Film Director Salary in 2026
Direct and coordinate the creative aspects of film production from casting to final cut.
Median Salary
$95,000
$7,917/mo
Entry Level
$42,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$175,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Film Director Overview
Direct and coordinate the creative aspects of film production from casting to final cut.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
5-10 years
Industry
Creative
Total Jobs (US)
18K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Creative
Hourly Rate
$45.67/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,917
Film Director Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Film Director salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Film Director Salary
$130,000
$10,833/month · $5,000/biweekly · $62.50/hr
Film Director Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Film Director field.
Entry-level Film Directors earn around $42,000, while the top 10% earn $262,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Film Directors
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $112,000 | +$17,000 |
| New York | $109,000 | +$14,000 |
| Georgia | $92,000 | $-3,000 |
| Louisiana | $87,000 | $-8,000 |
| New Mexico | $86,000 | $-9,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Film Directors
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $112,000 | +$17,000 |
| Los Angeles | $106,000 | +$11,000 |
| Albuquerque | $95,000 | $0 |
| Atlanta | $93,000 | $-2,000 |
| New Orleans | $90,000 | $-5,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Film Director Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Film Director from entry level to expert.
$42,000
0-2 years
$109,000
3-7 years
$175,000
8-14 years
$350,000
15+ years
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Film Director Salary FAQ
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