Film & TV Professional Career & Average Salary

Those who want to work in the film and TV industry have a lot of competition to face but also a lot of choice. From video production to directing to acting to set design to costume and wardrobe design to broadcast journalism, the entertainment industry needs talented, creative professionals at all levels. Cameramen, digital and video editors, music editors and even animators are highly trained professionals who have a good academic background in multimedia, art, design, broadcasting and film. As a film and TV professional, your exact job description will depend on your particular niche within the industry, but all need to have excellent communication skills and possess the ability to create messages by utilizing a variety of different materials and media. These professionals work in all kinds of environments, including on location, on pre-designed film sets, in editing studios and more. Competition is highest for large-scale projects, but small scale, low-budget projects need film and TV professionals too. The bulk of these jobs are available in California and New York, but gifted film and TV professionals can find art and design hubs in smaller U.S. cities and around the world.

Film and TV professionals go to school to learn techniques and concepts like lighting, space, storytelling, directing, digital production, Internet video, video production, acting and even animation. Depending on your goals, you may want to enroll in an associate’s degree program or a bachelor’s or even master’s degree program. Film schools offer the best resources and connections for students who want to gain a lot of hands-on experience through internships, studio time and school-sponsored projects and festivals. Success in the film and TV industries largely depends on your talent and your contacts, but going to school can be valuable for developing each.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that film and TV cameramen and editors will find that jobs are increasing at an average rate over the next several years. The median 50% of camera operators earned between $26,930 and $59,440 in 2006. Those who work in broadcast television may earn less, while those who work in movies and video production typically earn more. Film and video editors earned between $30,610 and $74,650 during the same time.

Top Online Programs

University of Phoenix
A.A. in Information Technology
B.S. in Web Development
B.S. in Communications
University of PhoenixAssociate's & Bachelor's Degree – The University of Phoenix prepares students for the rapidly evolving multi-million dollar industry of World Wide Web designing and interactive media. The programs offered at the institute teaches students everything from developing their skills in drawing and design to learning programming and scripting techniques.
University of Phoenix
American InterContinental University
B.F.A. in Web Design
A.A.B.A. in Visual Communications
B.F.A. in Digital Design
American InterContinental UniversityAssociate's & Bachelor's Degree – For those interested in the exciting career of web design, American InterContinental Universitye will help them prepare with their staff of knowledgeable and skilled professionals who have had prior experience working in the web design industry. The program is a great choice for those seeking to pursue a career in web design, web development, graphic design, graphic art, or web publications designer.
American InterContinental University
Kaplan University
B.S. in Web Development
B.S. in Communication
A.A.S. in Information Technology
Kaplan UniversityAssociate's & Bachelor's Degree - Kaplan University offers a web design degree that could be completed in as few as 12 months. This allows students to earn their degree at an accelerated pace and be on their way to advancing in their career in web design.
Kaplan University
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
B.S. in Web Design
A.S. in Web Design
Diploma in Web Design
The Art Institute of PittsburghAssociate's & Bachelor's Degree - The Art Institute of Pittsburgh provides students with the opportunity to learn the latest software and programming applications to compete in the highly competitive, yet rewarding, web design industry. They place special emphasis on the practical application of web development skills and how to effectively use them for organizations.
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Ashford University
B.A. in Visual Communications
B.A. in Art
B.A. in Art History
Ashford UniversityBachelor's Degree - Dedicated to helping intellectual, professional, and creative individuals, Ashford University offers one of the best web design degrees online. Their web design courses are very convenient and achieveablefor students who have restricting schedules.
Ashford University
DeVry University
A.S. in Web Graphic Design
B.C.I.S. in Web Development
B.C.I.S. in Web Game Programming
DeVry UniversityAssociate's & Bachelor's Degree – DeVry University has helped thousands of students apply practical skills to produce high-quality graphics and develop many types of graphic media. They are ideal for many students because of their affordable and convenient programs available online.
DeVry University
International Academy of Design & Technology
A.S. in Web Design
B.F.A. in Graphic Design
B.A. in Fashion Merchandising
International Academy of Design & TechnologyAssociate's & Bachelor's Degree - Since 1977, the International Academy of Design and Technology Online has helped thousands of students prepare for a career in which their creativity and talents are respected and valued. Their affordable courses allow individuals with a passion for web design to advance in their career.
International Academy of Design & Technology
Westwood College
B.S. in Web Design & Multimedia
B.S. in Visual Communications
A.S. in Graphic Design & Multimedia
Westwood CollegeAssociate's & Bachelor's Degree – Westwood College's programs consists of courses in design theory, web design, imaging and advanced web technology to help students build valuable portfolios for potential employers. They offer their programs completely online, allowing flexibility for working individuals or individuals with other time contraints.
Westwood College