Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Films in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV make a median of $83,200 a year, or about $40 an hour. The range runs from $52K at the entry level to $123K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $76,414 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 43% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $83K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About camera operators, television, video, and films
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level camera operators, television, video, and films (10th percentile) start around $52K. Mid-career wages sit at $83K.Top earners bring in $123K or more - a $71K 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do camera operators, television, video, and films make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $83,200 a year - that works out to about $40 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $51,740, and experienced camera operators, television, video, and films can clear $123,190. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $83K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,224/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 43% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median camera operators, television, video, and film salary is worth about $76,414 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.