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Freelance Camera Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

You'll be behind the camera and in the timeline: documentary customer stories shot on job sites and ... You'll shoot and cut most of the work yourself, with freelance support on the productions that need ...

Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$50 - $57/hr

... based freelance AR/VR ELC Director. The ideal candidate is a great communicator, has current ... jib camera following along as you trigger augmented reality objects to help enhance the ...

Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$50 - $57/hr

... based freelance AR/VR ELC Director. The ideal candidate is a great communicator, has current ... jib camera following along as you trigger augmented reality objects to help enhance the ...

Showing results 21-24

Freelance Camera Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$61

How much do freelance camera operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance camera operator in California is $27.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $30.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance camera operator?

To thrive as a Freelance Camera Operator, you need strong expertise in camera operation, framing, exposure control, and a solid grasp of visual storytelling, often supported by formal training or on-the-job experience. Familiarity with industry-standard cameras, stabilizers, lighting equipment, and editing software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro is essential, and some projects may require certification in drone operation or safety protocols. Excellent communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate with directors and crews while managing dynamic set environments. These skills ensure you can consistently deliver high-quality footage, meet client expectations, and successfully navigate the fast-paced demands of freelance assignments.

What are some common challenges freelance camera operators face, and how can they overcome them?

Freelance Camera Operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable work schedules, fluctuating client demands, and the need to adapt quickly to different shooting environments. Building a robust professional network, staying updated on the latest technologies, and maintaining a diverse portfolio can help secure new projects and stand out in a competitive market. Organization and self-marketing are key, as managing your own bookings, contracts, and equipment maintenance is part of the freelance lifestyle. Keeping flexible and being proactive in communication will help you deliver quality work and foster strong client relationships.

What is a freelance camera operator?

A Freelance Camera Operator is a self-employed professional who operates cameras for various productions, such as films, TV shows, news broadcasts, live events, and corporate videos. They work on a project-by-project basis, collaborating with directors, producers, and other crew members to capture high-quality visuals. Responsibilities include setting up camera equipment, adjusting shots for lighting and composition, and ensuring smooth footage. Since they work independently, they must network, manage clients, and maintain their equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Camera Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Camera Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Camera Operator jobs in California? For Freelance Camera Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Camera Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Camera Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Camera Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,816 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Lead Video Producer

Samsara

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Who we are
Samsara (NYSE: IOT) is the pioneer of the Connected Operations™ Cloud, which is a platform that enables organizations that depend on physical operations to harness Internet of Things (IoT) data to develop actionable insights and improve their operations. At Samsara, we are helping improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of the physical operations that power our global economy. Representing more than 40% of global GDP, these industries are the infrastructure of our planet, including agriculture, construction, field services, transportation, and manufacturing - and we are excited to help digitally transform their operations at scale.
Working at Samsara means you'll help define the future of physical operations and be on a team that's shaping an exciting array of product solutions, including Video-Based Safety, Vehicle Telematics, Apps and Driver Workflows, and Equipment Monitoring. As part of a recently public company, you'll have the autonomy and support to make an impact as we build for the long term.
About the role
Samsara's Brand & Creative team is a tight-knit collective spanning brand, communication, digital, film/video, motion graphics, and photography. We operate as an internal agency, and we move fast.
We're looking for a cinematographer/DP + video editor who owns a story from pre- to post-production. You'll be behind the camera and in the timeline: documentary customer stories shot on job sites and out in the field with operators, product films that make complex technology clear, and brand work with real emotional weight.
We're a small and mighty team, so this is a hands-on role. You'll shoot and cut most of the work yourself, with freelance support on the productions that need it.
This is a hybrid role based in San Francisco. We're open to candidates within 90 minutes of our SF headquarters.
You should apply if
  • You want to impact the industries that run our world. Your work will tell the stories of the people who keep the world's operations moving.
  • You're the architect of your own career. You'll have the autonomy to lead major initiatives and define the future of video at Samsara.
  • You're energized by our opportunity. You'll use film to make complex technology clear for a global audience.
  • You want to be with the best. You'll work alongside a team of top-tier creatives: filmmakers, designers, and storytellers.

In this role, you will
  • Shoot and edit world-class films across marketing, sales, product, customer, recruiting, and corporate communications
  • Lead productions end to end, and solve ambiguous problems that carry real weight across multiple teams
  • Shape narrative, pacing, and visual direction from the earliest stage of a brief, not just at execution
  • Manage color, sound mix, finishing, and delivery across formats and channels, including social and vertical cutdowns
  • Influence the broader direction of Samsara's visual media and contribute to our creative strategy
  • Dig into what's slowing our productions down, find the root cause, and define how we fix it
  • Bring multiple teams into alignment on complex video initiatives, building consensus across organizational lines
  • Pitch new visual concepts that push our creative work forward
  • Build realistic timelines and communicate clearly through review cycles and final delivery
  • Source and manage freelance support as needed
  • Partner with Motion Design so live action and motion feel like one brand
  • Own media management across productions: backups, archive, and shared storage
  • Own equipment inventory and make the case for what we need next, in line with budget
  • Be a steward of the Samsara brand on every production

Minimum requirements
  • 8+ years of experience in video production and strategy
  • A portfolio URL, with a description of your specific role in each production
  • Advanced skill in crafting visual story, particularly micro- to medium-form documentary
  • Proven experience leading large-scale, cross-functional video projects from concept to delivery
  • Firm knowledge of pre- and post-production workflows at 4K and above
  • Advanced knowledge of Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Media Encoder; intermediate in After Effects
  • Knowledge and expertise with the best and latest cameras, lights, audio, and A/V gear on the market
  • Deep understanding of video and audio codecs, resolutions, frame rates, bitrates, and file formats
  • Excellent communication and writing skills
  • Bachelor's degree at minimum
  • Based within 90 minutes of our San Francisco headquarters, and able to travel up to 35%

An ideal candidate also has
  • Established subject matter expertise in evolving video technology, including AI-enhanced production tools
  • A track record of delivering on-brand work against tight deadlines, at a high standard, on or ahead of date
  • Comfort moving between several projects at once in a fast-paced environment, without losing the plot or the tone
  • Experience working independently and with third-party production vendors and agencies
  • A real passion for music, design, art, film, and where motion and technology are heading

The range of annual base salary for full-time employees for this position is below. Please note that base pay offered may vary depending on factors including your city of residence, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This role is also eligible for an initial RSU grant with no vesting cliff, and ongoing refresh opportunities tied to performance, subject to plan terms and conditions. Learn more about our total rewards and benefits below.
Annual Base Salary
$151,300-$178,000 USD
Total Rewards
At Samsara, we build for the people who keep the global economy moving. We want owners, not passengers, which is why our rewards are designed to fuel high-impact builders. Our compensation program delivers above-market total compensation through a combination of base salary, performance-based bonus/variable pay, and equity (for eligible roles) in a high-growth public company. We meaningfully differentiate pay for our top performers, who have the opportunity to earn above-market compensation that can outpace the broader market over time.
Beyond compensation, we provide the foundations that enable long-term success: a flexible, employee-led remote model, a professional development stipend, comprehensive health and parental leave plans, and more. If you're ready to build for the long term and own the outcome, your journey starts here.
Flexible Working
At Samsara, we embrace a flexible working model that caters to the diverse needs of our teams. Our offices are open for those who prefer to work in-person and we also support remote work where it aligns with our operational requirements. For certain positions, being close to one of our offices or within a specific geographic area is important to facilitate collaboration, access to resources, or alignment with our service regions. In these cases, the job description will clearly indicate any working location requirements. Our goal is to ensure that all members of our team can contribute effectively, whether they are working on-site, in a hybrid model, or fully remotely. All offers of employment are contingent upon an individual's ability to secure and maintain the legal right to work at the company and in the specified work location, if applicable.
Belonging at Samsara
At Samsara, we welcome everyone regardless of their background. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, and other characteristics protected by law. We depend on the unique approaches of our team members to help us solve complex problems and want to ensure that Samsara is a place where people from all backgrounds can make an impact.
Accommodations
Samsara is an inclusive work environment, and we are committed to ensuring equal opportunity in employment for qualified persons with disabilities. Please email accessibleinterviewing@samsara.com or click here if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruiting process.
Our Commitment to Authenticity
We use Tofu, a fraud detection tool, to validate the authenticity of applications and protect against identity fraud. This ensures we are connecting with real people and allows us to prioritize genuine candidates. Please see Samsara's Candidate Privacy Notice for more information.
Fraudulent Employment Offers
Samsara is aware of scams involving fake job interviews and offers. Please know we do not charge fees to applicants at any stage of the hiring process. Official communication about your application will only come from emails ending in @samsara.com, @us-greenhouse-mail.io or @mail3.guide.co. For more information regarding fraudulent employment offers, please visit our blog post here.