Arts & Media · SOC 27-4031
Camera operators work on location with unpredictable conditions — physical craft and real-time judgment keep this role grounded.
Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
Timeline: AI video editing will reduce post-production roles within 3-5 years, but on-location camera operation for live and unscripted content remains hands-on through the decade.
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$45,920 median pay
Arts & Media
$37,350 median pay
$83,480 median pay
$54,830 median pay
$38,480 median pay
AI job-risk card
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film is watch on AIFear. Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film is 35/100 (Watch). Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
35 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Editing non-linear video in post-production, Writing broadcast scripts and segment copy, Designing standard graphics for studio segments, Computing routine exposure ratios from standard charts. Harder to automate: Operating cameras and zoom lenses during live shoots, Adjusting framing and focus in real time, Scouting locations and assessing lighting conditions, Setting up and executing live broadcast shots.
Lean into Cinema and broadcast camera operation, Live production workflows, Lighting fundamentals, AI-assisted video editing tools, Drone and remote camera systems. Consider roles such as Director of photography or Live sports broadcast camera operator or Documentary filmmaker.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.