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Freelance Camera Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aquent

Photo Production Equipment Lead

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$42 - $46.67/hr

Lead a daily shift of 3-4 crew members while managing and scheduling a broader roster of ~30 freelancers and staff (Grips, Gaffers, Stagehands, Camera Operators, and Setup Staff). * Assess crew skill ...

New

BarkleyOKRP

Senior Producer

Kansas City, MO · On-site

... and camera operators. This is a working leader role: someone who manages a direct report and ... Staff and manage freelance crews, editors, and vendors appropriate to the scale of each job - right ...

BarkleyOKRP

Senior Producer

Kansas City, MO · On-site

... and camera operators. This is a working leader role: someone who manages a direct report and ... Staff and manage freelance crews, editors, and vendors appropriate to the scale of each job - right ...

Socure

Senior Video Storyteller

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

... camera. * Experience building or operating distributed/remote capture models, and managing vendors, partners, and freelance talent. * Producer-grade instincts for budgeting, scheduling, and on-set ...

cosm

Broadcast Operations Manager

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

This role will be partnered with league contacts, arena personnel, freelance technicians, and ... Experience configuring, operating, and troubleshooting broadcast camera systems * Ability to ...

cosm

Broadcast Operations Manager

Pittsburgh, PA

This role will be partnered with league contacts, arena personnel, freelance technicians, and ... Experience configuring, operating, and troubleshooting broadcast camera systems * Ability to ...

cosm

Broadcast Operations Manager

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

This role will be partnered with league contacts, arena personnel, freelance technicians, and ... Experience configuring, operating, and troubleshooting broadcast camera systems * Ability to ...

Condé Nast

Commerce Editor, Allure

New York, NY

$80K - $94K/yr

Headquartered in New York City, the company's owned and operated markets include China, France ... Manage a roster of freelancers, inclusive of pay scales, keeping all deadlines on track, and ...

Condé Nast

Commerce Editor, Allure

New York, NY · On-site

$80K - $94K/yr

Headquartered in New York City, the company's owned and operated markets include China, France ... Manage a roster of freelancers, inclusive of pay scales, keeping all deadlines on track, and ...

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Freelance Camera Operator information

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$13

$28

$62

How much do freelance camera operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance 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 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.

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Freelance Camera Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Camera Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,583 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Central Florida Call for Freelance Theatre Technicians 2026

Significant Productions, Inc

The Villages, FL

$35 - $50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Seeking experienced freelancers for show-by-show gigs. Schedule varies with events.

Located in The Villages in central Florida, Significant Productions is seeking freelance technicians for additional hands as needed at both our touring house, The Sharon L Morse PAC and our production house, The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol.

Freelancers will be paid as 1099 contractors. See below for specific positions. Hourly rate based on experience.

Carpenter/Deckhand : $22 - $27/hr

  • Familiar with the use and safety practices of power tools
  • Able to lift 50 pounds
  • Familiar with the installation of Scenic, Lighting and Audio equipment
  • Installing Flats and Platforms using power tools
  • Hanging Soft Goods.
  • Hanging and cabling of lighting fixtures both traditional and intelligent lighting fixtures
  • Hanging and cabling of Audio speakers, mics, digital snakes, cameras
  • Comfortable with working at heights up to 16' using ladders and scaffolding
  • Loading and Unloading Trucks
  • Install and or Strike of Audience Platforming and seating.
  • Able to transport self between 2 locations during a work call

L3 - Lighting Hand: $22 - $27/hr

  • Familiarity with entertainment lighting systems
  • Ability to hang, and cable conventional and intelligent lights.
  • Ability to focus conventional lights.
  • Ability to work at heights of up to 60'
  • Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding and operate vertical mast lifts.
  • Able to lift 50 lbs.
  • Able to read and interpret lighting hang plots.
  • Basic to intermediate reading and math skills.

 L2 - Spot Operator : $25 -$30/hr

  • Ability to work at heights of 60'
  • Ability to climb ladders
  • Ability to steadily operate a followspot.

A2 - Audio Technician: $22 - $27/hr

  • Familiarity with audiovisual systems
  • Able to follow an audio patch sheet
  • Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding
  • Able to lift 50 lbs

A1 - Audio Engineer: $30-40/hr

  • Monitor Mixing Experience
  • Audio Engineering Experience
  • Yamaha CL5 and QL5
  • Able to mix vocals and live band up to 32 Channels
  • Confident and certified in Dante Level 1 required, Level 2 preferred.

Wardrobe Hand/ Stitcher: $25-30/hr

  • Hand and Machine Sewing
  • Laundry, Ironing, and steaming
  • Wig Maintenance and Hair/Makeup knowledge preferred
  • Able to lift 50 lbs

Dresser : $25-$30/hr

  • Ability to respectfully interact with guest artists
  • Ability to assist in quick changes
  • Hand-sewing skills
  • Able to lift 50 lbs

Rigger: $35-50/hr

  • Able to operate a boom lift
  • ETCP certified rigger
  • Work at heights of 60'

General Requirements:

  • Solid understanding of theatrical terminology and safety best practices.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in written and spoken English.
  • General ability to read stage plots, patch sheets, channel hookups, lighting plots, and other theatrical documentation.

Apply