3417 Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators

In short

• ONS unit group 3417, in minor group 341 (Artistic, literary and media occupations) and major group 3 (Associate professional occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £33,400 (£17.13 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £25,400 (£13.03 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators operate and assist with still, cine and television cameras, operate other equipment and software to record, manipulate and project sound and vision for entertainment, cultural, commercial and industrial purposes, including digital and interactive media; and operate drones to provide aerial video and photographs.

Typical entry routes

There are no set academic requirements although entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades, A levels/H grades and are able to demonstrate proof of pre- entry work experience. A variety of diplomas, degrees and postgraduate qualifications are available. Vocational qualifications in Photography are available at levels 1,2 and 3.

Tasks

• selects subject and conceives composition of picture or discusses composition with colleagues
• arranges subject, lighting, camera equipment and any microphones
• inserts lenses and adjusts aperture and speed settings as necessary
• operates scanning equipment to transfer image to computer and manipulates image to achieve the desired effect
• photographs subject or follows action by moving camera
• takes, records and manipulates digital images and digital video footage
• controls transmission, broadcasting and satellite systems for television and radio programmes, identifies and solves related technical problems
• checks operation and positioning of projectors, vision and sound recording equipment, and mixing and dubbing equipment
• operates equipment to record, edit and play back films and television programmes
• manages health and safety issues
• operates sound mixing and dubbing equipment to obtain desired mix, level and balance of sound
• maintains, repairs, programs and operates unmanned aircraft to provide aerial photographs and video

Related job titles

• Audio visual technician
• Cameraman
• Commercial drone pilot
• Digital imaging technician
• Lighting designer
• Photographer
• Projectionist
• Sound engineer
• Theatre technician (entertainment)

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

3417 Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Camera operators and videographers
• Lighting designers
• Photographers
• Sound designers
• Sound engineers
• Theatre technicians (excludes hospitals)
• Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

3417 Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

3417

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Camera operators and videographers
• Lighting designers
• Photographers
• Sound designers
• Sound engineers
• Theatre technicians (excludes hospitals)
• Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£25,400 (£13.03 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Other unit groups in minor group 341

• 3411 Artists
• 3412 Authors, writers and translators
• 3413 Actors, entertainers and presenters
• 3414 Dancers and choreographers
• 3415 Musicians
• 3416 Arts officers, producers and directors

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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