Operator
Average age4037
Gender ratioMale, 67.1% Female, 32.9%Male, 77.2% Female, 22.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 6.4% White, 65.5% 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 Percentage14%10%

Differences between media producer and camera operator duties and responsibilities

Media producer example responsibilities.

  • Manage and track media clips regarding the U.S. Senate race.
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions, proofread and edit marketing materials, manage magazine inventory.
  • Organize media management system for archival footage, photography, and animations.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations incorporating charts, scans, photographs and graphics.
  • Act as the sole video consultant for all videos publish to Facebook and YouTube.
  • Lead marketing strategy & implementation, social media, SEO, & new business development.
  • 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

Media producer vs camera operator skills

Common media producer skills
  • Instagram, 11%
  • Training Videos, 9%
  • Twitter, 8%
  • Video Production, 6%
  • Video Content, 5%
  • YouTube, 5%
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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