Cinematographer Salary in 2026
Plan and execute the visual look of films and video productions through camera and lighting.
Median Salary
$74,990
$6,249/mo
Entry Level
$38,400
starting pay
Senior Level
$117,100
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film (SOC 27-4031, the closest published occupation to Cinematographer) at a national median of $74,990 per year (mean $83,210), or $36.05 per hour, with 21,550 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
22K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Creative
Hourly Rate
$36.05/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,249
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
$90,000
$7,500/month · $3,462/biweekly · $43.27/hr
Cinematographer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Cinematographer field.
Entry-level Cinematographers earn around $38,400, while the top 10% earn $143,150 or more.
Top Paying States for Cinematographers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $88,000 | +$13,010 |
| New York | $86,000 | +$11,010 |
| Georgia | $73,000 | $-1,990 |
| Louisiana | $69,000 | $-5,990 |
| New Mexico | $68,000 | $-6,990 |
Top Paying Cities for Cinematographers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $88,000 | +$13,010 |
| Los Angeles | $84,000 | +$9,010 |
| Albuquerque | $75,000 | +$10 |
| Atlanta | $73,000 | $-1,990 |
| New Orleans | $71,000 | $-3,990 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Cinematographer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Cinematographer from entry level to expert.
$38,400
0-2 years
$78,000
3-7 years
$117,100
8-14 years
$169,200
15+ years
Related Creative Jobs
Cinematographer Salary FAQ
How much does a Cinematographer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Cinematographer in the United States is $74,990 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film (SOC 27-4031); the mean is $83,210. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $38,400, senior professionals around $117,100, and top earners at $169,200 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Cinematographer?
A Cinematographer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 3-7 years of experience. Key skills include Camera Systems, Lighting, Color Grading. Relevant certifications such as None typically required can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Cinematographers?
The job market for Cinematographers is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 22K Cinematographer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Cinematographers the most?
The highest-paying states for Cinematographers include California, New York, Georgia. In California, the median salary is approximately $88,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Cinematographer salary?
To increase your Cinematographer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Camera Systems and Lighting. Pursue certifications such as None typically required. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 3-7 years of experience, you can progress from $38,400 to $117,100 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Cinematographer Salary
How we calculate Cinematographer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film (SOC 27-4031), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $74,990, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film; BLS mean $83,210; BLS hourly median $36.05.
- Entry-level ($38,400) and senior-level ($117,100) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 21,550 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Creative sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $74,990; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Cinematographer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Cinematographer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Creative
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Cinematographer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Camera Systems, Lighting, Color Grading), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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