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Video technician vs photographer

The differences between video technicians and photographers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a video technician and a photographer. Additionally, a video technician has an average salary of $45,504, which is higher than the $33,968 average annual salary of a photographer.

The top three skills for a video technician include VTC, video equipment and video production. The most important skills for a photographer are adobe photoshop, customer service, and excellent time management.

Video technician vs photographer overview

Video TechnicianPhotographer
Yearly salary$45,504$33,968
Hourly rate$21.88$16.33
Growth rate10%9%
Number of jobs36,2831,772
Job satisfaction-4.67
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4239
Years of experience22

What does a video technician do?

The job of a video technician is to operate, install, maintain and repair video and projection equipment, including digital video cameras, grip kits, and media servers. You will report to a video supervisor, technical director, or stage manager during the show run. You will be responsible for working closely with the projection designer and performing video and audio installations. In addition, you will be operating, configuring, and maintaining satellite communications equipment and associated devices. You will also be responsible for determining equipment capabilities and evaluate setup requirements.

What does a photographer do?

A photographer is an individual who focuses on the art of taking images with the use of a digital or traditional film camera. They are knowledgeable in the proper utilization and care of high-end cameras. They generally work as a freelancer and often hired to capture memories of unique clients. Some are also in exclusive partnerships with event-related industries in such settings as weddings, graduation, corporate events, and even commercial shoots. Apart from taking pictures, they also may be required to edit and prepare photographs to submit to clients or for publication.

Video technician vs photographer salary

Video technicians and photographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Video TechnicianPhotographer
Average salary$45,504$33,968
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $68,000Between $22,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CityPlymouth, MANew York, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutNew York
Best paying companyNTT Data International L.L.C.Jacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industryTechnologyProfessional

Differences between video technician and photographer education

There are a few differences between a video technician and a photographer in terms of educational background:

Video TechnicianPhotographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeStanford UniversityHarvard University

Video technician vs photographer demographics

Here are the differences between video technicians' and photographers' demographics:

Video TechnicianPhotographer
Average age4239
Gender ratioMale, 81.5% Female, 18.5%Male, 38.3% Female, 61.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%11%

Differences between video technician and photographer duties and responsibilities

Video technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and clean sculpture studio after hours and assist students.
  • Manage HD camerawork and calculating wireless mic levels.
  • Capture b-roll video footage of events and photos of event.
  • Design network architecture; develop plans and specifications for video delivery over cable and IP systems.
  • Operate robotic, manual and jib cameras for live studio broadcasts.
  • Create and maintain worship lyric slides in PowerPoint for playback on projector screen each service, including operation of projector computer.
  • Show more

Photographer example responsibilities.

  • Help manage and post to their Instagram as well.
  • Lead monthly NPPA critique group on storytelling with photographers.
  • Manage multiple social media profiles for community promotion on YouTube and Instagram.
  • Coordinate and manage providing and dressing the customers with old western costumes in preparation of taking their photos.
  • Assist with a family member s photography business while gaining knowledge of DSLR camera systems and various photography computer software programs.
  • Initiate full photography staff membership to NPPA.
  • Show more

Video technician vs photographer skills

Common video technician skills
  • VTC, 8%
  • Video Equipment, 7%
  • Video Production, 6%
  • Video, 6%
  • Technical Support, 6%
  • IP, 5%
Common photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 20%
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Excellent Time Management, 8%
  • Photographic Equipment, 8%
  • Professional Demeanor, 5%
  • Event Photography, 4%

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