Camera Operator
Operate cameras to record film, television, music videos, and events
What's it like to be a Camera Operator?
Camera Operators set up and operate cameras to record material for film, television, music videos, documentaries or news and sporting events. Camera Operators may work in a number of settings, including indoor television or film studios, on location and at live sporting or musical events. Being a Camera Operator is generally suited for individuals with strong technical skills who are happy to work long days, which may involve inconsistent hours.
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What can I earn as a Camera Operator?
Find out the average salary for a Camera Operator across Australia
Latest Camera Operator jobs on SEEK
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How to become a Camera Operator
To become a Camera Operator, a VET qualification is usually required. Entry requirements may vary, but employers usually require Year 10.
- Enrol in a course to become a Camera Operator, such as a Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services (CUA50413). You may be required to attend an interview, have work experience in the area and/or submit a folio of work.
- There are many pathways you can undertake once you are working as a Camera Operator, such as further study (e.g. a Diploma of Cinematography) or working your way up to becoming a Lead Camera Operator or Producer.
Explore related qualifications
SEEK users who have worked as a Camera Operator have studied these qualifications.
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Bachelor of Arts
This qualification gives you broad skills and knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation to get you started in your career.
Diploma of Screen and Media
This qualification provides you with the technical and managerial skills to lead teams in the film, television, radio and media sector.
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Full Drivers LicenceIntegrityCamera OperationAustralian Drivers LicenceAdobe Premiere ProTime ManagementResilienceMultitaskingAutonomySkills listed in your SEEK Profile
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Is Camera Operator the right role for me?
Job market trends for Camera Operators
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Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Role Reviews
Latest Camera Operator reviews
Latest reviews from 3 Camera Operators surveyed on SEEK
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Positive
Negative
Camera operatations can be frustrating but the pay is good and the freedom is great.
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Digital Media)
Experience
1 – 4 years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
Sports filming
The good things
My job pays $150 a filming session for less then 3 hours of work. No one looks over my shoulder or questions me. I simply turn up at the agreed upon time, set up the equipment, film then I need to, th...
The challenges
The management is far too distant. They never communicate or share information/decisions and on the days there is absolutely no communication on what to do for the night. Plus the pay is all done with...
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This job is for people who love Camera Operating, if you don't... you should consider doing something else.
Experience
1 – 4 years
Organisation size
I'm self-employed
Specialisation
OB (Outside Broadcast)
The good things
Only do it if you love it first of all, if you think you'll be earning big money off the bat then get out of here. Some gigs you'll be thinking it's the easiest and best job in the world.
The challenges
You will get yelled at, especially if you're new/learning or just not doing your job as well as you should. The pay isn't great and because of COVID there isn't a lot of shifts available at a lot of c...
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Source: SEEK Role Reviews
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