Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for camera operators, television, video, and film in the United States was $74,990 ($36.05 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $38,520 | $18.52 |
| 25th | $50,920 | $24.48 |
| Median | $74,990 | $36.05 |
| 75th | $106,660 | $51.28 |
| 90th | $135,180 | $64.99 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 27-4031
- Total U.S. employment: 21,550
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
The numbers in context
The median wage in this area is 0.0% below the national median — a difference of about $0 per year for a typical worker.
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $61,800 | $29.71 | -17.6% | 220 |
| Alaska | $83,620 | $40.20 | +11.5% | 50 |
| Arizona | $68,250 | $32.81 | -9.0% | 520 |
| Arkansas | $48,680 | $23.40 | -35.1% | 60 |
| California | $106,900 | $51.39 | +42.6% | 4,700 |
| Colorado | $74,990 | $36.05 | 0.0% | 300 |
| Connecticut | $65,630 | $31.55 | -12.5% | 170 |
| District of Columbia | $98,300 | $47.26 | +31.1% | 240 |
| Florida | $62,220 | $29.91 | -17.0% | 970 |
| Georgia | $85,050 | $40.89 | +13.4% | 570 |
| Hawaii | $44,230 | $21.27 | -41.0% | 90 |
| Idaho | $58,140 | $27.95 | -22.5% | 120 |
| Illinois | $100,170 | $48.16 | +33.6% | 1,060 |
| Indiana | $56,810 | $27.31 | -24.2% | 200 |
| Iowa | $57,220 | $27.51 | -23.7% | 90 |
| Kansas | $60,690 | $29.18 | -19.1% | 110 |
| Kentucky | $53,790 | $25.86 | -28.3% | 170 |
| Louisiana | $58,440 | $28.10 | -22.1% | 270 |
| Maine | $37,590 | $18.07 | -49.9% | 70 |
| Maryland | $65,870 | $31.67 | -12.2% | 290 |
| Massachusetts | $61,320 | $29.48 | -18.2% | 370 |
| Michigan | $55,290 | $26.58 | -26.3% | 380 |
| Minnesota | $51,420 | $24.72 | -31.4% | 300 |
| Mississippi | $49,920 | $24.00 | -33.4% | 60 |
| Missouri | — | — | — | 170 |
| Montana | $50,910 | $24.48 | -32.1% | 110 |
| Nebraska | $46,180 | $22.20 | -38.4% | 100 |
| Nevada | $62,110 | $29.86 | -17.2% | 320 |
| New Hampshire | $45,880 | $22.06 | -38.8% | 0 |
| New Jersey | — | — | — | 750 |
| New Mexico | $49,050 | $23.58 | -34.6% | 290 |
| New York | $93,410 | $44.91 | +24.6% | 2,930 |
| North Carolina | $62,720 | $30.15 | -16.4% | 380 |
| North Dakota | $53,650 | $25.79 | -28.5% | 40 |
| Ohio | $64,860 | $31.18 | -13.5% | 520 |
| Oklahoma | $48,620 | $23.38 | -35.2% | 220 |
| Oregon | — | — | — | 280 |
| Pennsylvania | $51,760 | $24.88 | -31.0% | 670 |
| Rhode Island | $49,790 | $23.94 | -33.6% | 50 |
| South Carolina | $57,940 | $27.86 | -22.7% | 40 |
| South Dakota | $44,160 | $21.23 | -41.1% | 50 |
| Tennessee | $57,030 | $27.42 | -23.9% | 460 |
| Texas | $63,110 | $30.34 | -15.8% | 1,100 |
| Utah | $73,450 | $35.31 | -2.1% | 240 |
| Vermont | $46,350 | $22.29 | -38.2% | 130 |
| Virginia | $58,440 | $28.10 | -22.1% | 420 |
| Washington | $60,250 | $28.97 | -19.7% | 440 |
| West Virginia | $43,390 | $20.86 | -42.1% | 60 |
| Wisconsin | $52,810 | $25.39 | -29.6% | 300 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Medical and Health Services Managers — $123,860/yr
- Packers and Packagers, Hand — $36,280/yr
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers — $33,980/yr
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term — $41,670/yr
- Computer Systems Analysts — $105,850/yr
- Childcare Workers — $34,980/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for camera operators, television, video, and film?
The median annual wage for camera operators, television, video, and film is $74,990 ($36.05 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays camera operators, television, video, and film the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many camera operators, television, video, and film are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 21,550 camera operators, television, video, and film employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do camera operators, television, video, and film make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $36.05. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.