Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Salary in San Francisco, CA

Updated 2024 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsUSD $

Median Salary

$84,000

Average Salary

$93,000

Salary Range

$50,000 - $109,000

Est. Employment*

3,400

*Employment figures are estimates based on national occupational data distributed across metro areas. Actual local numbers may vary.

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Salary Distribution

Top 10%
$109,000
75th Percentile
$99,000
Median
$84,000
25th Percentile
$66,000
Bottom 10%
$50,000

10th to 90th percentile range. Half of all camera operators, television, video, and film earn between $66,000 and $99,000.

About Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in San Francisco

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film use their creative talents to communicate ideas, entertain audiences, and produce visual, written, or performance-based works. Their creativity drives culture, media, and the design of products and experiences.

In San Francisco, camera operators, television, video, and film benefit from higher salaries that reflect the area's elevated cost of living. The area's major industries include Technology, Finance & Venture Capital, Biotech & Life Sciences.

Key Skills

Time ManagementAttention to DetailVisual StorytellingAdaptabilityClient ManagementPortfolio Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in fine arts, design, communications, or a related field

Education requirements vary widely. Many positions value a strong portfolio and practical experience as much as formal education. A bachelor's degree is common, but talent, creativity, and a compelling body of work are often most important.

Tips to Earn More as a Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

1.Build a strong, diverse portfolio showcasing your best work
2.Master industry-standard software and tools for your specialty
3.Develop a personal brand and online presence to attract opportunities
4.Network actively through industry events, social media, and professional groups
5.Stay current with design trends and emerging technologies

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Salary in Other Cities

CityMedianRangevs San Francisco
San Jose, CA$88,000$53,000 - $114,000+5%
Seattle, WA$82,000$49,000 - $107,000-2%
New York, NY$78,000$47,000 - $101,000-7%
Washington DC, DC$76,000$46,000 - $99,000-10%
Boston, MA$76,000$46,000 - $99,000-10%
Los Angeles, CA$72,000$43,000 - $94,000-14%
San Diego, CA$71,000$43,000 - $92,000-15%
Denver, CO$71,000$43,000 - $92,000-15%
Portland, OR$70,000$46,000 - $88,000-17%
Philadelphia, PA$69,000$45,000 - $87,000-18%
Austin, TX$69,000$45,000 - $87,000-18%
Baltimore, MD$68,000$44,000 - $86,000-19%
Honolulu, HI$68,000$44,000 - $86,000-19%
Anchorage, AK$68,000$44,000 - $86,000-19%
Chicago, IL$67,000$44,000 - $85,000-20%
Sacramento, CA$67,000$44,000 - $85,000-20%
Minneapolis, MN$66,000$43,000 - $83,000-21%
Hartford, CT$66,000$43,000 - $83,000-21%
Dallas, TX$64,000$42,000 - $81,000-24%
Houston, TX$64,000$42,000 - $81,000-24%
Raleigh, NC$63,000$41,000 - $80,000-25%
Salt Lake City, UT$63,000$41,000 - $80,000-25%
Atlanta, GA$62,000$40,000 - $78,000-26%
Detroit, MI$61,000$40,000 - $77,000-27%
Nashville, TN$61,000$40,000 - $77,000-27%
St. Louis, MO$61,000$40,000 - $77,000-27%
Charlotte, NC$60,000$39,000 - $76,000-29%
Las Vegas, NV$60,000$39,000 - $76,000-29%
Columbus, OH$60,000$39,000 - $76,000-29%
Pittsburgh, PA$60,000$39,000 - $76,000-29%
Richmond, VA$60,000$39,000 - $76,000-29%
Phoenix, AZ$59,000$38,000 - $74,000-30%
Tampa, FL$59,000$38,000 - $74,000-30%
Kansas City, MO$59,000$38,000 - $74,000-30%
Cincinnati, OH$59,000$38,000 - $74,000-30%
Milwaukee, WI$59,000$38,000 - $74,000-30%
Louisville, KY$59,000$38,000 - $74,000-30%
Miami, FL$58,000$38,000 - $73,000-31%
Orlando, FL$58,000$38,000 - $73,000-31%
San Antonio, TX$58,000$38,000 - $73,000-31%
Indianapolis, IN$58,000$38,000 - $73,000-31%
Cleveland, OH$58,000$38,000 - $73,000-31%
Toronto, ON$58,000$38,000 - $73,000-31%
Jacksonville, FL$57,000$37,000 - $72,000-32%
New Orleans, LA$57,000$37,000 - $72,000-32%
Tucson, AZ$57,000$37,000 - $72,000-32%
Buffalo, NY$56,000$36,000 - $71,000-33%
Birmingham, AL$56,000$36,000 - $71,000-33%
Vancouver, BC$56,000$36,000 - $71,000-33%
Calgary, AB$56,000$36,000 - $71,000-33%
Memphis, TN$55,000$36,000 - $69,000-35%
Oklahoma City, OK$54,000$35,000 - $68,000-36%
Ottawa, ON$52,000$34,000 - $66,000-38%
Edmonton, AB$52,000$34,000 - $66,000-38%
Hamilton, ON$49,000$32,000 - $62,000-42%
Montreal, QC$47,000$31,000 - $59,000-44%
Winnipeg, MB$47,000$31,000 - $59,000-44%
Halifax, NS$46,000$30,000 - $58,000-45%
Quebec City, QC$45,000$31,000 - $55,000-46%