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Cinematography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Avoca AI

Creative Producer

New York, NY · On-site

$165K - $190K/yr

Direct cinematography across customer site shoots, founder portraits, event capture, and aspirational brand photography, traveling 6-10 times per year to operator locations and industry events.

Hearst Newspapers

Photographer Editor

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

Lead all aspects of field and studio production, including cinematography, lighting, audio capture, and creative execution. * Develop visually distinctive content that elevates the WXII 12 brand and ...

Syracuse University

Senior Video Producer

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

Portfolio demonstrating cinematography excellence AND directing/coaching work with challenging subjects. * Experience translating complex subject matter into compelling visual narratives.

Dude Perfect

Director of Photography

Frisco, TX

In this dynamic role, you will maintain the highest standards of cinematography across studio, field, and varying scales of production while working closely with Producers, Creative, and the VP of ...

New

Hearst

Photographer Editor

Winston Salem, NC

Lead all aspects of field and studio production, including cinematography, lighting, audio capture, and creative execution. * Develop visually distinctive content that elevates the WXII 12 brand and ...

Hearst

Photographer Editor

Winston Salem, NC

Lead all aspects of field and studio production, including cinematography, lighting, audio capture, and creative execution. * Develop visually distinctive content that elevates the WXII 12 brand and ...

Hearst Newspapers

Photographer Editor

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

Lead all aspects of field and studio production, including cinematography, lighting, audio capture, and creative execution. * Develop visually distinctive content that elevates the WXII 12 brand and ...

MrBeast

Director of Photography

Greenville, NC

What You Will Be Doing Establish a consistent, high-quality visual standard across all major productions Deliver multiple large-scale productions with best-in-class cinematography and audience ...

Nen Creative

Cinematographer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

This role is for someone who deeply cares about the craft of cinematography, not just making an image "look good," but understanding why it works. You should be comfortable owning camera, lighting ...

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Cinematography information

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$11.5K

$83K

$140.5K

How much do cinematography jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for cinematography in the United States is $82,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $118,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job does a cinematographer do?

A cinematographer, also known as a director of photography, is responsible for capturing the visual elements of a film or video. They select camera equipment, lighting, and shot composition to create the desired mood and aesthetic, working closely with directors to realize the project's visual style.

What jobs make $500,000 a year?

In the field of cinematography, high-earning roles such as top-tier directors of photography or cinematographers working on major film productions can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, high-profile projects, and union memberships. These professionals often work long hours, have specialized skills in camera operation and lighting, and may receive additional income from royalties or profit sharing. Such salaries are typically associated with large-scale commercial, feature film, or television projects.

What jobs are there in cinematography?

Jobs in cinematography include roles such as camera operator, director of photography, camera assistant, gaffer, grip, and film/video editor. These positions involve operating cameras, lighting, and managing equipment to create visual storytelling for film, television, or digital media productions.

What is a Cinematography job?

A cinematography job involves overseeing the visual aspects of a film, TV show, or video production. Cinematographers, also known as Directors of Photography (DPs), work closely with the director to determine the look, lighting, camera angles, and movement for each scene. They select camera equipment, lenses, and lighting setups to achieve the desired mood and storytelling effect. Their role is crucial in translating the script into compelling visuals that enhance the narrative.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles such as senior cinematographer, director of photography, or film director can earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, a strong portfolio, and work on major productions. These positions often require advanced technical skills, industry connections, and sometimes union membership or certification.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a cinematographer on a film set?

Cinematographers are responsible for designing and executing the visual look of a film or video production, working closely with the director and lighting crew to achieve the desired aesthetic. On a typical day, they may oversee camera setups, select lenses, direct camera movements, and manage the lighting design for each scene. They consult with the director before and during filming to ensure every shot aligns with the creative vision, supervise camera assistants and operators, and monitor footage for quality and consistency. This collaborative and hands-on role requires creative problem-solving and adaptability, as filming conditions and creative direction can change rapidly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cinematography position, and why are they important?

To thrive in cinematography, you need a solid grasp of camera operation, lighting techniques, visual storytelling, and a degree in film production or related experience. Familiarity with professional cameras (such as ARRI, RED, or Sony), editing software, and understanding of color grading are common technical requirements, and some roles may seek certification from professional organizations. Creativity, strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities are vital to effectively shaping the visual narrative, meeting project deadlines, and collaborating seamlessly with directors and crew on set.

More about Cinematography jobs
What cities are hiring for Cinematography jobs? Cities with the most Cinematography job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cinematography jobs? The most popular types of Cinematography jobs are:
What states have the most Cinematography jobs? States with the most job openings for Cinematography jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cinematography jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cinematography jobs are:
Cinematography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cinematography job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,968 per year, or $39.9 per hour.
Cinematographer| Hybrid

Cinematographer| Hybrid

Lifeway Christian Resources

Brentwood, TN • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Overview

Lifeway is seeking a Cinematographer II to join our Media Creative team.  The Cinematographer II leads the visual and technical execution of Lifeway's video and film productions. This role operates professional cinematography equipment, designs visual compositions, and creates shot lists and lighting plans to support creative goals. Working across all stages of production, the Cinematographer II collaborates with producers and crew to solve onset challenges and deliver highquality, compelling visual storytelling.

Why Lifeway? 

Lifeway is a place where you can bring your faith and work experience to join in the most important mission in the world: making disciples of Jesus Christ. Whether you're a creator or storyteller, data guru or problem-solver, or anywhere in between, if you're passionate about serving the church, we have a place for you. Lifeway has a strong Work from Anywhere (WFA) culture that is deeply focused on our mission and values. While headquartered in Nashville, TN, many of our positions are remote-eligible and have autonomy and flexibility with work hours. We provide equipment and resources to ensure team members have access to a productive and ergonomic workspace. We believe building relationships and community is essential to how we work together, so Lifeway hosts all-team meetings several times per year and provides travel for key team gatherings for remote-based team members. Full-time employees are eligible for enrollment in our comprehensive benefits plans, including healthcare, vacation and sick time, holiday pay, care days, 401(k) plan, maternity and paternity leave, adoption assistance, mission trip time, and more.If this sounds like a place where you would be excited to serve the kingdom of God, we would love for you to join our team.

Learn more about our culture at team.lifeway.com/culture-code 

This is a hybrid remote/in-office position located within approximately a 2 hour radius of the Brentwood, TN area.   

             Relocation assistance available.#LI-Hybrid 

Responsibilities
  • Lives out Lifeway's mission and values, showing deep commitment to Kingdom work

  • Operates and maintains professional cinematography and video production equipment to ensure readiness for all shoots.

  • Executes visual storytelling through expert camera operation, lighting design, and intentional composition.

  • Leads creation of shot lists, storyboards, and lighting diagrams to support efficient film production.

  • Collaborates with producers on crew and equipment planning to align technical execution with creative vision.

  • Identifies and resolves onset technical and logistical challenges to keep productions on schedule.

  • Applies new cinematography techniques, tools, and workflows informed by evolving industry trends.

  • Directs and coordinates onset crew and freelance contractors, including gaffers and audio technicians, to ensure smooth production workflows and consistent quality.

  • Maintains high visual and technical standards across all video and film content, ensuring outputs support established aesthetics and storytelling goals.

  • Mentors Associate and Cinematographer I team members to support skill development and consistency.

  • Partners closely with creative producers, line producers, and editors to ensure cohesive execution from production through postproduction.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree, not required

Master's degree, not required

Doctorate in a related field, not required 

Skills, Knowledge, & Experiences, required

  • 5+ years of experience in cinematography and video production, with proven leadership of studio and field productions, including mentoring crew and contractors
  • Strong ability to independently plan, organize, and execute multiple projects under tight deadlines
  • High proficiency with DSLR and cinema camera systems, lighting, grip, and audio equipment
  • Advanced knowledge of lighting design and grip techniques to create complex, story-driven visual aesthetics
  • Expertise in previsualization and production planning, including shot lists, lighting diagrams, and logistical workflows
  • Strong problem-solving skills, applying creative and technical solutions to on-set challenges
  • Collaborative storyteller with experience working closely with producers, directors, and production teams
  • Excellent organization and time-management skills, ensuring production readiness and efficient use of resources
  • Working proficiency in DaVinci Resolve or comparable post-production tools for media management and color wor
  • Must be able to work flexible hours during shoots, including evenings or weekends as needed
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 75 pounds and assist with setup and tear-down of production equipment
  • Some travel required (including overnight)

Actively involved in an evangelical Christian church

Skills, Knowledge, & Experiences, preferred 

  • Familiarity with pitching and brainstorming creative concepts
  • Exposure to working with models and actors during productions
  • Familiarity with industry trends, emerging techniques, and new production tools
Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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