Home > Salary > United States Of America > Camera Operator
A camera operator is a skilled professional responsible for operating cameras to capture video footage for various purposes. They work in a variety of settings, including film and television production, live events, news broadcasting, and documentary filmmaking. The primary role of a camera operator is to frame shots, adjust camera settings, and operate camera equipment to achieve the desired visual effect. They collaborate closely with directors, cinematographers, and other crew members to ensure that the desired shots are captured effectively. Camera operators must have a strong understanding of camera technology, composition, lighting, and movement to create visually appealing and engaging footage. They must also be able to adapt quickly to changing situations and work efficiently under pressure.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 46,834 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,903 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 901 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 23 USD per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,780 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 872 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 22 USD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-03
Estimated Yearly Salary: 46,888 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,907 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 902 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 23 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 46,834 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,903 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 901 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 23 USD per hour
By working as Camera Operator a person can save up to 1,627 USD per month or 19,528 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in United States Of America, see costs of living in United States Of America.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Camera Operator
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Camera Operator salary in United States Of America
Average Yearly Salary of Camera Operator in United States Of America is approximately 46,834 USD (46,888 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Camera Operator do?

Skills: camera operator, videography, cinematography, camera equipment, film production, television production
Job industry: Film and television production
Job industry: Film and television production
How much does Camera Operator make?
Salary details
How much does Camera Operator make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 46,834 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,903 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 901 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 23 USD per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 45,355 USDEstimated Monthly Salary: 3,780 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 872 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 22 USD per hour
Camera Operator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 46,888 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,907 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 902 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 23 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
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Salary comparison to National average
The United States of America, often called the USA, is a vast and diverse country in North America. It is home to approximately 331 million people, making it the third most populous nation globally. The USA spans about 9.8 million square kilometers, encompassing various landscapes, climates, and cultures.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 57,000 USD (57,000 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Camera Operator job salary compared to average salary in United States Of America.
Comparison shows that a person working as Camera Operator in United States Of America earns on average:
0.82 times the average salary (or 82% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 57,000 USD (57,000 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Camera Operator job salary compared to average salary in United States Of America.
Comparison shows that a person working as Camera Operator in United States Of America earns on average:
0.82 times the average salary (or 82% of average salary).
Is Camera Operator a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Camera Operator is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Camera Operator?
High salary for Camera Operator would be somewhere between 51,517 USD and 67,909 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Camera Operator in United States Of America?
Living in United States Of America the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 46,834 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,903 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 901 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 23 USD per hour
By working as Camera Operator a person can save up to 1,627 USD per month or 19,528 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in United States Of America, see costs of living in United States Of America.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Camera Operator
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
Top 10 highest salaries in United States Of America
(596,532 USD per year, pre-tax.)
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5. Neurosurgeon
(461,910 USD per year, pre-tax.)
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7. Oncologist
(453,108 USD per year, pre-tax.)
8. Urologist
(452,974 USD per year, pre-tax.)
(452,428 USD per year, pre-tax.)
(451,412 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
Bartender hotel (22,367 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Civil engineering supervisor (105,000 USD per year, pre-tax.)
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Warehouse sorter (35,254 USD per year, pre-tax.)
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This website presents salary estimates for informational purposes only.
This website presents salary insights for informational purposes exclusively. While we gather data from various providers, we cannot ensure full reliability. Users are advised to consult external platforms before making any career moves. Salaries shift due to numerous elements, such as experience, industry trends, and negotiation tactics. We cannot provide guarantee regarding the correctness of the displayed salary figures. Your continued access of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms.
The salary data presented here are intended for reference purposes only. While we attempt to ensure correctness, we do not guarantee all figures is precise. Users should to research salary details with official authorities before making important career decisions. Salary amounts can change due to negotiation, industry trends, and location. We disclaim responsibility for errors in the compensation data displayed.