Military Photographers and Videographers
Military Career
General Information
Description
Military photographers and videographers have an important job in communicating and recording military activity. Photographers photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, and other subjects, using digital or film cameras and other equipment. Videographers use a variety of electronic media to record videos for television, internet, and film.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Photographers and videographers work both indoors and outdoors while photographing their subjects. They may take photos from aircraft or ships. They process photographs in photographic laboratories on bases or aboard ships.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Photographers and Videographers in the Military
472
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$49,026
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$25,775 - $150,128
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Some college 27%
-
High school 18%
-
Bachelor's degree 13%
-
Associate's degree 13%
-
Post-secondary certificate 13%
-
Less than high school 9%
-
Post baccalaureate 4%
-
Master's degree 0%
-
Doctoral degree 0%
-
Post-doctoral training 0%
-
Post-master's certificate 0%
-
First professional degree 0%
Military training
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Photographers and videographers in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, including practice in taking and developing photographs, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include: Photographic processing and reproductionPrinciples of photojournalismOperation and maintenance of photographic equipmentMotion picture equipment operationAudio recording and using sound equipmentScripting and special effects techniques
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Sales and Marketing
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program