Culture & Media

Video Assist Operator (VAO)

You capture film footage live as video and operate the required equipment.

Video Assist Operator (VAO)

01 · Overview

What this profession is about

You make sure film sets record video live and provide the right equipment for the director and crew.

On film sets, technology is the backbone of every shot. As Video Assist Operator (VAO), you ensure every image is recorded live as video. You install the necessary hardware, maintain technical standards, and enable the director and crew to check the footage immediately. Without you, important moments would be lost.

FieldCulture & Media
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryAudiovisual Media
Swissdoc 0.810.1.0

02 · Salary

What you can earn

MedianCHF 61'000
CHF 36'000CHF 93'000
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Media Designer. Based on 93 observations, updated 7 months ago.

Salary by experience

60k70k80kmedian 61k60k57k79k61k53k80k0-2 yrs3-5 yrs6-8 yrs9-11 yrs12-21 yrs21+ yrs
View as table
ExperienceSalary (CHF)
0-2 yrsCHF 60'250
3-5 yrsCHF 57'100
6-8 yrsCHF 78'750
9-11 yrsCHF 61'398
12-21 yrsCHF 53'125
21+ yrsCHF 79'800

Salary trend

+21% over decade
60k70k63k61k56k75k2014-20162017-20192020-20222023-2025
View as table
PeriodSalary (CHF)
2014-2016CHF 62'500
2017-2019CHF 60'500
2020-2022CHF 56'296
2023-2025CHF 75'375

Top paying industries

  • Industry variousCHF 69'9006 obs.
  • Media / Printing / PublishingCHF 65'52037 obs.
  • Retail trade / WholesalingCHF 47'2007 obs.
View as table
IndustrySalaryObs.
Industry variousCHF 69'9006
Media / Printing / PublishingCHF 65'52037
Retail trade / WholesalingCHF 47'2007

03 · Pathway

How to enter and grow

Swiss training pathway available in the full profile

  • 🎓 Video Assist Operator

Official education path

You usually enter through practical experience in film and media. You also rely on independent further training.

Typical training path

Video Assist Operator

Prerequisites

  • Strong visual and time management skills
  • Physical and mental stamina
  • Technical know-how
  • Knowledge of audiovisual techniques
  • Teamwork skills

Requirements

  • Physical and psychological resilience
  • Technical flair and know-how
  • Knowledge of various audiovisual techniques
  • Ability to work in a team

Where this can lead

There is no official training for this role. Professionals often switch from related media jobs. They also learn the skills through internships and self-study.

04 · Skills & fit

What it takes

Required skills

  • Visual focus
  • Technical understanding
  • Team spirit
  • Resilience

Personality fit

  • Swiss career path
  • Career transition
  • Professional growth

05 · Daily reality

What the work feels like

Typical day

You work at the technical station. You watch the video screens and make sure the footage saves smoothly as video. You adjust streaming or recording settings right away. This lets the director and crew check the material live.

  • You install and check the recording equipment for every film set.
  • You save all film footage live as digital video.
  • You keep the technical equipment up to date.
  • You allow the director to check the takes immediately.
  • You set up internet streams for external monitoring systems.
  • You adjust the recording settings to match changing needs.

Working conditions

You typically work on film sets, in studios, or during live broadcasts. Your workplace is often mobile. It follows the production's shooting schedule.

Strengths

  • Visual focus
  • Technical understanding
  • Team spirit
  • Resilience

Trade-offs

  • Long working hours
  • High responsibility
  • Mobility
  • Technical pressure

06 · Similar

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