Camera Operator

Your Fit

Income

$73K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

2.8%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Camera Operator?

A Camera Operator is a professional responsible for operating cameras to capture images and footage for various media such as television, movies, and live events. They play a critical role in the production process, working closely with directors and other crew members to realize a visual narrative.

Sample job titles:

Camera Operator, Cameraman, Television News Photographer, Videographer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Camera Operator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Camera Operator earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Camera Operator.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$56K per year	$73K per year	$95K per year	$104K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $7.8K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Camera Operator do?

Work environment

Camera Operators typically work on set in film, television, or studio environments. Their work may require travel and irregular hours, including nights and weekends. They often work in a variety of settings, from controlled studio environments to challenging outdoor locations, adapting to different lighting and weather conditions.

Quick task list

Operates cameras and related equipment to capture footage.
Collaborates with directors and crew to execute visual plans.
Sets up and adjusts camera equipment, including lenses and lighting.
Maintains and troubleshoots camera and equipment issues.
Ensures the quality of the final visual output.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Studio Camera Operation: Operating cameras in a studio setting, often for television shows or news broadcasts.
Cinematography: Specializing in visual storytelling for film, focusing on artistic and technical aspects of film photography.
Live Event Coverage: Capturing live events, such as concerts, sports, or conferences.
Documentary Filmmaking: Focusing on non-fictional content, often involving on-location shooting.
Aerial Photography: Using drones or other aerial equipment to capture high-angle shots.

Description

The role of a Camera Operator is vital in the creation of visual media. They are responsible for capturing the images and footage that form the basis of film, television, and other visual content. This requires not only technical skill in operating cameras and equipment but also a creative eye for composition and storytelling.

Camera Operators often work under the direction of a director of photography or a director, translating their vision into practical shots. This collaboration demands excellent communication and teamwork skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.

The work can be physically demanding, requiring long hours and the ability to handle heavy equipment. It also offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects, from movies and TV shows to live events and documentaries, making it a dynamic and exciting career choice.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being an integral part of creating visual stories and content.
The opportunity to work on a variety of projects and genres.
Creative satisfaction in visually bringing a narrative to life.
Collaborating with a team of creative professionals.

You might make a good Camera Operator if you are...

Creative, with a good eye for composition and visual storytelling.
Technically skilled in operating cameras and related equipment.
Able to work well under pressure and adapt to changing environments.
A team player, able to collaborate effectively with directors and crew.
Physically able to handle equipment and work long hours.

Pros:

Creative and fulfilling work in various media productions.
Opportunities to travel and work in diverse environments.
Potential for career advancement in the film and television industry.

Cons:

Often physically demanding with long and irregular hours.
Highly competitive industry with potential job insecurity.
Need for continual learning to keep up with technological advancements.

How to become a Camera Operator

Typical education

The average schooling required for a Camera Operator is typically a bachelor's degree in film, television production, or a related field, which amounts to about 4 years of post-secondary education. However, some positions may be accessible with an associate's degree or through vocational training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Film Studies or Media Arts to understand the basics of visual storytelling.
Photography to develop a good eye for composition.
Technical courses, like Information Technology, to gain familiarity with technical equipment.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in drama or media clubs to gain production experience.
Volunteering to film school events or local community events.
Engaging in photography or film-making as a hobby.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in film, television production, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or assistant roles on film sets.
Attend workshops or training courses on the latest camera technology and techniques.

More resources

American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) - Offers resources and forums for cinematographers and camera operators.
International Cinematographers Guild - A union providing resources and advocacy for camera professionals.
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) - Provides industry news, events, and education for broadcast professionals.
No Film School - An online resource offering tips, news, and community forums for aspiring filmmakers.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.