Second Assistant Camera (Clapper Loader)

Also called: 2nd AC, Clapper Loader

Snaps the slate (clapperboard) before each take, keeps camera logs, and manages batteries, cards, and gear.

A day in the life

The 2nd AC claps the slate dozens of times a day, writes scene and take numbers, lays down marks for actors, and swaps camera cards. They keep the camera department organized so the 1st AC can focus.

Pay over a career

Starting
$38k
Typical
$54k
High
$90k

Approximate; depends heavily on weeks worked per year.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Starts as a camera trainee or utility; ICG Local 600 training path.

Ways in: On-the-job training, Apprenticeship. Training cost: Get paid while you train.

Majors to look at: Cinematography, Film Production.

Outlook

Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). Tracks camera operator demand.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Digital slates and auto-logging help, but loading gear, marking actors and caring for cameras on set stays hands-on.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Photography, Film/video production CTE, Physical education, Shop class.

Official data: O*NET occupation 27-4031.

More Film & Television Production careers

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.