ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Cinematographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valid8 Financial, Inc.

Producer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Partner closely with the Creative Lead, Director, Cinematographer/Editor, and Brand Amp team to translate creative needs into executable production plans, while anticipating challenges and ...

BAYSIDE CHURCH

Filmmaker

Roseville, CA · On-site

For each project, clearly note the role you played in the production (e.g., director, cinematographer, editor). We want to see a range across short form, long form, podcast, promos, and event recaps.

Bayside Church

Filmmaker

Roseville, CA · On-site

For each project, clearly note the role you played in the production (e.g., director, cinematographer, editor). We want to see a range across short form, long form, podcast, promos, and event recaps.

Bayside Church

Filmmaker

Roseville, CA

For each project, clearly note the role you played in the production (e.g., director, cinematographer, editor). We want to see a range across short form, long form, podcast, promos, and event recaps.

Brand Amp

Producer

Costa Mesa, CA

Partner closely with the Creative Lead, Director, Cinematographer/Editor, and Brand Amp team to translate creative needs into executable production plans, while anticipating challenges and ...

Brand Amp

Producer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... Director, Cinematographer/Editor, and Brand Amp team to translate creative needs into executable production plans, while anticipating challenges and proactively solving issues. • Lead on-set ...

Legendary Studio Shows (LSS) Universal, LLC.

$80 - $100/hr

Production SpecificThe Second (2nd) Assistant Director (AD) role ensures that the 1st Assistant AD ... a cinematographer. Ability to multi-task and delegate Good sense for organization and planning ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsArts JobsVideographer JobsDirector Cinematographer Jobs

Director Cinematographer information

See salary details

$14

$27

$53

How much do director cinematographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for director cinematographer in the United States is $27.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director cinematographer?

Director Cinematographers, often referred to as Directors of Photography (DPs), are responsible for overseeing the visual aspects of a film or video production. They work closely with the director to create the look, mood, and feel of the project through choices in lighting, camera movement, framing, and lens selection. Their role bridges the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking, ensuring that the director's vision is realized on screen. They also manage the camera and lighting crews, and collaborate with other departments to achieve the desired visual style.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director cinematographer?

To thrive as a Director Cinematographer, you need advanced expertise in visual storytelling, lighting, camera operation, and typically a film-related degree or substantial industry experience. Proficiency with industry-standard cameras (such as ARRI or RED), editing software, and knowledge of color grading and post-production workflows are essential. Creative vision, leadership, strong collaboration, and communication skills help set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These abilities ensure the effective realization of a director’s vision, seamless production processes, and the creation of visually compelling films.

How does a director cinematographer typically collaborate with the director and other key departments on set?

A Director Cinematographer works closely with the director to translate the script and artistic vision into visual storytelling, often participating in pre-production planning, shot listing, and storyboarding. On set, they lead the camera and lighting teams, ensuring that each shot aligns with the intended mood and visual style. Collaboration with departments such as production design, costume, and post-production is crucial to maintain visual consistency and achieve the desired cinematic effect. Clear communication and teamwork are essential, especially when adapting to changes or solving unexpected challenges during filming.

What is the difference between Director Cinematographer vs Camera Operator?

AspectDirector CinematographerCamera Operator
CredentialsFilm/TV degree, cinematography certificationCamera operation training, technical skills
Work EnvironmentCreative team, set or studioOn-set, behind the camera
Industry UsageFilm, TV, commercialsFilm, TV, live events
Role FocusVisual storytelling, lighting, shot compositionOperating camera equipment, capturing footage

The Director Cinematographer oversees the visual style and lighting of a production, working closely with the director. The Camera Operator executes the camera work, capturing scenes as directed. While both roles require technical knowledge of camera equipment, the Director Cinematographer has a broader creative and supervisory role, whereas the Camera Operator focuses on the technical execution of shots.

What cities are hiring for Director Cinematographer jobs?

Cities with the most Director Cinematographer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cinematographer jobs?

The most popular types of Cinematographer jobs are:

What states have the most Director Cinematographer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Cinematographer jobs include:

Director Cinematographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Cinematographer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 6% Internship, 82% As Needed, 6% Nights, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 80% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,100 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Cinematographer/Producer/Director/Editor

Nen Creative

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

To help us stay organized, please apply using the posting only and include a portfolio - it's the best way to ensure we see your work. We are unable to review applications sent via email, direct messages, or website inquiries, and outreach through these channels may impact consideration.
About Nen Creative
Nen Creative is an interdisciplinary studio helping early-stage startups accelerate their vision through branding, design, and marketing.
Since 2022, we've partnered with some of the world's top founders and institutions - including Amazon, Pear VC, Andreessen Horowitz, Mercor, Context Inc, Netic, Listen Labs, Tech Week, the University of Pittsburgh, Somethings, Mantis VC, Spur, Flora, and more. We're growing fast and looking for great people to join us.
About the Opportunity
We're building the motion studio we always dreamed of - fast-moving, design-led, and trusted by the best in the world. In just over a year, we've gone from zero to partnering with Amazon, top-tier VCs, and the most ambitious startups out there.
Now, we're looking for a versatile cinematographer/producer/director/editor with a strong eye, on-set presence, and storytelling instincts to help create authentic, visually compelling stories for modern brands. Depending on your skills and interests, you may focus on one discipline or work across all - from concept and planning, to shooting and directing, to editing and delivery.
You'll join a small, fast growing team working across testimonials, light commercial shoots, and brand content - with the opportunity to grow into a larger role as we expand our commercial production arm. This is a chance to help shape the creative direction of projects from start to finish while collaborating closely with clients and our in-house team.
What We're Looking For
  • Cinematography - A strong eye and visual taste - someone who knows how to frame a shot, light a scene, and bring a story to life.
  • Producing - Confident managing production logistics, coordinating schedules, setting up gear, and keeping shoots running smoothly.
  • Directing - Able to guide non-actors through interviews, direct talent on set, and collaborate with clients to achieve creative goals.
  • Editing - Skilled in post-production workflows, from organizing footage to cutting polished videos with strong pacing, sound, and visual storytelling.

Bonus Points
  • Experience producing, writing, or directing - or interest in growing into a fuller commercial/creative lead role
  • Strong understanding of post workflows, editing, or sound
  • Familiarity with studio shoots, remote capture setups, or creative content for digital platforms
  • Past work in agency, branded content, or fast-paced client environments

Apply