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Cinematography Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Instructors will teach CFI participants in various competencies related to the film and media ... cinematography, locations, accounting, virtual production, etc.) Required Qualifications * 5 or ...

Instructors will teach CFI participants in various competencies related to the film and media ... cinematography, locations, accounting, virtual production, etc.) Required Qualifications * 5 or ...

Details Open Date 05/28/2026 Requisition Number PRN17106N Job Title Associate Instructor Working ... The responsibilities are to teach FILM 3570 - Digital Cinematography, a course that teaches ...

Details Open Date 05/28/2026 Requisition Number PRN17106N Job Title Associate Instructor Working ... The responsibilities are to teach FILM 3570 - Digital Cinematography, a course that teaches ...

Details Open Date 05/28/2026 Requisition Number PRN17106N Job Title Associate Instructor Working ... The responsibilities are to teach FILM 3570 - Digital Cinematography, a course that teaches ...

Our adjunct instructors aren't just teachers - they're industry leaders, creative professionals ... Filmmaking & Cinematography * Graphic Design & Digital Media * Game Design & Development

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Cinematography Instructor information

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$44

How much do cinematography instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for cinematography instructor in the United States is $23.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cinematography Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cinematography Instructor, you need a deep understanding of visual storytelling, camera operation, lighting techniques, and a degree in film production or a related field, often with professional experience in cinematography. Familiarity with industry-standard cameras, editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, and teaching tools is essential. Strong communication, creativity, and the ability to inspire and mentor students are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure that instructors effectively transfer technical knowledge while fostering students’ artistic growth and readiness for the film industry.

What are some common challenges Cinematography Instructors face when teaching students with varying experience levels?

Cinematography Instructors often encounter classes with students at different technical and artistic skill levels. Balancing lessons to engage beginners while still challenging advanced learners can be difficult. Instructors address this by designing flexible assignments, offering personalized feedback, and encouraging collaboration among students. Additionally, keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and industry standards requires instructors to continually update their own knowledge and teaching materials.

What does a cinematography instructor do?

A cinematography instructor teaches students the art and techniques of visual storytelling through camera work, lighting, and composition in film and video production. They provide theoretical knowledge as well as hands-on training with industry-standard equipment and software. Instructors often design curriculum, lead workshops, and mentor students on both technical skills and creative concepts. Their goal is to prepare students for careers in film, television, or digital media by fostering both technical proficiency and artistic vision.

What is the difference between Cinematography Instructor vs Camera Operator?

AspectCinematography InstructorCamera Operator
Required CredentialsFilm or cinematography degree, teaching certificationsExperience, sometimes certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, workshops, film schoolsOn-set, filming locations, studios
Industry UsageTeaching institutions, film programsProduction companies, broadcasting

The main difference is that a Cinematography Instructor focuses on teaching and training students in cinematography techniques, often in educational settings, while a Camera Operator works directly on film sets, operating cameras during productions. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their work environments and primary responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Cinematography Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Cinematography Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Cinematography Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Cinematography Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Cinematography Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cinematography Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cinematography Instructor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cinematography Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,145 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Cinematography Instructor - Pool - UCLA Extension

Cinematography Instructor - Pool - UCLA Extension

University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$3K/wk

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position description
UCLA Extension is the open-access, self-supporting continuing education division of UCLA. The Department of Entertainment Studies offers a wide variety of certificate programs and courses, including post-baccalaureate credit-bearing (400-level), continuing education (CEU) credit, and non-credit bearing general interest courses.
Course / Program Description
Course disciplines in the Entertainment Studies Program span subject areas such as Business and Management of Entertainment, Film & TV Development, Producing, Directing, Acting, Cinematography, Post-Production, Film Scoring, Independent Music Production, and Music Business. Our courses and certificate programs offer students the opportunity to learn from highly qualified practitioners who are passionate about teaching.
Applications to teach are accepted throughout the year in order to fill immediate program needs and to increase the depth of the instructor pool, but interviews will only be scheduled with qualified applicants who can fill anticipated openings.
Job Description
Cinematography Instructor Search
Qualified applicants possessing teaching experience and professional experience in cinematography for film and/or television are encouraged to apply:
All instructors should have current or recent professional experience in Cinematography so that they can help students understand and navigate the evolving landscape of cinematography today.
Classes are primarily offered in-person or Live Online (via Zoom,) although there are a handful of non-synchronous cinematography courses. Classes held in person/ via Zoom meet once a week for 11 weeks, typically evenings from 7-10pm or on the weekend. Online classes are asynchronous (no live interaction) and deadline-driven. All courses use Canvas, an online course support platform, for distributing course materials, syllabi, assignments, and feedback.
Instructor Duties
• Use subject-matter expertise to impart knowledge to students and leverage additional resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (i.e. make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.)
• Develop or update course syllabus to meet campus approval requirements, in consultation with the UCLA Extension Portfolio Director and Portfolio Manager.
• Design interactive and motivational classroom activities to fully engage participants and to reinforce student learning
• Update materials periodically, and regularly monitor course evaluations in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum.
• Utilize Canvas as a course support platform in in-person/ live online via Zoom courses, and as the delivery platform in online and hybrid courses.
• Post final student grades to the transcript system in a timely manner, no later than 2 weeks after course end date.
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner.
• Communicate with Portfolio Director and Portfolio Staff in a timely manner.
• Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: completing all new hire paperwork, submitting updated quarterly syllabus, posting bio and photo on the UCLA Extension website, accepting quarterly contract, submitting required textbook orders, and communicating classroom needs to the appropriate people.
• Participate in required orientations and instructor training programs.
• Assisting in occasional program activities such as open houses, guest lecturing, community events.
• Employ culturally sensitive teaching methodologies in the classroom inclusive of both domestic and international student populations.
• Stay current regarding your professional body of knowledge.
• Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Portfolio Director as needed.
• Maintain a record of final grades for up to 13 months following the last class session.
General Employment Information
Employment as a UCLA Extension Instructor is dictated by contract terms and conditions. Please take the time to read the UCLA Extension Instructor Employment Policies .
For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits, please visit Pay, Benefits, & Privileges .
Special Conditions of Employment
Instructors are hired on a quarterly contract basis. Compensation is $3,000 per course, per quarter. Courses are typically 33 hours.
Because Extension is a division of UCLA, all Extension degree-credit instructors and courses must be formally approved according to the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California. Eligibility to teach a course is contingent upon this formal academic approval. Once approved, teaching assignments are "by agreement." The Instructor's Contract outlines the course schedule and the compensation terms, subject to Extension policies and procedures. UCLA Extension makes no commitment to hire an instructor until it has sent and received a signed Instructor Contract. If the course section that an instructor plans to teach is cancelled for any reason, the Instructor Contract, including rights to compensation for future section meetings, is voided.
In an effort to promote and maintain a healthy environment for our students, visitors and employees, UCLA is a smoke-free site. Smoking is prohibited within the boundaries of all UCLA owned, occupied, leased, and associated building and facilities.
Division: https://www.uclaextension.edu/entertainment
Instructor Resources: https://instructor.uclaextension.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
• Professional experience in cinematography in the area that you apply to teach in.
• Must be committed to the highest level of academic standards and integrity.
• Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in subject area.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence.
• Proficiency in or willingness to learn the use of instructional technology and online teaching tools, even if your assignment is in person or remote via Zoom.
Preferred qualifications
• College-level and/or continuing education teaching experience preferred.
• Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance preferred.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae / Resume - Your most recently updated Curriculum Vitae / Resume.
  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
References are requested from candidates after the interviewing stage, and references are only contacted for finalists via SkillSurvey system.
Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10560
Help contact: ehr@unex.ucla.edu
About UCLA
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Los Angeles, CA