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What is a video 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 video camera operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $21.35 an hour? That's $44,412 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 12% and produce 9,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreVideo Camera OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $44,412

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 7.12%

Black or African American 6.66%

Hispanic or Latino 18.04%

Unknown 5.24%

White 62.69%

Gender

female 16.93%

male 83.07%

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

Video camera operator career paths

Key steps to become a video camera operator

  1. Explore video camera operator education requirements

    Most common video camera operator degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.0 %

    Associate

    20.4 %

    High School Diploma

    6.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific video camera operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Camera Operators27.59%
    Visual Services10.49%
    Video Production9.81%
    Live Video5.89%
    Photography5.85%
  3. Complete relevant video camera operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New video 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 video camera operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real video camera operator resumes.
  4. Research video camera operator duties and 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.
  5. Prepare your video camera operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your video 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 video 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 video camera operator resume templates

    Build a professional video 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 video camera operator resume.
    Video Camera Operator Resume
    Video Camera Operator Resume
    Video Camera Operator Resume
    Video Camera Operator Resume
    Video Camera Operator Resume
    Video Camera Operator Resume
    Video Camera Operator Resume
    Video Camera Operator Resume
    Video Camera Operator Resume
  6. Apply for video camera operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a video 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 video camera operator job

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Average video camera operator salary

The average video camera operator salary in the United States is $44,412 per year or $21 per hour. Video camera operator salaries range between $25,000 and $76,000 per year.

Average video camera operator salary
$44,412 Yearly
$21.35 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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