SOC 3417 Culture, media and sports occupations

Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators Salary

Median salary £30,396 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £30,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators, £32,643 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -16% versus the national average. Experienced photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators (top 25%) earn over £36,213.

About this role

Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators capture images, operate cameras, manage sound equipment and control broadcasting technology for television, film, radio, events and commercial photography.

Key responsibilities

Capturing photographs or video footage
Operating cameras, lighting and audio equipment
Setting up and managing broadcasting or AV systems
Editing and post-processing visual content
Working with directors, producers and clients on creative briefs

Qualifications and entry routes

Many hold degrees in photography, film production, media technology or related fields. Professional body membership (RPS, BIPP for photography; BECTU for broadcast) is recognised. Portfolio and showreel are critical.

Career outlook

Technology democratisation has increased competition. Specialist skills in live broadcasting, drone photography and virtual production are in demand.

Key skills

Camera operation Lighting techniques Audio engineering Post-production editing Creative composition

Common industries

Broadcasting
Film production
Commercial photography
Events and conferences
News media

Data coverage

SOC code 3417

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 21,000

Median Salary

£30,396

Mean Salary

£35,229

Jobs (000s)

21k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £23,931Median: £30,396P75: £36,213

P10: --P25: £24kMedian: £30kP75: £36kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£23,931

0-2 years

Mid Level

£23,931

3-7 years

Senior

£36,213

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +51% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +30.8%Real growth: -5.3%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 3.9%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£30,396

Full-time Only

£32,643

Full-time premium: +£2,247

Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators salary: common questions

How much do photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators earn in the UK?

Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators earn a median of £32,643 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £23,931 and £36,213.

Is £32,643 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators?

Entry-level photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £23,931, though this varies by employer and region.

Have photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators pay has risen from £25,226 to £32,643 — +29% in cash terms, or -6.0% after CPIH inflation. That is behind inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators?

Male photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators earn a median £30,654 and female photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators £29,450 — a gap of +4.0% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).