Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications · Journalism and Broadcasting
Pay and outlook shown for
New workers start near $39,810; experienced workers reach $132,950. About 60 people do this job in San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX.
Job outlook
Alamo region (San Antonio and 12 surrounding counties), Texas Workforce Commission projection 2024 to 2034; U.S. figures from the BLS.
- Employment change
- +19.5%
- Openings a year
- 12
- Employed in 2024
- 123
Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree
Alamo Colleges programs that lead here
2 programs, with the college that teaches each.
Skills this career uses
The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.
- Active Listening3.3
- Coordination3.8
- Reading Comprehension3.3
- Speaking3.1
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1
- Critical Thinking3.5
- Monitoring3.1
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
What the work is
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
- Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
- Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
- Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
- Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
- Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
- Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.
Education people in this job have
Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.
- High school or less18%
- Some college15%
- Associate degree61%
- Bachelor's degree7%
Job zone 3, medium preparation: Training, an associate degree, or a few years of related experience.
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