How to become a Camera Operator

Official title: Camera Operator (Film, Television or Video)

Also called: Videographer

Manages, sets up, tests and operates cameras to capture footage for film, television, live performance or video productions.

Main tasks

• Sets up cameras and related equipment for film, television, live performances or video productions
• Operates cameras to capture scenes according to the director's instructions
• Adjusts camera settings such as focus, exposure and lighting to achieve desired visual effects
• Collaborates with directors, Cinematographers, Lighting Technicians and other crew members to determine camera angles, movements, lighting and shots
• Monitors camera feeds and makes necessary adjustments during filming
• Maintains and troubleshoots camera equipment to ensure optimal performance
• Assists with the planning and execution of camera movements and shots
• May operate specialised camera equipment such as cranes, dollies, drones and Steadicams

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate IV in Screen and Media. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
• University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220); Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51020); Certificate III in Screen and Media (CUA31020); Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services (CUA50420)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $95,888 a year
• About 16,300 people work in this job group now, and about 17,600 are projected by 2035. (+8.3%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Audio Engineer
• Broadcast Technician
• Lighting Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Camera Operator?

Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Certificate IV in Screen and Media; Diploma of Screen and Media; Certificate IV in Screen and Media.

How much does a Camera Operator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $95,888 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Camera Operator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 16,300 to about 17,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Camera Operator?

Not always. 36% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Certificate IV in Screen and Media; Diploma of Screen and Media; Certificate IV in Screen and Media.

Will AI change the work of a Camera Operator?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04