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News videographer vs camera operator

The differences between news videographers and camera operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a news videographer has an average salary of $83,183, which is higher than the $43,609 average annual salary of a camera operator.

The top three skills for a news videographer include video cameras, edit video and live shots. The most important skills for a camera operator are video production, camera equipment, and camera operation.

News videographer vs camera operator overview

News VideographerCamera Operator
Yearly salary$83,183$43,609
Hourly rate$39.99$20.97
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs1,75326,006
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

News videographer vs camera operator salary

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

News VideographerCamera Operator
Average salary$83,183$43,609
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $123,000Between $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 news videographer and camera operator education

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

News VideographerCamera Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityJohns Hopkins University

News videographer vs camera operator demographics

Here are the differences between news videographers' and camera operators' demographics:

News VideographerCamera Operator
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 88.8% Female, 11.2%Male, 77.2% Female, 22.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 7.7% White, 62.9% 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 news videographer and camera operator duties and responsibilities

News videographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage transcription and queuing of b-roll tapes/interviews for live and pre-record broadcasts.
  • Film, organize and edit all video and photography to document procedures for assembly of aviation cabin management systems.
  • Photograph and edit daily news assignments using Sony Betacam.

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

News videographer vs camera operator skills

Common news videographer skills
  • Video Cameras, 19%
  • Edit Video, 9%
  • Live Shots, 8%
  • Video Equipment, 7%
  • News Coverage, 7%
  • News Packages, 7%
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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