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What is a studio camera operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a studio camera operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $36.33 an hour? That's $75,568 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 12% and produce 9,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreStudio Camera OperatorUS Average
Salary
5.9

Avg. Salary $75,568

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.7

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.25%

Asian 5.31%

Black or African American 6.88%

Hispanic or Latino 18.68%

Unknown 5.27%

White 63.61%

Gender

female 19.80%

male 80.20%

Age - 36
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36
Stress level
7.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Studio camera operator career paths

Key steps to become a studio camera operator

  1. Explore studio camera operator education requirements

    Most common studio camera operator degrees

    Bachelor's

    73.3 %

    Associate

    18.9 %

    High School Diploma

    3.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific studio camera operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Edit Video23.91%
    JIB14.07%
    Audio Board10.44%
    Camera Operation10.42%
    Camera Shots5.60%
  3. Complete relevant studio camera operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New studio camera operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a studio camera operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real studio camera operator resumes.
  4. Research studio camera operator duties and responsibilities

    • Make DVD copies for customers and state officials.
    • design and implement studio lighting and sets for in house IRS productions.
    • Work as studio camera operator for local PBS affiliate television station.
    • Coordinate with other camera operators and photography director to ensure professional video footage.
  5. Prepare your studio camera operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your studio camera operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a studio camera operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable studio camera operator resume templates

    Build a professional studio camera operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your studio camera operator resume.
    Studio Camera Operator Resume
    Studio Camera Operator Resume
    Studio Camera Operator Resume
    Studio Camera Operator Resume
    Studio Camera Operator Resume
    Studio Camera Operator Resume
    Studio Camera Operator Resume
    Studio Camera Operator Resume
    Studio Camera Operator Resume
  6. Apply for studio camera operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a studio camera operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first studio camera operator job

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Average studio camera operator salary

The average studio camera operator salary in the United States is $75,568 per year or $36 per hour. Studio camera operator salaries range between $49,000 and $116,000 per year.

Average studio camera operator salary
$75,568 Yearly
$36.33 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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