Wages vary by employer. Wages also vary based on the camera operator's skill and reputation. Many camera operators who work in film or video are freelancers. Their annual earnings tend to change from year to year.
Benefits vary by employer. Full-time camera operators may receive benefits such as vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Part-time camera operators usually do not receive benefits.
Camera operators, television, video, and film (SOC 27-4031)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||
| 25% |
Median |
75% |
||
| Illinois | Hourly | $34.54 | $49.51 | $62.70 |
| Yearly | $71,857 | $102,974 | $130,411 | |
| Cook County | Hourly | $30.59 | $43.18 | $57.43 |
| Yearly | $63,641 | $89,800 | $119,471 | |
| Du Page County | Hourly | $34.54 | $43.18 | $53.01 |
| Yearly | $71,853 | $89,806 | $110,267 | |
| Peoria-Bloomington Area | Hourly | $23.01 | $31.59 | $49.10 |
| Yearly | $47,856 | $65,716 | $102,129 | |
| Rockford Area | Hourly | $20.51 | $20.51 | $26.17 |
| Yearly | $42,648 | $42,648 | $54,438 | |
| Springfield Area | Hourly | $17.88 | $30.38 | $53.46 |
| Yearly | $37,180 | $63,187 | $111,196 | |
| St Louis-Belleville Area | Hourly | $17.73 | $27.85 | $34.80 |
| Yearly | $36,878 | $57,924 | $72,380 | |
| United States | Hourly | $24.48 | $36.05 | $51.28 |
| Yearly | $50,920 | $74,990 | $106,660 | |