Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
O*NET-SOC code
27-4031.00

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

  • Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08

    High· relative

    LowFour relative bandsVery high

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)

    831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band

    Source dataset (XLSX download)

  • Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03

    0.165

    0.000Range of values carried here0.745
    Scale, basis and source

    Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Mapped onto O*NET tasks

    Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value

    Source dataset (CSV download)

  • Data source: ILOPublished: 2025

    0.35

    0.09Range of values carried here0.70

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published

    Source dataset (PDF download)

What kind of figure this source publishes

The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.

Task-level exposure

Exposed tasks only

24 rated tasks · 19 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (79.2%)

β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.

  • Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
  • 3 rated tasks are not in the O*NET 31.0 task list; their scores are kept as published for O*NET 27.2.
Source
OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
Release
gh-main-0471612
License
MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI

Tasks of O*NET-SOC 2010 occupation 27-4031.00 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture, linked to this occupation by the O*NET-SOC 2010 to 2019 crosswalk

Task (O*NET 20.1)Claude.aiRaw / share %APIRaw / share %
Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.

27-4031.00

0.006936.70.021854.1
Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.

27-4031.00

0.004926.10.009222.7
Design graphics for studio productions.

27-4031.00

0.003920.7—0
Write new scripts for broadcasts.

27-4031.00

0.003116.5—0
Direct studio productions.
—00.007719.1
Label and record contents of exposed film and note details on report forms.
—00.00164.1
Not observed on any surface — 20 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states.
Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
—0—0
Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
—0—0
Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
—0—0
Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.
—0—0
Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
—0—0
Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.
—0—0
View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.
—0—0
Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
—0—0
Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
—0—0
Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
—0—0
Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.
—0—0
Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
—0—0
Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
—0—0
Read charts and compute ratios to determine variables such as lighting, shutter angles, filter factors, and camera distances.
—0—0
Reload camera magazines with fresh raw film stock.
—0—0
Read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups.
—0—0
Receive raw film stock and maintain film inventories.
—0—0
Prepare slates that describe the scenes being filmed.
—0—0
Download exposed film for shipment to processing labs.
—0—0
Set up and operate electric news gathering (ENG) microwave vehicles to gather and edit raw footage on location to send to television affiliates for broadcast.
—0—0

Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page

All O*NET 31.0 task statements (21)

All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.

Task (O*NET 31.0)Type
Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.Core
Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.Core
Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.Core
Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.Core
Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.Core
Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.Core
Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.Core
Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.Core
Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.Core
Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.Supplemental
Read charts and compute ratios to determine variables such as lighting, shutter angles, filter factors, and camera distances.Supplemental
Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.Supplemental
View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.Supplemental
Read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups.Supplemental
Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.Supplemental
Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.Supplemental
Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.Supplemental
Set up and operate electric news gathering (ENG) microwave vehicles to gather and edit raw footage on location to send to television affiliates for broadcast.Supplemental
Direct studio productions.Supplemental
Design graphics for studio productions.Supplemental
Write new scripts for broadcasts.Supplemental

Occupation information

Employment outlook (BLS)

Employment, 2025
33K
Projected employment, 2035
33K
Change (2025–35)
+1.3%
Median annual wage, 2025
$74,990
Typical education needed for entry
Bachelor's degree
lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

Korea classification links (KSCO)

Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.

KSCO codeKSCO titleRelationStatus
29340촬영기사Same scopeconfirmed

Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)

ILO occupational description

AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.

  • ISCO-08 3521Broadcasting and Audio-visual Technicians

The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.

Broadcasting and audio-visual technicians control technical functioning of equipment to record and edit images and sound and for transmitting radio and television broadcasts of images and sounds, as well as other types of telecommunication signals on land, sea or in aircraft.

Tasks

  • (a) controlling equipment to record sound;
  • (b) controlling equipment to edit and mix image and sound recordings to ensure satisfactory quality and to create special image and sound effects;
  • (c) applying knowledge of principles and practices of image and sound recording and editing in order to identify and solve problems;
  • (d) controlling transmitting and broadcast systems and satellite systems for radio and television programmes;
  • (e) controlling radio communications systems, satellite services and multiplex systems on land, sea or in aircraft;
  • (f) applying knowledge of principles and practices of broadcasting, telecommunications terminals and transmissions systems, in order to identify and solve problems;
  • (g) making emergency repairs to equipment.

Example occupations

Audio-visual operator · Broadcasting equipment operator · Broadcast technician · Camera operator (motion picture) · Camera operator (video) · Production assistant (media)

Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits

ESCO occupational vocabulary

Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.

  • audio-visual technicianESCO 3521.1This occupation is narrower

    Audio-visual technicians set up, operate and maintain equipment to record and edit images and sound for radio and television broadcasts, at live events and for telecommunication signals.

  • camera operatorESCO 3521.1.3This occupation is broader

    Camera operators setup and operate digital film cameras to shoot domestic motion pictures or television programs. They work together with the video and motion picture director, the director of photography, or the private client. Camera operators give advice on how to shoot scenes to actors, the video and motion picture director and other camera operators.

  • video operatorESCO 3521.1.12This occupation is broader

    Video operators control the (projected) images of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Video operators prepare media fragments, supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the video system. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.

Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)

License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)

View original

ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.

France classification links (ROME)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.

ROME codeROME title (French)Relation
L1505Opérateur / Opératrice de prise de vuesSame scopeprovisional
L1514Chef opérateur / Cheffe opératrice imageThis occupation is broaderprovisional
L1528Machiniste de prise de vuesRelated, not a match
L1519Technicien / Technicienne vidéoRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.

ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)

Spain classification links (CNO-11)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

CNO-11 codeCNO-11 title (Spanish)Relation
3831Técnicos de grabación audiovisualThis occupation is narrower

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)

Germany classification links (KldB)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

KldB codeKldB title (German)Relation
94523Berufe in der Kameratechnik - komplexe SpezialistentätigkeitenSame scope
94522Berufe in der Kameratechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete TätigkeitenRelated, not a match

Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)

Japan classification links (JSCO)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

JSCO codeJSCO title (Japanese)Relation
225写真家，映像撮影者This occupation is narrowerprovisional
246通信機器操作従事者Related, not a matchprovisional

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)

Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources