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Documentary Filmmaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inference

Filmmaker / Storyteller

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Filmmaker / Storyteller Inference.net is seeking a Filmmaker / Storyteller to join our team and ... Produce 4+ short-form videos monthly, 1 commercial monthly, and 1 documentary quarterly, handling ...

Paribus (Ramp)

Filmmaker, Customer Stories

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Filmmaker For Customer Stories We're looking for a world class filmmaker who can both shoot and ... documentary-style work * A self-shooter who owns the edit -- camera and post are both yours, not ...

Ramp

Filmmaker, Customer Stories

New York, NY · On-site

$132K - $162K/yr

About the Role We're looking for a world class filmmaker who can both shoot and edit Ramp ... documentary-style work * A self-shooter who owns the edit - camera and post are both yours, not ...

RAMP

Filmmaker, Customer Stories

Manhattan, NY · On-site

About the Role We're looking for a world class filmmaker who can both shoot and edit Ramp ... documentary-style work * A self-shooter who owns the edit - camera and post are both yours, not ...

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How much do documentary filmmaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for documentary filmmaker in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a documentary filmmaker?

A Documentary Filmmaker is a professional who produces nonfiction films that capture real-life events, people, or issues. They handle various aspects of filmmaking, including research, scripting, directing, filming, and editing. Their goal is to inform, educate, or inspire audiences through compelling storytelling based on facts. Documentary Filmmakers may work independently or collaborate with production companies, broadcasters, or streaming platforms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a documentary filmmaker?

To thrive as a Documentary Filmmaker, you need strong storytelling abilities, research skills, and proficiency in filming and editing, usually supported by a background in film, media, or journalism. Familiarity with cameras, sound equipment, editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, and sometimes certification in media production are important. Creativity, adaptability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set outstanding filmmakers apart. These skills are vital for creating compelling, credible narratives and effectively collaborating with crews, subjects, and stakeholders in diverse and often unpredictable environments.

What are some common challenges documentary filmmakers face when working on a project?

Documentary filmmakers often encounter challenges such as securing funding, accessing hard-to-reach subjects or locations, and managing unpredictable real-world events during filming. Navigating legal permissions, maintaining ethical storytelling standards, and dealing with tight deadlines are also frequent aspects of the job. Additionally, filmmakers must be resourceful problem-solvers who can adapt to changing situations on set and post-production. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires strong organizational skills, persistence, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team.

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Documentary Filmmaker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Filmmaker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Visiting Filmmaker in Residence, Department of Radio-Television-Film

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Department of Radio-Television-Film at The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a two-year, non-tenure-track Visiting Filmmaker in Residence position to begin in Fall 2027. The department is part of the top-ranked Moody College of Communication, which includes programs in Advertising & Public Relations, Communication and Leadership, Communication Studies, Journalism and Media, and Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.
The department seeks a narrative or documentary filmmaker with teaching experience, an active creative practice, and a demonstrated commitment to collaborative production practices. The successful candidate will teach courses in their area of specialization, as well as foundational graduate and undergraduate production courses. Applicants whose creative and pedagogical work complement or expand the department's existing strengths are especially encouraged to apply.
The selected candidate will join a department with a strong commitment to teaching, mentorship, creative exploration, and student-centered learning. They will be expected to contribute actively to the department's instructional mission and to support students as they develop their artistic voices, technical skills, and critical perspectives as media makers. They will teach a 2/2 load in the fall and spring semesters.
The Department of Radio-Television-Film prepares students to participate in a world increasingly shaped by moving images. Through courses that offer a foundation in cinema, media production, storytelling, culture, history, technology, and aesthetics, RTF teaches students to create and analyze moving images, produce research, and make art. As part of a Research 1 public institution, RTF combines critical studies with nationally recognized production and screenwriting programs. The department also draws on Austin's rich media, arts, and technological culture. Film festivals and conferences, visiting artists and scholars, independent and international screenings, and a vibrant local filmmaking community make Austin an exciting place to teach, create, and collaborate.
Department of Radio-Television-Film: https://rtf.utexas.edu/
Moody College of Communication: http://moody.utexas.edu/
Qualifications
Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching, a robust creative practice, and the ability to mentor students across a range of production approaches, forms, and traditions.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume/curriculum vitae, and links to examples of creative work. Demo reels may be included, but at least two provided examples of creative work should be completed projects. Please also provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation will be requested of finalists.
Screening of applicants will begin July 31, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be made via Interfolio's By Committee solution. If you do not have a Dossier account with Interfolio, you will be prompted to create one prior to applying for the position. If you have questions about using Interfolio, please email help@interfolio.com or call (877) 997-8807. Questions can be directed to the chair of the search committee, Professor Miguel Alvarez, at migalvarez@austin.utexas.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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