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Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture Salary in the United States

How much does a Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture in the United States is $94,343 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $139,274
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $78,400 to $117,861
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $63,885
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Key Factors That Influence Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture Salaries

A Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture'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 Operator, Television and Motion Picture 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 Operator, Television and Motion Pictures. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $104,457.
  • California: $104,060.
  • Massachusetts: $102,674.

Top Paying Cities for Camera Operator, Television and Motion Pictures

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: $118,995
  • San Francisco: $117,692
  • Oakland: $115,212

Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $94,343. While startup companies pay approximate $94,343.

Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $94,343
Growth Stage 51~500 $94,343
Established 501~5000 $94,343
Enterprise 5000+ $94,343

Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture'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 September 01, 2026
$78,400
Average $94,343/year
$117,861
$6,533
Average $7,862/month
$9,822
$1,508
Average $1,814/week
$2,267
$38
Average $45/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $117,861 $9,822 $2,267 $57
Average $94,343 $7,862 $1,814 $45
25th Percentile $78,400 $6,533 $1,508 $38

Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture Salary Growth & Career Path

Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture

Next Role

For a Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Creative Production Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $107,971 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture

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

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FAQ about Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture

1. Where can a Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture earn the most?

A Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture'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, Television and Motion Picture earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture is $118,995.

2. What is the highest pay for Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture?

The highest pay for Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture is $139,274.

3. What is the lowest pay for Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture?

The lowest pay for Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture is $63,885.

4. What are the responsibilities of Camera Operator, Television and Motion Picture?

Operates videotape machines, disk-based file servers, camera control units, studio cameras, video switchers, audio mixers and other equipment used in the broadcast of live and taped television programming. May be expected to maintain a variety of program/transmitter logs. May require an associate's degree or its equivalent with at least 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.

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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