The average salary or cinematographer or camera operator is different in every state. For example chart of state salary shows that the average salary for a cinematographer in Alabama is $42,328 year. This is based on estimate made from data in BLS database.
The salary for a cinematographer can vary greatly depending on the type of work, experience and skill level.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for all cinematographers was $63,010 in May 2017. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,710 and the upper 10 percent earned more than $99,300.
Salaries vary by industry, but there are some general trends. The BLS reported that the highest paying industries for cinematographers were:
Motion picture and video production ($97,520)
Television broadcasting ($78,350)
Advertising and public relations services ($72,510)
The BLS also noted that those in the motion picture and video production industry earned more than those in all other occupations except for those in management occupations, who earn an average of $77,930 annually.
In addition to experience and skill level influencing pay rates, pay will also depend on where you live. California was named one of the top five states for cinematographers’ salaries by PayScale’s 2018 data on median salary by state for cinematographers at $85k/year (adjusted).
Salary for cinematographer
How much does a Cinematographer make?
The average Cinematographer in the US makes $53,839. Cinematographers make the most in Los Angeles at $54,468, averaging total compensation 1% greater than the US average.
U.S. Average
$53,839
$22,175$105,120
Base Salary
$53,839
Bonus
N/A
Get Bonus
N/A
Salary Ranges for Cinematographers
The salaries of Cinematographers in the US range from $22,175 to $105,120 , with a median salary of $49,080 . The middle 57% of Cinematographers makes between $49,080 and $63,855, with the top 86% making $105,120.
How much tax will you have to pay as a Cinematographer
For an individual filer in this tax bracket, you would have an estimated average federal tax in 2018 of 22%. After a federal tax rate of 22% has been taken out, Cinematographers could expect to have a take-home pay of $46,055/year, with each paycheck equaling approximately $1,919*.
* assuming bi-monthly pay period. Taxes estimated using tax rates for a single filer using 2018 federal and state tax tables. Metro-specific taxes are not considered in calculations. This data is intended to be an estimate, not prescriptive financial or tax advice.
Quality of Life for Cinematographer
With a take-home pay of roughly $3,838/month, and the median 2BR apartment rental price of $2,506/mo**, a Cinematographer would pay 65.3% of their monthly take-home salary towards rent.
