Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 60'250 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 57'100 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 78'750 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 61'398 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 53'125 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 79'800 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsCulture & Media
Video Assist Operator (VAO)
You capture film footage live as video and operate the required equipment.
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
✓ 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 trend
+21% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 62'500 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 60'500 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 56'296 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 75'375 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Industry various | CHF 69'900 | 6 |
| Media / Printing / Publishing | CHF 65'520 | 37 |
| Retail trade / Wholesaling | CHF 47'200 | 7 |
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.
Where to learn
- Syndicat suisse film et vidéo (SSFV)Heinrichstrasse 147, 8005 Zürich
Strengths
- Visual focus
- Technical understanding
- Team spirit
- Resilience
Trade-offs
- Long working hours
- High responsibility
- Mobility
- Technical pressure
06 · Similar
