Changing shape

Camera operators, television, video, and film

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

AI Resistance Index 34 of 99

Changing faster than most: more resilient than 34% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it high), and US jobs are projected to change by +1.3% by 2035, slower than average. The work leans on creative vision and physical dexterity.

AI can do many of the tasks, and hiring is expected to grow slower than average or to shrink. The job is likely to change, so build the human parts of it.

Median pay (2025): $74,990
Job growth to 2035: +1.3%
Openings a year: 2,500
People doing it (2025): 32,600
Usual route in: Bachelor's degree

Open the full picture Ask Mr Thoob about it

Where people already use AI for this work

Set up equipment
Determine operational methods or procedures
Operate communications equipment or systems

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Operate audiovisual or related equipment
Inspect completed work or finished products
Coordinate artistic or entertainment activities

What the work looks like

Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects

Fewer of these jobs, as robotic cameras replace services previously provided by camera operators.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

Museum technicians and conservatorsHuman edge, growing, Index 71, +3.6%
Conservation scientistsGrows with AI, Index 65, +5.3%
Set and exhibit designersChanging shape, Index 35, +1.4%
Coaches and scoutsHuman edge, growing, Index 94, +6.1%

Also known as: Camera Operator, Cameraman, Television News Photographer, Videographer, Master Control Operator (MCO), News Videographer, Production Technician, Studio Camera Operator.

Is this career on your child's list?

Build a free Career Playbook matched to your child, or get a 90-day Action Plan with dated next steps, written for your child by name.

Build a free Playbook See the plans

Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.