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Arts & Media · Washington

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

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Films in Washington earn a median salary of $60,250/year, which is 20% below the national average. Washington has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a camera operators, television, video, and film takes home approximately $2,181/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$60K
Median salary in Washington
-20%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
440
Employed in Washington

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

Gross annual salary$60,250
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$4,204/mo
Median 2BR rent (Washington)-$2,023/mo
Rent as % of take-home48.1% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$60,250/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,181/mo

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

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Washington licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Washington

Washington employs 440 camera operators, television, video, and films. The highest concentrations are in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue and Spokane-Spokane Valley.

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

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue$62K$29.72/hr320
Spokane-Spokane Valley$36K$17.42/hr50

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

10th percentile (entry)
$38K
25th percentile
$44K
Median (50th)
$60K
75th percentile
$105K
90th percentile (senior)
$130K
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Frequently asked questions

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

The median camera operators, television, video, and film salary in Washington is $60,250 per year ($28.97/hr). This is 20% below the national median of $74,990. Salaries range from $37,780 to $130,410.

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

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

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

At the median salary of $60,250, a camera operators, television, video, and film in Washington would take home approximately $4,204/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $2,023/month, that's 48.1% 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 Washington?

The highest paying metro areas for camera operators, television, video, and films in Washington are Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ($61,820), Spokane-Spokane Valley ($36,230). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

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

No, Washington 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.