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Freelance Camera Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Camera Operator information

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$13

$27

$60

How much do freelance camera operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance camera operator in Illinois is $27.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Camera Operator jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Camera Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Camera Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Freelance Camera Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Camera Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Camera Operator jobs in Illinois are:

Freelance Camera Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Camera Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,769 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Manager, Control Room Engineering | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

AEG

Evanston, IL • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.
Overview
The Manager, Control Room Engineering serves as the lead engineer and primary technical point of contact for the in-venue broadcast control rooms at New Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena. Reporting to the Director of Venue Technology, this position is responsible for maintaining, testing, troubleshooting, and supporting the video, audio, replay, graphics, routing, intercom, and related systems used for live event production. This is a hands-on role for an experienced broadcast professional who understands live production workflows and can troubleshoot technical issues in real time. The position works closely with game presentation staff, IT personnel, television networks, mobile production units, outside production crews, vendors, integrators, and Northwestern University partners to ensure all systems are properly integrated, reliable, and event-ready. The successful candidate will combine technical expertise with a customer-service mindset, creatively solving production and operational challenges while identifying ways venue technology can enhance the guest experience, support partners, and generate revenue.
This role pays a yearly salary of $70,000 - $80,000.
Benefits for Full-Time role: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).
This position will remain open until November 13, 2026.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as the lead engineer and primary technical contact for in-venue broadcast control rooms and production systems.
  • Maintain, configure, test, and troubleshoot video switchers, replay systems, graphics platforms, routing systems, cameras, audio systems, intercom, KVM, and related infrastructure.
  • Ensure all control-room equipment, production endpoints, and signal paths are fully operational and event-ready.
  • Work with game presentation staff to prepare, test, and confirm all in-venue video, graphics, replay, audio, and show-control elements before each event.
  • Interface with television trucks, network engineering teams, and outside production crews to coordinate camera and program feed exchanges, communications, routing, timing, fiber connectivity, and system integration.
  • Work closely with IT staff to ensure reliable network connectivity for broadcast systems, AV-over-IP environments, control platforms, IPTV, and other connected venue technologies.
  • Provide event-day engineering support for football, basketball, concerts, and other live events.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues in real time while communicating clearly with directors, producers, operators, truck engineers, and venue leadership.
  • Partner with sales, sponsorship, premium, event, and production teams to develop practical technical solutions that support client needs, sponsorship activations, special events, and revenue-generating opportunities.
  • Approach requests with a customer-service mindset, balancing technical standards and system reliability with creative, solutions-oriented execution.
  • Perform preventive maintenance, system testing, software updates, equipment replacement, and routine control-room inspections.
  • Manage video and audio signal routing between control rooms, venue systems, field locations, press areas, loading docks, broadcast compounds, and mobile production units.
  • Participate in event advances and identify technical requirements, potential conflicts, backup plans, and required system configurations.
  • Develop and test redundancy plans for critical production systems and signal paths.
  • Maintain system documentation, signal-flow drawings, equipment inventories, software records, configuration files, and troubleshooting procedures.
  • Coordinate repairs, upgrades, warranty support, and service calls with manufacturers, integrators, and third-party vendors.
  • Exercise sound judgment in determining when issues can be resolved internally and when timely escalation to outside support is required.
  • Train and support full-time, part-time, freelance, and student production personnel on proper equipment operation.
  • Assist with capital projects, control-room upgrades, system commissioning, and acceptance testing.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in broadcast engineering, media production, information technology, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.
  • 3-5 years of experience in professional or power collegiate sports as a technical director, broadcast engineer, replay operator, graphics operator, or other technical broadcast professional.
  • Experience supporting live sports, concerts, entertainment, or large-scale event production is highly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of broadcast video and audio signal flow, synchronization, routing, monitoring, fiber transport, and IP-based production systems.
  • Additional knowledge of Netgear AV over IP, Dante, AES67, Adder KVM, Riedel intercom and Bolero wireless, Shure wireless microphones, and Yamaha or Allen & Heath audio consoles is preferred.
  • Ability to methodically troubleshoot complex issues across video, audio, networking, software, control, and physical infrastructure.
  • Experience coordinating technical integration and signal exchange with television trucks or outside production companies is preferred.
  • Strong communication, documentation, organization, and project-management skills.
  • A "fans first" customer-service mindset with the creativity and business awareness to turn technical capabilities into improved client service, sponsorship execution, special-event support, and revenue opportunities.
  • Ability to remain calm, collaborative, and decisive during live events and other time-sensitive situations.
  • AVIXA, PMP, manufacturer training, or other applicable technical certifications are a plus.

Strong working knowledge of all the following, with advanced expertise in at least one:
  • Grass Valley K-Frame production switchers
  • Ross Carbonite production switchers
  • Evertz routing systems and Magnum control
  • Ross Ultrix routing and DashBoard control
  • Evertz DreamCatcher replay systems
  • Ross XPression and XPression Tessera

Working Conditions
  • Must be able to work on-site. This position is 100% on-site and requires regular work in control rooms, equipment rooms, production areas, seating bowls, loading docks, broadcast compounds, and other venue spaces.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, event days, and extended hours.
  • Ability to respond to urgent technical issues outside normal business hours when required.
  • Ability to walk and stand for extended periods, climb stairs and ladders, work around equipment racks, and lift or carry heavy equipment.
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About AEG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992

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