Film & Video Editor and Camera Operator
Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate moving images that entertain or inform an audience.
What the job is
- The work
- Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate moving images that entertain or inform an audience.
BLS
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Work environment
- Film and video editors and camera operators typically work in studios or in offices. Camera operators and videographers often shoot raw footage on location.
BLS
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Good fit for
- Visual storytellers with patience for detail, frame by frame, and the stamina for long shoots.
- Career cluster
- Arts, Entertainment, & Design
Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025 (television, video, and film camera operators and editors).
- Median pay
- $75,100 a year ($36.10 an hour)
BLS
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 72,000
- Typical entry
- Bachelor's degree
- Training after hire
- None
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- +3%, which BLS calls "as fast as average"
BLS
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- +1,900 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
How to become one
- The usual route
- Film and video editors and camera operators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting.
BLS
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- In short
- Film and video editors and camera operators typically need a bachelor's degree in film, broadcasting or a related fine and performing arts or communications field, and must understand digital cameras and editing software. Many colleges offer courses in cinematography and video editing.
- License
- Not required
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
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StateChoose a state
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- West VirginiaState guide
- WisconsinState guide
- WyomingState guide
Step-by-step roadmap
The routes step by step, the exam gates and the state license step are on one page.
Film or video editor, camera operator: bachelor's in film or broadcasting, editing software and a reel of work
See the roadmap
Route 1: Bachelor's in film or broadcasting · Route 2: Registered Apprenticeship (camera operator)
More careers in Arts, Entertainment, & Design
Open the cluster hubEvery career page in this cluster, with entry, license, pay and outlook side by side.
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 21 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses.