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Aerial Camera Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Webforge

UAS Associate Pilot

Apply now. A Brief Summary of This Position Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) Pilots are ... Often, UAS Pilots work in conjunction with a camera operator and a visual observer (VO), and must ...

Ball Arena

SkyCam Operator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

SkyCam ® is a leading designer, manufacturer and operator of mobile aerial cameras systems. SkyCam ® plays a significant role in changing the way live sporting events are broadcast, including NFL ...

Vexcel

Aerial Sensor Operator

Frederick, MD · On-site

... cameras. In addition, the Vexcel Data Program brings world class imagery to internet-scale cloud ... an Aerial Sensor Operator to join our aerial data collection team. If you are curious about ...

Ball Arena

Engineer in Charge (EIC)

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

SkyCam ® is a leading designer, manufacturer, and operator of mobile aerial cameras systems. SkyCam ® plays a significant role in changing the way live sporting events are broadcast. If you are ...

9 Mothers

R&D Test Engineer, Senior

Austin, TX · On-site

$90 - $115/hr

... aerial targets) * Design test setups including camera positioning, field of view, working distance, and trigger architecture * Select operating parameters -- frame rate, resolution, exposure time ...

Socket.dev

Production Manager

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Located in Fort Worth, Texas, SkyCam ® is a leading designer, manufacturer, and worldwide operator of aerial camera systems. We play a significant role in changing the way live sporting and ...

New

Ball Arena

Production Manager

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Located in Fort Worth, Texas, SkyCam ® is a leading designer, manufacturer, and worldwide operator of aerial camera systems. We play a significant role in changing the way live sporting and ...

Ball Arena

SkyCam Pilot

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

SkyCam ® is a leading designer, manufacturer and operator of mobile aerial cameras systems. SkyCam ® plays a significant role in changing the way live sporting events are broadcast, including NFL ...

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment

SkyCam rigger

Fort Worth, TX

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

SkyCam ® is a leading designer, manufacturer and operator of mobile aerial cameras systems. SkyCam ® plays a significant role in changing the way live sporting events are broadcast, including NFL ...

Ball Arena

SkyCam rigger

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

SkyCam ® is a leading designer, manufacturer and operator of mobile aerial cameras systems. SkyCam ® plays a significant role in changing the way live sporting events are broadcast, including NFL ...

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Aerial Camera Operator information

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$13

$28

$62

How much do aerial camera operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial camera operator in the United States is $28.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aerial camera operator do?

An Aerial Camera Operator captures footage from aircraft such as helicopters, drones, or planes for film, television, news, or commercial projects. They use specialized camera equipment to get dynamic overhead shots, ensuring smooth and stable imagery. This role requires technical expertise, knowledge of aerial safety regulations, and collaboration with pilots and directors to achieve the best shots.

What does a typical workday look like for an aerial camera operator?

A typical workday for an Aerial Camera Operator often involves setting up and calibrating cameras, coordinating with directors and pilots on shot lists, and capturing footage from various aerial platforms such as drones or helicopters. Workdays can vary depending on the nature of the project, with some days spent outdoors on location shoots and others in studio settings reviewing captured footage. Collaboration with team members—including cinematographers, flight crew, and production staff—is frequent and essential for achieving the desired visual results. Operators may also need to perform basic equipment maintenance and ensure compliance with aviation safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial camera operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerial Camera Operator, you need expertise in operating camera equipment and familiarity with aerial platforms such as drones, helicopters, or cranes, often supported by relevant certifications like a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for drone work. Technical proficiency with camera stabilization systems, remote control technology, and video monitoring tools is typically essential. Strong spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set top candidates apart. These capabilities are crucial for capturing high-quality footage safely while coordinating closely with directors and flight crew in dynamic environments.

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Aerial Camera Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Camera Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,583 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Aerial Sensor System Operator

Sharper Shape

Red Bluff, CA • On-site

$35/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description


Aerial Sensor System Operator
Part-Time - Temporary
Sharper Shape, a leader in aerial remote sensing data collection and processing, is looking for adventurous and technically savvy people to operate a complex optical, LiDAR, and hyper-spectral sensor system on helicopters.
The successful candidate will have:
  • An iron constitution that isn't prone to motion sickness
  • Ability to operate complex computer software systems
  • Strong communication skills even in noisy and chaotic environments
  • Be willing to travel extensively
  • Bonus: Experience with LiDAR and high-end aerial camera systems

The Aerial Sensor System Operator will play a key role infield operations performing aerial data collection, sensor installations, pre-flight/post-flight inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, and data quality assurance. This is a field-based position requiring extensive travel by helicopter while simultaneously collecting ultra-high-resolution photographs, LiDAR and Hyperspectral data. This position will last for approximately 5 months with operations located primarily in California.
Responsibilities:
  • Perform daily flight planning for collection operations
  • Work in helicopters to capture aerial data around the electric utility grid
  • Operate a complex aerial multi-sensor system including EO, LiDAR and Hyperspectral sensors
  • Continuously monitor the system's performance and the quality of the data being collected
  • Manage large datasets and accurately transfer data assets from the sensor system to the post-processing team
  • Create daily reports to document the progress of flight operations
  • Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of the sensor system
  • Assist with uninstalling and re-installing the system as needed to accommodate the helicopter maintenance schedule
  • Consolidate, validate, and upload data collected

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Experience with Microsoft Office suite, Google Earth, and basic GPS analysis software
  • Strong computer skills and ability to manage massive data sets
  • Ability to quickly learn new hardware and software systems
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work well in a team environment
  • Demonstrated ability to think clearly and stay calm in highly stressful situations

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience working in and around helicopters as a Crew Chief, Pilot or Mechanic
  • Prior experience as an Airborne Sensor Operator
  • Experience working in and around busy flight lines
  • Experience operating ground or airborne LiDAR sensors
  • Knowledge of aerial survey technologies and aerial sensor systems, ideally as they relate to electric utility system inspections
  • Experience with maintaining, installing and troubleshooting airborne sensors

Physical Requirements:
  • Prolong periods of sitting in the back of a helicopter while looking at screens
  • Ability to work long days in extreme weather conditions, early mornings or late evenings
  • Able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time
  • Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required while working in and around aircraft

Anticipated project dates run August 1st through October 31st, subject to change. Position is hourly and eligible for overtime. The typical work week is anticipated to be 40 hours. Position pays $35 - $45 per hour, depending on experience. This position is not eligible for company provided benefits. Candidate must provide evidence of health insurance and Worker's Comp. Employment offers are subject to pre-employment background and drug screening.

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