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Contract Camera Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Telematics Admin

Joliet, IL · On-site

$39.59 - $45.84/hr

This Long-term Contract position focuses on keeping fleet-connected tools operating reliably ... Provide day-to-day support for fleet technology such as telematics equipment, in-vehicle cameras ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Naperville, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Lake Forest, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Des Plaines, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Buffalo Grove, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Senior Commissioning Engineer

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Project & Contract Management Protect JLL's contractual position and ensure all work meets ... Experience as an operating engineer in data centers or mission-critical facilities * International ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Camera Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$29

$64

How much do contract camera operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract camera operator in Chicago, IL is $29.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $31.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract camera operators when working on multiple projects?

As a contract camera operator, you may encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to varying production styles, equipment setups, and team workflows across different projects. Balancing overlapping deadlines, managing equipment logistics, and rapidly building rapport with new directors or crew members are common aspects of the role. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential, as you’ll often need to shift between diverse environments and expectations while maintaining high-quality footage.

What is a contract camera operator?

Contract camera operators are professionals who are hired on a temporary or project basis to operate cameras for film, television, live events, or other video productions. Unlike staff camera operators, they work as freelancers or independent contractors and may work for multiple clients or production companies. Their responsibilities typically include setting up camera equipment, capturing footage according to the director’s vision, and ensuring high-quality visual output. Contract camera operators need to have technical expertise, creativity, and flexibility to adapt to different shooting environments. They often manage their own schedules and negotiate their own rates.

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

To thrive as a Contract Camera Operator, you need a solid understanding of camera equipment, composition, and lighting, often supported by experience or a relevant degree in film or media production. Familiarity with professional video cameras, stabilization rigs, editing software, and sometimes drone operation or live streaming platforms is important. Strong communication, adaptability, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills for collaborating on set and responding to fast-paced production needs. These skills ensure high-quality footage, efficient workflow, and successful delivery of the creative vision in diverse shooting environments.

What is the difference between Contract Camera Operator vs Freelance Camera Operator?

AspectContract Camera OperatorFreelance Camera Operator
CredentialsRelevant camera operation certifications, industry experienceSimilar credentials, often with additional portfolio requirements
Work EnvironmentTypically hired for specific projects or periods, often through agencies or production companiesSelf-employed, working on multiple projects for various clients
Employer/Industry UsageEngaged by production companies or broadcasters under contractHired directly by clients or production teams on a project basis

Both Contract Camera Operators and Freelance Camera Operators possess similar skills and credentials, often working in the same environments. The key difference lies in employment structure: Contract Camera Operators are usually hired through agencies or production companies for specific projects, while Freelance Camera Operators work independently, managing their own clients and schedules.

What are the most commonly searched types of Camera Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Camera Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Telematics Admin

Robert Half

Joliet, IL • On-site

$39.59 - $45.84/hr

Temporary

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

We are looking for a Telematics Admin to support critical onboard technology across a transportation environment in Joliet, Illinois. This Long-term Contract position focuses on keeping fleet-connected tools operating reliably, coordinating issue resolution, and helping field teams stay productive and safe. The ideal candidate brings a strong technical support background, communicates effectively with both internal stakeholders and external partners, and can manage device-related issues with a high level of ownership.
Responsibilities:
• Provide day-to-day support for fleet technology such as telematics equipment, in-vehicle cameras, tablets, and connectivity-related hardware.
• Act as the central point of coordination between field operations, IT teams, and third-party vendors to resolve technical issues efficiently.
• Investigate and troubleshoot escalated device and system problems, including more advanced support needs arising from the field.
• Monitor the health and performance of onboard technology and take corrective action to reduce operational disruption.
• Track incidents through service desk processes, maintain accurate support documentation, and ensure timely follow-up through resolution.
• Assist with setup, configuration, replacement, and ongoing maintenance of mobile and vehicle-based technology used in transportation operations.
• Escalate persistent or high-impact issues proactively while keeping stakeholders informed on progress and next steps.
• Support connected hardware and endpoint environments that may include Windows-based systems, mobile devices, and directory-managed user access.
• Contribute to reliable transportation operations by ensuring technology tools remain functional, accessible, and aligned with daily business needs.• 3-5 years of experience in IT support, desktop support, telematics, fleet technology, logistics, or transportation-focused environments.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve technical problems, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 support issues.
• Strong ability to work independently, take ownership of open issues, and drive problems through to completion.
• Effective communication skills with experience collaborating across end users, operations teams, IT groups, and external vendors.
• Solid organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills in a ticket-driven support environment.
• Hands-on familiarity with Windows operating systems, basic troubleshooting practices, and service desk ticket management.
• Experience with telematics platforms, dash cameras, tablets, mobile devices, or other network-connected hardware is preferred.
• Exposure to transportation or fleet solutions such as Samsara, Geotab, Zonar, Lytx, or similar platforms is a plus.

Robert Half logo

About Robert Half

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1948, Robert Half pioneered the idea of professional talent solutions to connect opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. As business needs changed, we evolved to offer specialized talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, creative and marketing, and legal fields. In 2002, we introduced our subsidiary, Protiviti, a global independent risk consulting and internal audit service, to support companies as they faced more strategic business challenges.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1948