Camera operators in television, video, and film production are responsible for capturing compelling visuals that tell a story. They manipulate camera angles, movement, and settings to enhance the narrative, working closely with directors and cinematographers to achieve the desired visual aesthetic. Their role is essential in creating engaging and immersive content for audiences to enjoy.
This article will explore the best states for camera operators, television, video, and film, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.
- 1. New York ($98,120)
- 2. New Jersey ($94,590)
- 3. Washington ($90,910)
- 4. District of Columbia ($88,000)
- 5. Arizona ($82,740)
- 6. California ($79,640)
- 7. Georgia ($75,160)
- 8. Connecticut ($74,820)
- 9. Oregon ($70,620)
- 10. North Carolina ($67,300)
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- The highest-paid camera operators, television, video, and film are in New York, where they earn an average of $98,120 per year.
- The lowest-paid camera operators, television, video, and film are in Montana, where they earn an average of $-1 per year.
- The U.S. average salary for camera operators, television, video, and film is $55,322 per year.
1. New York ($98,120)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in New York earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
camera operators, television, video, and film in New York is
$98,120, which is +77% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $98,120 |
| 10th Percentile | $37,890 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,150 |
| 90th Percentile | $171,530 |
2. New Jersey ($94,590)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in New Jersey earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
camera operators, television, video, and film in New Jersey is
$94,590, which is +71% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $94,590 |
| 10th Percentile | $44,790 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,970 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,390 |
| 90th Percentile | $139,240 |
3. Washington ($90,910)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in Washington earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
camera operators, television, video, and film in Washington is
$90,910, which is +64% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $90,910 |
| 10th Percentile | $36,240 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $138,970 |
4. District of Columbia ($88,000)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in District of Columbia earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
camera operators, television, video, and film in District of Columbia is
$88,000, which is +59% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $88,000 |
| 10th Percentile | $59,370 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,820 |
| 90th Percentile | $116,770 |
5. Arizona ($82,740)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in Arizona earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
camera operators, television, video, and film in Arizona is
$82,740, which is +50% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $82,740 |
| 10th Percentile | $44,210 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,870 |
| 90th Percentile | $135,710 |
6. California ($79,640)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in California earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
camera operators, television, video, and film in California is
$79,640, which is +44% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $79,640 |
| 10th Percentile | $39,070 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,980 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,890 |
7. Georgia ($75,160)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in Georgia earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
camera operators, television, video, and film in Georgia is
$75,160, which is +36% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $75,160 |
| 10th Percentile | $21,990 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,030 |
| 90th Percentile | $135,200 |
8. Connecticut ($74,820)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in Connecticut earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
camera operators, television, video, and film in Connecticut is
$74,820, which is +35% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $74,820 |
| 10th Percentile | $39,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,040 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,110 |
| 90th Percentile | $109,350 |
9. Oregon ($70,620)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in Oregon earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
camera operators, television, video, and film in Oregon is
$70,620, which is +28% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $70,620 |
| 10th Percentile | $46,150 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,130 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,910 |
| 90th Percentile | $102,370 |
10. North Carolina ($67,300)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in North Carolina earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
camera operators, television, video, and film in North Carolina is
$67,300, which is +22% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $67,300 |
| 10th Percentile | $31,840 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,890 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $120,820 |
Conclusion
The highest-paid camera operators, television, video, and film are in New York, where they earn an average of $98,120 per year. The lowest-paid camera operators, television, video, and film are in Montana, where they earn an average of $-1 per year. The U.S. average salary for camera operators, television, video, and film is $55,322 per year and there are 16,514 jobs in the field.
