Camera Operators
Description OES Code: 34026
* Pan and tilt the camera during shooting
* Compose and frame each shot as determined by the Director of Photography

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.75
25th Percentile $14.17
50th Percentile $25.08
75th Percentile $31.99

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
The number of days worked in each week will vary, as will the number of hours worked in each day.

Union members enjoy typical fringe benefits such as vacation and holiday pay, health and life insurance, and retirement plans.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 1,400
Projected Employment 2008 2,000
Percent Change 1998-2008 42.9%
Separations 1998-2008 300

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Work in the motion picture industry is generally conducted in a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere. However, the work can frequently be repetitive. For example, the same shot may have to be lined up over and over again. Therefore, one quality essential to Motion Picture Photographers is patience. Also, location work can be strenuous; workers may be required to work in extreme cold, heat, or dampness.

Advancement
Film Loader is the entry level, and beginners can rise through the various photographer's jobs up to Director of Photography; although generally they would only be expected to advance to Camera Operator. The advancement process is usually slow, however, and may take many years.

Getting the Job & Other Information
The few vacancies that arise in this profession are filled by word-of-mouth contact. Photographer positions are rarely advertised in newspapers or listed with employment agencies. Union members are frequently unemployed or are only partly employed, and these members are given preference ahead of new applicants. Private firms are listed in the Yellow Pages under Motion Picture Producers, Production Companies & Studios.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Photographers and Camera Operators generally get their skills attending formal post-secondary training at colleges, photographic institutes, universities, or through on-the-job training. Courses in cinematography are available in colleges, universities, and private schools. This type of work also requires the ability to concentrate intensely. Moreover, because the filming of a motion picture is a cooperative effort requiring the blending of many skills, a photographer must be able to work well with other professionals.

Skills & Other Requirements
* Operation and Control -- Controlling operations of equipment or systems
* Reading Comprehension -- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
* Equipment Selection -- Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job
* Technology Design -- Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs
* Mathematics -- Using mathematics to solve problems

References
California Occupational Guide #519

Related Occupations: Photographers, #51, Film Editors, #323

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)