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

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Dakota Median
$44,160
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.23
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-41% vs US median
US median $74,990
State Rank
#44 of 46
50 employed here

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

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in South Dakota take home a median of $44,160 annually — roughly $21.23 an hour — which runs 41% below the national median of $74,990.

Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $28,880 while the top 10% make $77,180 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,380 and $72,910 a year.

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary range in South Dakota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$28,880$13.88
25th percentile (early career)$39,380$18.93
50th percentile (median)$44,160$21.23
75th percentile (experienced)$72,910$35.05
90th percentile (top earners)$77,180$37.11

How South Dakota compares

South Dakota ranks 44th 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 South Dakota

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 South Dakota pay ($44,160) 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 South Dakota?
The median Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary in South Dakota is $44,160 per year, or about $21.23 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $28,880 at the entry level to $77,180 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film about 41% less than the national median of $74,990. South Dakota ranks 44th out of 46 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $44,160 a year. About 50 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film are employed in South Dakota. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in South Dakota include Radiologist ($586,010), Emergency Medicine Physician ($393,870), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($297,610), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

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

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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.