Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary in Tennessee
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in Tennessee earn a median of $57,030 a year ($27.42 an hour), based on BLS data for 460 workers.
Pay ranges from $40,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $131,050 for the top 10%. That is 24% lower than the national median of $74,990. Tennessee ranks 26th of 46 states for camera operators, television, video, and film pay. There are 0.14 camera operators, television, video, and film per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $67,350, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for camera operators, television, video, and film in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,440 | $19.44 |
| 25th percentile | $50,180 | $24.12 |
| Median | $57,030 | $27.42 |
| 75th percentile | $65,190 | $31.34 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $131,050 | $63.01 |
| Average (mean) | $67,350 | $32.38 |
Half of camera operators, television, video, and film earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,752.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,376.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,193.46 |
| Weekly | $1,096.73 |
| Hourly | $27.42 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $57,030 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary in cities in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $60,800 | 250 |
| Knoxville, TN | $53,180 | 70 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $48,680 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for camera operators, television, video, and film
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $106,900 |
| Illinois | $100,170 |
| District of Columbia | $98,300 |
| New York | $93,410 |
| Georgia | $85,050 |
| Alaska | $83,620 |
| Colorado | $74,990 |
| Utah | $73,450 |
| Arizona | $68,250 |
| Maryland | $65,870 |
See Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film pay in every state.
Related jobs in Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $49,970 | $24.02 |
| Photographer | $37,950 | $18.25 |
| Film and Video Editors | $57,880 | $27.83 |
| Sound Engineering Technician | $60,500 | $29.09 |
| Broadcast Technician | $47,340 | $22.76 |
| Lighting Technician | $60,870 | $29.27 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $42,370 | $20.37 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $37,780 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,500 | $16.59 |
| Graphic Designer | $57,270 | $27.54 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $60,900 | $29.28 |
| Producers and Directors | $73,020 | $35.11 |
| Interior Designer | $63,660 | $30.61 |
| Editor | $59,550 | $28.63 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-4031. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a camera operators, television, video, and film make in Tennessee?
The median salary for camera operators, television, video, and film in Tennessee is $57,030 a year, or $27.42 an hour. Pay ranges from $40,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $131,050 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid camera operators, television, video, and film make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of camera operators, television, video, and film in Tennessee earn at least $131,050 a year. The top 25% earn $65,190 or more.
What is the starting pay for camera operators, television, video, and film in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $40,440 a year, and a quarter of camera operators, television, video, and film earn $50,180 or less.
How many camera operators, television, video, and film work in Tennessee?
About 460 camera operators, television, video, and film are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.