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Arts & Media · Pennsylvania

How to Become a Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in Pennsylvania

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Films in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $50,830/year, which is 26% below the national average. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a camera operators, television, video, and film takes home approximately $2,031/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$51K
Median salary in Pennsylvania
-26%
vs. national average
3.1%
State income tax
670
Employed in Pennsylvania

What a camera operators, television, video, and film can afford in Pennsylvania

Gross annual salary$50,830
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.1% state tax)$3,443/mo
Median 2BR rent (Pennsylvania)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home41% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$50,830/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,031/mo

Becoming a camera operators, television, video, and film in Pennsylvania

1

Meet education requirements

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film positions in Pennsylvania typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Pennsylvania. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many camera operators, television, video, and film positions in Pennsylvania require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Pennsylvania licensure or certification

Pennsylvania may require specific licensing or professional certification for camera operators, television, video, and films. Requirements vary by state — contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania employs 670 camera operators, television, video, and films. The highest concentrations are in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton.

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary by metro area in Pennsylvania

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington$55K$26.31/hr240
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton$52K$25/hr60
Pittsburgh$50K$24.01/hr140
Harrisburg-Carlisle$47K$22.53/hr50

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary range in Pennsylvania

10th percentile (entry)
$26K
25th percentile
$38K
Median (50th)
$51K
75th percentile
$72K
90th percentile (senior)
$107K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a camera operators, television, video, and film make in Pennsylvania?

The median camera operators, television, video, and film salary in Pennsylvania is $50,830 per year ($24.44/hr). This is 26% below the national median of $68,810. Salaries range from $26,410 to $107,420.

What are the requirements to become a camera operators, television, video, and film in Pennsylvania?

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film positions in Pennsylvania typically require Bachelor's degree. Pennsylvania may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Pennsylvania licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a camera operators, television, video, and film afford to live in Pennsylvania?

At the median salary of $50,830, a camera operators, television, video, and film in Pennsylvania would take home approximately $3,443/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 41% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for camera operators, television, video, and films in Pennsylvania?

The highest paying metro areas for camera operators, television, video, and films in Pennsylvania are Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington ($54,720), Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton ($52,000), Pittsburgh ($49,940). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Pennsylvania have state income tax for camera operators, television, video, and films?

Yes, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.1%. On a $50,830 salary, this means roughly $1,560/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.