Also called: 1st AC, Focus Puller
Keeps every shot sharp by adjusting focus in real time as actors and the camera move, often without looking through the lens.
The 1st AC measures distances with a tape and laser, marks the floor, then 'pulls focus' with a remote wheel during each take, judging distance by eye. They also build the camera each morning and swap lenses all day. A missed focus can ruin a perfect take, so the pressure is real.
Approximate, based on ICG Local 600 rates (~$60+/hr) and typical weeks worked.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. Usually starts as a camera trainee or 2nd AC; ICG Local 600 has a training path.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Apprenticeship, 2-year college. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Cinematography, Film Production.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). Tracks camera operator demand.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Better autofocus and lidar focus aids help, but pulling focus on moving actors still needs a skilled human eye and hands.
Classes: Photography, Physics (optics), Film/video production CTE, Math.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-4031.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.