Cinematographer Salary in 2026
Plan and execute the visual look of films and video productions through camera and lighting.
Median Salary
$82,000
$6,833/mo
Entry Level
$42,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$128,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Cinematographer Overview
Plan and execute the visual look of films and video productions through camera and lighting.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
3-7 years
Industry
Creative
Total Jobs (US)
18K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Creative
Hourly Rate
$39.42/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,833
Cinematographer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Cinematographer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Cinematographer Salary
$99,000
$8,250/month · $3,808/biweekly · $47.60/hr
Cinematographer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Cinematographer field.
Entry-level Cinematographers earn around $42,000, while the top 10% earn $156,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Cinematographers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $97,000 | +$15,000 |
| New York | $94,000 | +$12,000 |
| Georgia | $80,000 | $-2,000 |
| Louisiana | $75,000 | $-7,000 |
| New Mexico | $75,000 | $-7,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Cinematographers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $97,000 | +$15,000 |
| Los Angeles | $92,000 | +$10,000 |
| Albuquerque | $82,000 | $0 |
| Atlanta | $80,000 | $-2,000 |
| New Orleans | $78,000 | $-4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Cinematographer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Cinematographer from entry level to expert.
$42,000
0-2 years
$85,000
3-7 years
$128,000
8-14 years
$185,000
15+ years
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Cinematographer Salary FAQ
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