Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators Pay Data UK — 2025

Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators roles in the UK earn a median of £33,403 per year, equivalent to £15.70 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 12.1% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £26,723 to £49,369 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators

Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators operate and assist with still, cine and television cameras, operate other equipment to record, manipulate and project sound and vision for entertainment, cultural, commercial and industrial purposes and operate drones to provide aerial video and photographs.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• selects subject and conceives composition of picture or discusses composition with colleagues
• arranges subject, lighting, camera equipment and any microphones
• inserts lenses and adjusts aperture and speed settings as necessary
• operates scanning equipment to transfer image to computer and manipulates image to achieve the desired effect
• photographs subject or follows action by moving camera
• takes, records and manipulates digital images and digital video footage
• controls transmission, broadcasting and satellite systems for television and radio programmes, identifies and solves related technical problems
• checks operation and positioning of projectors, vision and sound recording equipment, and mixing and dubbing equipment
• operates equipment to record, edit and play back films and television programmes
• manages health and safety issues
• operates sound mixing and dubbing equipment to obtain desired mix, level and balance of sound
• maintains, repairs, programs and operates unmanned aircraft to provide aerial photographs and video

Entry Routes and Qualifications

There are no set academic requirements although entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades, A levels/H grades and are able to demonstrate proof of pre- entry work experience. A variety of diplomas, degrees and postgraduate qualifications are available. Vocational qualifications in Photography are available at levels 1,2 and 3.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.