Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $82,950 +20.5% vs national
Median hourly $39.88
10th percentile $29,120
90th percentile $126,700
Employed locally 680
National median $68,810

Compare Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary & buying power

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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,120
    25th
    $50,000
    50th (median)
    $82,950
    75th
    $102,630
    90th
    $126,700

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary vs area income 93% Median Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary is 7% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $103,930
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $102,310
    California $101,610
    District of Columbia $100,940
    Tucson, AZ $99,510
    Rochester, NY $98,020

    Nearby metros — Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $103,930
    Jacksonville, FL $96,950
    Illinois $82,950
    St. Louis, MO-IL $70,060
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $66,460
    Huntsville, AL $65,530

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $47,770
    Graphic Designers $62,490
    Public Relations Specialists $63,910
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $38,640
    Editors $71,600
    Producers and Directors $78,490

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in Chicago, IL-IN is $39.88, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $63.12 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salaries?

    The median Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 20.5% above the national median of $68,810. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in Chicago?

    Entry-level Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film (10th percentile) earn around $29,120 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $50,000.