Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Salary in California
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Films in California make a median of $101,610 a year, or about $48.85 an hour. The range runs from $47K at the entry level to $134K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $102K get you in California?
About camera operators, television, video, and films
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level camera operators, television, video, and films (10th percentile) start around $47K. Mid-career wages sit at $102K.Top earners bring in $134K or more - a $87K spread from bottom to top.
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $102K | +48% | 5,520 |
| District of Columbia | $101K | +47% | 310 |
| Oregon | $94K | +36% | 290 |
| New York | $90K | +31% | 3,510 |
| New Jersey | $86K | +24% | 440 |
| Illinois | $83K | +21% | 870 |
| Arizona | $75K | +9% | 630 |
| Virginia | $72K | +4% | 510 |
| Maryland | $68K | -2% | 270 |
| Ohio | $67K | -3% | 500 |
| Texas | $64K | -6% | 1,530 |
| Connecticut | $64K | -7% | 230 |
| North Carolina | $62K | -10% | 300 |
| Georgia | $62K | -11% | 340 |
| Florida | $61K | -11% | 1,770 |
Track camera operators, television, video, and film salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do camera operators, television, video, and films make in California?
The median is $101,610 a year - that works out to about $48.85 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $46,530, and experienced camera operators, television, video, and films can clear $133,540. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $102K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,190/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 35.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a camera operators, television, video, and film salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median camera operators, television, video, and film salary is worth about $101,610 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do camera operators, television, video, and films get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.