The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies videographers as "camera operators" under the broader category of "film and video editors and camera operators." Approximately 21,500 film and video editors and camera operators worked in the United States as of May 2012. Videographers film special events, such as weddings or anniversaries, while others produce videos for corporate or other organization websites. They also film and edit movies, television shows, music videos and other activities in the entertainment industry. Videographers' hourly salaries vary, depending on where they work.
Hourly Wages Between $30 and $31
The average hourly wage for videographers was $23.56 as of May 2012, according to the BLS, which equates to $49,010 per year. The top 10 percent, however, made more than $41.35 per hour. The minimum educational requirement for this job is typically a bachelor's degree in film or broadcasting. Employers may also prefer hiring those with one or more years of experience in videography, editing or camera work. Other essential requirements include attention to detail, creativity and hand-eye coordination and communication, visualization, customer-service and computer skills.
Federal Government Pays the Most
In 2012, videographers earned the highest hourly wages working for the federal executive branch, the BLS reported -- $31.54 per hour. for instance, a videographer may tape public events at the White House or the State Department. Videographers employed by electronic shopping or mail order houses made $27.69 per hour, while those in the motion picture and video industry averaged $27.45. Radio and television broadcast companies paid their videographers an average of $18.82 per hour.
Earnings Are Highest In D.C.
Videographers earned the highest hourly wages of $33.82 in Washington, D.C., according to 2012 BLS data; those in California earned the second highest salaries of $33.21. Videographers in Maryland made $32.95 per hour, while they averaged $30.13 in Illinois. Employers in Georgia paid their videographers hourly wages of $27.07 per hour, while those in New York paid them $25.58. Videographers earned $17.36 in Texas and those in Montana earned the lowest average salaries, among the states listed, at $13.71 per hour.
Slow Job Growth
The BLS estimates a 3 percent increase in employment for film and video editors and camera operators, including videographers, from 2012 to 2022, which is slower than the 11 percent national rate for all occupations. The use of automatic camera systems used at television stations will reduce the need for camera operators. The popularity of new video delivery systems, such as cell phones and tablets, may increase the demand for videographers. Motion picture companies will need more videographers because of the growing use of special effects.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: What Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators Do
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: How to Become a Film and Video Editor or Camera Operator
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators: Job Outlook
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics: Camera Operators, Television Video, and Motion Picture
- O*NET OnLine: Summary Report for: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture
- NA/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images