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Arts & Media · Tennessee

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

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Films in Tennessee earn a median salary of $56,540/year, which is 18% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a camera operators, television, video, and film takes home approximately $2,544/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$57K
Median salary in Tennessee
-18%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
440
Employed in Tennessee

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

Gross annual salary$56,540
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$3,956/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home35.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$56,540/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,544/mo

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

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 440 camera operators, television, video, and films. The highest concentrations are in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Knoxville.

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

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$66K$31.95/hr210
Knoxville$48K$23.28/hr60
Memphis$46K$22.21/hr80

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

10th percentile (entry)
$41K
25th percentile
$47K
Median (50th)
$57K
75th percentile
$85K
90th percentile (senior)
$121K
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Frequently asked questions

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

The median camera operators, television, video, and film salary in Tennessee is $56,540 per year ($27.18/hr). This is 18% below the national median of $68,810. Salaries range from $40,590 to $121,460.

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

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

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

At the median salary of $56,540, a camera operators, television, video, and film in Tennessee would take home approximately $3,956/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 35.7% 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 Tennessee?

The highest paying metro areas for camera operators, television, video, and films in Tennessee are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($66,460), Knoxville ($48,430), Memphis ($46,200). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

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

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means camera operators, television, video, and films keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.