Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Salary in Illinois (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in Illinois, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Illinois Median
$100,170
per year
Hourly Rate
$48.16
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+34% vs US median
US median $74,990
State Rank
#2 of 46
1,060 employed here

How much do Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film make in Illinois?

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film working in Illinois earn a median salary of $100,170 per year, or about $48.16 per hour. That is 34% above the national median of $74,990 for this occupation.

Within Illinois, entry-level pay starts around $38,840 while the top 10% make $133,940 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $69,900 and $126,860 a year.

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary range in Illinois

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$38,840$18.67
25th percentile (early career)$69,900$33.61
50th percentile (median)$100,170$48.16
75th percentile (experienced)$126,860$60.99
90th percentile (top earners)$133,940$64.39

How Illinois compares

Illinois ranks 2nd out of 46 states and territories for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1California$106,900
2Illinois$100,170
3District of Columbia$98,300
4New York$93,410
5Georgia$85,050

Working as Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in Illinois

Nationally, about 22,000 people work as Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Illinois pay ($100,170) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film make in Illinois?
The median Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary in Illinois is $100,170 per year, or about $48.16 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $38,840 at the entry level to $133,940 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Illinois pay compare to the national average?
Illinois pays Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film about 34% more than the national median of $74,990. Illinois ranks 2nd out of 46 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Illinois a good state for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film?
Yes on pay — Illinois pays above the national median for this occupation, at $100,170 a year. About 1,060 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film are employed in Illinois. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Illinois?
The highest-paying occupations in Illinois include Cardiologist ($517,850), Surgeon, All Other ($438,010), Dermatologist ($435,750), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary report

Related salaries

Interior Designer

$67,190
median pay · 72,000 employed

Choreographer

$55,310
median pay · 3,000 employed

Film and Video Editors

$75,420
median pay · 26,000 employed

Commercial and Industrial Designers

$83,910
median pay · 33,000 employed

Fashion Designer

$80,960
median pay · 21,000 employed

Graphic Designer

$62,960
median pay · 198,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.