Videographer Jobs

Videography jobs are somewhat competitive because they offer jobs for people who want to work in broadcasting or the motion pictures industry.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an 11% increase in hiring for video editor jobs and camera operators between now and 2018. Competition is also expected to be fairly high among those who work as freelance/contract videographers, simply because anyone with a camcorder can call themselves a professional videographer and operate their business as such.

It is generally expected that video editors obtain four-year degrees, at minimum, because of the highly technical nature of the work. And while not all camera operators or those who work on film crews or production are expected to obtain degrees, they do need to have formal training. This is possible through internships, apprenticeships and assistantships. Degrees are available at many levels; including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, post degree certificates and certificate degrees.

Work Environment

Work environment varies greatly on the industry in which a videographer works. For the most part, a full time job will include hours that vary greatly, and one can expect to work long hours and weekends on occasion. All videographers work under strict deadline. Freelance videographers who video weddings, ceremonies, events or weddings work varied hours and locations. Studio camera operators, such as those who work in a broadcast studio, work in one place and film their subjects from one location.

However, news/journalism videographers may find themselves covering unexpected events as they unfold and could potentially find themselves in dangerous situations. Camera operators and video editors working in the music and movie industries also work long and irregular hours and the location can vary greatly. Those who work for an advertising or marketing agency or with a corporation may find themselves working long hours on occasion to meet production schedules, but they typically work in one location.

Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, television, video and motion picture camera operators and editors held nearly 51,000 jobs. More than 26,000 of these jobs were camera operators, while video and film editors held more than 25,000 jobs. As with most other industries, there will be more videographers than positions available. However, those with the highest technical skills and advanced degrees will have enough of an edge to get salaried jobs or earn a living as a freelance/contract videographer. The ability to adapt ever-changing technology is another factor in a successful videography job.

Average Salaries

• The average salary for film and video editors is $51, 654
• The average salary for camera operators, television, video, and motion picture is $50,439
• The average salary for audio and video equipment technicians is $43,000
• The average salary for production occupations is $35,762

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Industries with Highest Levels of Employment

The top industries for video editors, producers and camera operators is overwhelmingly in favor of the “Movies and Music” industries and the “Media and Broadcasting” industries. Approximately 69% of video editors work in movies and music, 16% work in media and broadcasting, and the remaining 8% work in miscellaneous industries. There is a little bit more balance for camera operators: about 44% of camera operators work in media and broadcasting, while 36% work in movies and music. The remaining 10% work in miscellaneous industries.

Top Paying Industries

Interestingly enough, the industries with highest percentages of employment are also the lowest paying. The top paying industries for video editors in 2008 were in the movies and music industry where the average annual wage was $55,960. The top paying industry for camera operators was working for the government, where the average annual wage was $54,100.