Film or video editor, camera operator: bachelor's in film or broadcasting, editing software and a reel of work
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.
For: Visual storytellers with patience for detail, frame by frame, and the stamina for long shoots.
Route 1: Bachelor's in film or broadcasting Typical
Coursework mixes film theory with practical training; beginners should know as many types of editing software as possible.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's in film, broadcasting, or a fine and performing arts or communications field
Courses in cinematography or video-editing software.
BLS
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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After hire
Training in the employer's editing software
Most editors eventually specialize in one type of software.
BLS
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Film and video editor or camera operator
Editors earned a median $75,420 and camera operators $74,990 in May 2025.
BLS
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators — PayU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: Registered Apprenticeship (camera operator) Earn while you learn
DOL lists Camera Operator as an apprenticeable occupation.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Find a program
A Registered Apprenticeship
Validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.
USDOL
What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?U.S. Department of Labor (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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6,000 hours
Camera Operator (RAPIDS 0955)
Time-based minimum term: 6,000 hours.
USDOL
Approved occupations for Registered Apprenticeship (spreadsheet: RAPIDS code, type, minimum term)U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Linked from apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations. Term lengths are hours of on-the-job learning; time-based programs list one figure, hybrid programs a range.
View source -
Goal
Camera operator
BLS
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Editing software certification
Software vendors · Voluntary - Requires passing a comprehensive exam; prepare on your own, through online tutorials or in a class.
BLS
Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.