Congratulations! You took the leap and became a freelance filmmaker. Now you need to figure out the right pay rate for the work you do.
Your first step is to seek the advice of your local film union, as they can provide recommended rates. For example, if you’re based in the United States, the union directory on the IATSE website would be a helpful resource.
Below, you will find recommended hourly and day rates for the core film job roles.
⚖️ The average and minimum recommended rates listed below are for reference. The day rates are for US crew members based on a 12-hour workday. In many cases, you’ll be able to negotiate your rate based on your experience, union status, the size of the production, and other factors. Keep reading to discover more tips on how to work out your rate.
Above-the-Line Film Crew Rates
Above-the-line crew are involved in the creative development of the film.
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Producer | $35 | $420 |
| Executive Producer | $28 | $336 |
| Director | $148 | $1,779 |
| Director of Photography | $117 | $1405 |
| Production Designer | $27 | $324 |
| Development Producer | $59 | $708 |
| Screenwriter | $25 | $300 |
| Script Editor | $33 | $396 |
Below-the-Line Film Crew Rates
Below-the-line crew are responsible for the day-to-day filmmaking involved in pre-production, production, and post-production. Here is a quick breakdown of day rates per department.
Production Management
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Unit Production Manager | $85 | $1,017 |
| Production Coordinator | $44 | $526 |
| Assistant Production Coordinator | $39 | $471 |
| Production Assistant | $19 | $228 |
Casting Department
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Casting Director | $34 | $408 |
| Casting Assistant | $15 | $180 |
Location Department
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Location Manager | $53 | $636 |
| Location Scout | $36 | $432 |
AD Department
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| 1st Assistant Director | $103 | $1,236 |
| 2nd Assistant Director | $60 | $725 |
| 2nd to the 2nd AD | $51 | $616 |
Art Department
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Set Designer | $42 | $504 |
| Set Decorator | $44 | $528 |
| Art Director | $54 | $648 |
| Prop Master | $44 | $528 |
| Art Assistant | $20 | $240 |
Costume Department
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Costume Designer | $104 | $1,249 |
| Costume Supervisor | $43 | $516 |
| Dresser | $32 | $384 |
Hair and Makeup Department
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Hairstylist | $44 | $528 |
| Makeup Artist | $44 | $528 |
Camera Department
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Camera Operator | $78 | $936 |
| 1st Assistant Camera | $58 | $696 |
| 2nd Assistant Camera | $41 | $492 |
| Digital Imaging Technician | $58 | $696 |
| Script Supervisor | $44 | $528 |
Grip Department
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Key Grip | $44 | $528 |
| Best Boy Grip | $39 | $468 |
Lighting Department
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Gaffer | $45 | $540 |
| Best Boy Gaffer | $41 | $492 |
Sound Department
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Sound Designer | $44 | $528 |
| Boom Operator | $48 | $576 |
| Sound Assistant | $36 | $432 |
Post-Production
| Role | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Film Editor | $48 | $576 |
| 1st Assistant Editor | $39 | $468 |
| Film Colorist | $44 | $528 |
How To Work Out Your Own Rate
Calculating your rate is no easy task. There are many things to consider, such as job role, production types, budget, and experience. Here are a few quick questions to ask:
Are you a member of a union or non-union?
If you work in the US film industry, your union will play a major role in your rate. Union film projects pay much more than non-union. In addition, they will help to arrange your rate and workers’ rights, such as break hours and overtime pay.
To become part of a union, you must meet their terms. These terms typically require several work credits and a certain number of hours on a film set. It can take many years of working in the film industry before you have enough experience to join a union.
What’s the production type? e.g Film, TV, Commercial
The project types will also determine rates. For example, feature films and TV dramas will pay more than short films, online videos, and unscripted TV. Once again, your union will decide your rate for the project type.
What’s the production location?
In the US, your union and state will affect your rate. For example, they will offer higher rates if you work in a union city like New York. Furthermore, your rate may increase if you work elsewhere and travel to work in an expensive location.
If you travel to work abroad for a project, your rate may also change. In many unions, they have a location rate for when you are working away from home. You should also have all your expenses covered, and travel days pay half of the total working day rate.
What tier does the budget fall under?
Many unions class film budgets under tiers. They will have recommended rates for films within a budget range. For example, tier-one feature films are between $1-3 million. In general, your day rate will increase the higher the project budget.
What is the length of the shoot day?
The recommended rates above are for 12-hour work days with a 1-hour lunch break. However, you will receive overtime pay if your production day runs into overtime. Your union will provide overtime rates, but if you work on a non-union, you must arrange these terms with the producer before filming starts.
Summary
To sum up, it can be difficult to calculate exact rates for crew as they can vary for each production. It would be nice if we all got paid the same all of the time, but that’s just not the case. Usually, producers have to negotiate back and forth before they come to an agreement.
Also, remember that if you’re expected to provide your own kit (such as camera, electrical, audio, or grip), you should charge extra for the rental. For standard equipment rates, you should compare a few different film rental companies.
Sources:
The minimum theatrical rates above have been taken from numerous sources, including:
- 2024-27 IATSE Area Standards Agreement Wage Rates sheet
- British Columbia Council of Film Unions 2024-2025 Rates sheet
- Directors Guild of America Commercial Rate Card
- Costume Designers Guild 2025 Rate Charts
- Producers Guild of America
- Writers Guild of America West Schedule of Minimums
- ZipRecruiter salaries
- Salary.com salaries
- PayScale salaries
