Camera operators, television, video, and motion picture held about 29,400 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of camera operators, television, video, and motion picture were as follows:
| Motion picture and video industries | 31% |
| Self-employed workers | 26 |
| Radio and television broadcasting | 18 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 5 |
| Government | 3 |
Film and video editors held about 39,800 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of film and video editors were as follows:
| Motion picture and video industries | 53% |
| Self-employed workers | 27 |
| Television broadcasting | 6 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 4 |
Film and video editors and camera operators typically work in studios or offices. Camera operators and videographers often shoot raw footage on location.
Film and video editors work in editing rooms by themselves, or with producers and directors, for many hours at a time. Cinematographers and operators who shoot movies or TV shows may film on location and be away from home for months at a time. Operators who travel usually must carry heavy equipment to their shooting locations.
Some camera operators work in uncomfortable or even dangerous conditions, such as severe weather, military conflicts, and natural disasters. They may have to stand for long periods waiting for an event to take place. They may carry heavy equipment while on shooting assignment.
Work Schedules
Work hours vary with the type of operator or editor, although most work full time. Those who work in broadcasting may put in additional hours to meet a deadline. Those who work in the motion picture industry may have busy schedules while filming, but they go through a period of looking for work once a film is complete and before they are hired for their next job.
Film and video editors and camera operators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting.
Education
Most editor and camera operator positions require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting, such as communications. Many colleges offer courses in cinematography or video-editing software. Coursework involves a mix of film theory with practical training.
Film and video editors and camera operators must have an understanding of digital cameras and editing software because both are now used on film sets.
Training
Employers may offer new employees training in the type of specialized editing software those employers use. Most editors eventually specialize in one type of software, but beginners should be familiar with as many types as possible.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Editors may demonstrate competence in various types of editing software by earning certification, which is generally offered by software vendors. Certification requires passing a comprehensive exam, and candidates can prepare for the exam on their own, through online tutorials, or through classroom instruction.
Advancement
Experienced film and video editors and camera operators with creativity and leadership skills can advance to overseeing their own projects. For more information, see the profile on producers and directors.
Film and video editors and camera operators typically have an interest in the Building, Thinking and Creating interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the understanding of natural laws. The Creating interest area indicates a focus on being original and imaginative, and working with artistic media.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Thinking or Creating interest which might fit with a career as a film and video editor and camera operator, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Film and video editors and camera operators should also possess the following specific qualities:
Communication skills. Film and video editors and camera operators must communicate with other members of a production team, including the director, to ensure that the project goes smoothly.
Computer skills. Film and video editors must use sophisticated editing software.
Creativity. Film and video editors and camera operators should be able to imagine what the result of their filming or editing will look like to an audience.
Detail oriented. Editors look at every frame of film and decide what should be kept and what should be cut to make the best content.
Hand–eye coordination. Camera operators need to be able to move about the action while holding a camera steady.
Visual skills. Camera operators must be able to see clearly what they are filming.
The median annual wage for camera operators, television, video, and motion picture was $55,160 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $110,790.
The median annual wage for film and video editors was $63,780 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $168,320.
In May 2019, the median annual wages for camera operators, television, video, and motion picture in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Motion picture and video industries | $62,510 |
| Radio and television broadcasting | 52,360 |
| Government | 52,290 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 43,590 |
In May 2019, the median annual wages for film and video editors in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Motion picture and video industries | $69,480 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 57,140 |
| Television broadcasting | 51,870 |
Work hours vary with the type of operator or editor, although most work full time. Those who work in broadcasting may put in additional hours to meet a deadline. Those who work in the motion picture industry may have busy schedules while filming, but they go through a period of looking for work once a film is complete and before they are hired for their next job.
Employment of film and video editors is projected to grow 14 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Employment of camera operators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.
The number of Internet-only platforms, such as streaming services, is likely to increase, along with the number of shows produced for these platforms. This growth may lead to more work for editors and camera operators.
In broadcasting, the consolidation of roles—such as editors who determine the best angles for a shoot, the use of robotic cameras, and the increasing reliance on amateur film footage—may lead to fewer jobs for camera operators. However, more film and video editors are expected to be needed because of an increase in special effects and overall available content.
Job Prospects
Film and video editors and camera operators will face strong competition for jobs. Most job openings are projected to be in entertainment hubs such as New York City and Los Angeles because specialized editing workers are in demand there. Those with experience at a TV station or on a film set should have the best prospects. Video editors may improve their prospects by developing skills with different types of specialized editing software.
For more information about film and video editors and camera operators, visit