Camera operators, television, video, and film
SOC Code: 27-4031
Camera operators, television, video, and film carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $68,810 and +1.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 36,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Camera operators, television, video, and film (SOC 27-4031) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 36,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.2% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $68,810, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Camera operators, television, video, and film. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
- 2. Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
- 3. Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
- 4. Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
- 5. Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
- 6. Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.
- 7. Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
- 8. Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
- 9. Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
- 10. Read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Coordination
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Time Management
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Communications and Media
- Telecommunications
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Production and Processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Camera operators, television, video, and film?
Camera operators, television, video, and film has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Camera operators, television, video, and film?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Camera operators, television, video, and film is projected to grow by 1.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 36,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Camera operators, television, video, and film?
Key skills for Camera operators, television, video, and film include Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Camera operators, television, video, and film earn?
The median annual wage for Camera operators, television, video, and film is $68,810, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Camera operators, television, video, and film?
The typical entry-level education for Camera operators, television, video, and film is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Camera operators, television, video, and film?
Camera operators, television, video, and film roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).