Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Salary in District of Columbia
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Films in District of Columbia make a median of $100,940 a year, or about $48.53 an hour. The range runs from $62K at the entry level to $127K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $101K get you in District of Columbia?
About camera operators, television, video, and films
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, District of Columbia
Entry-level camera operators, television, video, and films (10th percentile) start around $62K. Mid-career wages sit at $101K.Top earners bring in $127K or more - a $65K 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 District of Columbia numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do camera operators, television, video, and films make in District of Columbia?
The median is $100,940 a year - that works out to about $48.53 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $62,310, and experienced camera operators, television, video, and films can clear $127,070. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $101K enough to live in District of Columbia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,138/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,246/month (median of metro areas), which eats 36.6% 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 District of Columbia?
District of Columbia 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 $100,940 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.