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Camera Operator, Director of Photography, Motion Picture Camera Operator, Videographer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Cinematographers use lighting, lens selection, filtration, exposure, and focus to create a particular look. They may work on motion picture film stock, videotape, or digital files. Standard and high-definition video and film are used as original media for documentaries, national commercials, feature films, movies of the week, and television series.
A cinematographer’s primary responsibility is to define an appropriate look and determine how best to achieve it. Cinematographers must rely on their knowledge and experience to anticipate the effect production decisions will have on the final image.
In general, cinematographers may be expected to:
Depending on the size and scope of the project, cinematographers may also operate and set up camera and lighting equipment themselves. When working as directors of photography on big-budget, dramatic feature films or television projects, cinematographers:
Cinematographers experience a variety of working conditions. These may depend on the type of production (for example, documentary or television series) and where a film is being shot. They may work on location in all kinds of weather or indoors on a sound stage.
Hours of work vary greatly. For example, cinematographers may have to photograph dawn over the foothills or twilight on a mountain lake. Those employed in motion pictures may work long hours (12-hour days or more) with short deadlines. Travel is often required.
The work can be stressful when last-minute changes are required or when people have conflicting expectations.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Directors of photography
2023 OaSIS: 51120.07
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Cinematographers need:
They should enjoy directing and coordinating camera and lighting work, finding innovative ways to do things, working with equipment, collaborating with others, and leading teams.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 57 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 04, 2022 and Oct 15, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Co-ordinate and direct the photography of production | 30 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Determine lighting, lenses, camera angles and backgrounds | 28 |
| Tasks: Supervise staff or team | 28 |
| Tasks: Plan, organize and direct the artistic aspects of production | 27 |
| Attention to detail | 26 |
| Work under pressure | 24 |
| Type of Media: Film | 24 |
| Type of Media: Video | 23 |
| Postproduction direction | 21 |
| Tasks: Oversee the design of sets, costumes, furnishings and props | 20 |
Cinematographers need a solid grounding in both the theoretical and technical aspects of the work. It is still possible to enter the field by gaining practical experience. For example, an individual may work as a videographer or as a part of the camera department within sectors such as film and television. However, advancing through this path can take many years.
There are no post-secondary programs specifically in cinematography currently offered in Alberta.
The Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) and the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) offer courses in cinematography on an as-needed basis. Post-secondary schools also may offer related continuing education courses.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
For those seeking certification as a director of photography, the requirements and application information can be found on the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG 669) website.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most cinematographers are self-employed artists who work on a contract basis for:
To gain experience, aspiring cinematographers may work as lighting or grip technicians, camera assistants, or camera operators. Or they may volunteer on independent film or video productions or with local cable production companies. With experience, they may find work as camera assistants for established cinematographers. The Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) and the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) serve as resource centres for inexperienced cinematographers who wish to gain experience by volunteering for film projects.
Large production houses such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the National Film Board (NFB) have a few full-time cinematographers on staff. Most often, though, they contract work out to freelance cinematographers.
For those on contract, work may be erratic depending on the needs of the market.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
2016 NOC: 5131
76.8% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Cinematographers’ incomes depend on their talent and experience. Freelance cinematographers negotiate contracts on a job-by-job basis. Incomes may vary considerably from person to person, and from year to year. For those working within a union such as the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) Local 669, wage guidelines are set out in the union agreement.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.60 | $46.15 | $29.68 | $28.21 |
| Overall | $19.47 | $50.48 | $34.40 | $33.75 |
| Top | $23.70 | $64.90 | $40.52 | $42.60 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $63,030 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $58,605 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $88,747 |
Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) website: www.csif.org
Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC) website: www.csc.ca
Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) website: fava.ca
International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) Local 669 website: icg669.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 17, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
