A cameraman is responsible for the visual aspects of a film or television production, from the planning and setup of the camera to the actual shooting, the cameraman controls how the story is told visually, working closely with directors and other creatives to achieve the desired mood and style of the project.
In Germany, a cameraman earns an average of about 2.822 € per month. Salaries vary between 2.373 € and 4.090 € per month, depending on factors such as work experience and location. The starting salary is typically between 2.000 € and 2.300 € per month. With over 40 years of work experience, a cameraman can earn up to 4.701 € per month. In larger companies, salaries of up to 5.001 € per month are possible. Regional differences show that the average salary in Hamburg is about 2.852 and in Bavaria up to 3.68 € per month.
Many cameramen have attended a film school or a technical school for cameras. Practical experience through internships or assistant positions is also important to learn the necessary skills and build a network in the industry.
With enough experience, you can become a chief cameraman or specialize in specific areas such as documentaries, advertising, or feature films. Many cameramen also choose to realize their own projects or work as directors, which opens up new creative opportunities.
