Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Salary (2025)
Based on 21,550 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $38,520 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $50,920 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $74,990 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $106,660 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $135,180 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$39K
25th
$51K
Median
$75K
75th
$107K
90th
$135K
Highest Paying States for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| California | $106,350 |
| District of Columbia | $100,990 |
| New York | $99,080 |
| Georgia | $97,600 |
| Illinois | $96,520 |
| Arizona | $94,680 |
| Colorado | $81,310 |
| Massachusetts | $79,290 |
| Utah | $75,460 |
| Washington | $73,900 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is California at an average of $106,350 per year, while Washington has an average of $73,900 — a difference of $32,450. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21,550 workers were employed as Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Films in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations. The annual mean wage of $83,210 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 27-4031