Employers often require camera operators to hold a college undergraduate degree. These degree programs teach the necessary techniques and provide extensive hands-on training. Cameramen are hired in many industries, so they must have the skills to adapt to each situation.
Essential Information
Cameramen are one of many staff on set in news, film, or movies. These professionals are responsible for shooting the actual footage. They may work in a vast range of settings, from studios to live events. Cameramen generally need at least a bachelor's degree in film, television production or a related field.
| Required Education | Bachelor's Degree |
| Projected Job Growth | 18% for camera operators in television, video, and motion picture between 2019-2029 |
| Median Annual Salary (2019) | $55,160 for camera operators in television, video, and motion picture |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Requirements
Careers as a cameraman usually require videography and technical training related to camera operation. Bachelor's degree programs help students hone their creative filmmaking skills. Coursework may include digital cinematography, scriptwriting and broadcast design. Most programs also require studio courses that help aspiring cameramen to hone their camera operation techniques.
Preparation for a career as a cameraman may also involve visual communication or public relations coursework as well as video editing and photography classes. Career training in journalism or public relations may be required for a career in cinematography. Students may also consider taking courses in computer graphics, digital media, and studio operations to enhance their computer and broadcast equipment skills.
Cameraman Occupational Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted that job growth for camera operators was projected to increase by 18% between 2019 and 2029 (www.bls.gov). The Bureau explained that this little change would be due to use of automated camera systems in broadcasting, although online delivery methods may increase growth. The BLS also reported that cameramen with high levels of experience will have the best opportunities.
Salary Information
The median annual wage for television, video, and motion picture camera operators was $55,160 as of May 2019, according to BLS statistics. The 10th-90th percentile of these workers earned between $26,560 and $110,790 annually. Those working in New York received $99,780 annually, the highest annual mean wage of all cameramen.
Cameramen with experience and a high educational background in an appropriate field--who work in popular locations of entertainment such as Los Angeles and New York--will have the greatest job prospects.
