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Camera Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Camera Operator make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Camera Operator in the United States is $47,158 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

However, a Camera Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,583
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $38,705 to $57,326
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $31,008
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Camera Operator Salaries

A Camera Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Camera Operators Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Camera Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $52,214.
  • California: $52,016.
  • Massachusetts: $51,322.

Top Paying Cities for Camera Operator

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $59,481
  • San Francisco: $58,830
  • Oakland: $57,590

What Skills Can Increase a Camera Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 22.22% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Diversity and Inclusion (Mentioned in 1.71% Job Postings): Developing and promoting acquaintance, empowerment, and integration of each unique individual to create a productive and safe working environment.
  • Video Production (Mentioned in 1.71% Job Postings): Video production is the process of producing video content. It is the equivalent of filmmaking, but with images recorded digitally instead of on film stock. There are three stages of video production: pre-production, production, and post-production. Pre-production involves all of the planning aspects of the video production process before filming begins. This includes scriptwriting, scheduling, logistics, and other administrative duties. Production is the phase of video production which captures the video content (moving images / videography) and involves filming the subject(s) of the video. Post-production is the action of selectively combining those video clips through video editing into a finished product that tells a story or communicates a message in either a live event setting (live production), or after an event has occurred (post-production). Currently, the majority of video content is captured through electronic media like an SD card for consumer grade cameras, or on solid state storage and flash storage for professional grade cameras. Video content that is distributed digitally often appears in common formats such as the Moving Picture Experts Group format (.mpeg, .mpg, .mp4), QuickTime (.mov), Audio Video Interleave (.avi), Windows Media Video (.wmv), and DivX (.avi, .divx).
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 22.22%
Diversity and Inclusion 1.71%
Video Production 1.71%
See More Skills

Camera Operator Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Camera Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $47,158. While startup companies pay approximate $47,158.

Camera Operator Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $47,158
Growth Stage 51~500 $47,158
Established 501~5000 $47,158
Enterprise 5000+ $47,158

Camera Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Camera Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$38,705
Average $47,158/year
$57,326
$3,225
Average $3,930/month
$4,777
$744
Average $907/week
$1,102
$19
Average $23/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $57,326 $4,777 $1,102 $28
Average $47,158 $3,930 $907 $23
25th Percentile $38,705 $3,225 $744 $19

Camera Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Camera Operator

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Camera Operator, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Broadcast Technician $55,192 17%
Production Assistant $43,524 -8%

Most common benefits for Camera Operator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

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FAQ about Camera Operator

1. Where can a Camera Operator earn the most?

A Camera Operator's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Camera Operator earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Camera Operator is $59,481.

2. What is the highest pay for Camera Operator?

The highest pay for Camera Operator is $66,583.

3. What is the lowest pay for Camera Operator?

The lowest pay for Camera Operator is $31,008.

4. What are the responsibilities of Camera Operator?

Operates cameras, broadcasting or video recording cameras, and equipment to photograph various subjects and subject material. May be expected to maintain a variety of program/transmitter logs. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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