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$45K

$83.1K

$157.5K

How much do documentary research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for documentary research in the United States is $83,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $92,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do documentary researchers get paid?

Documentary researchers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project scope. Entry-level roles may pay closer to minimum wage, while experienced researchers working on larger productions can earn higher rates, often supplemented by freelance or contract work. Compensation can also include benefits if employed full-time by a production company.

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

To excel in Documentary Research, you need strong investigative skills, attention to detail, and a background in research methods or journalism, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with digital archival databases, fact-checking software, and data organization tools is commonly required. Initiative, critical thinking, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure accurate and compelling sourcing of information, which is vital for the credibility and impact of documentary projects.

What is a Documentary Research job?

A Documentary Research job involves investigating, gathering, and verifying information from various sources to support the production of documentaries. Researchers analyze historical records, news archives, interviews, and other materials to ensure accuracy and credibility. They may also assist in finding experts, securing rights for archival footage, and fact-checking scripts. This role is essential in shaping the narrative and ensuring that documentaries present well-researched and factual content.

What are some common challenges faced by Documentary Researchers?

Documentary Researchers often encounter challenges such as tracking down credible primary sources, managing tight production deadlines, and verifying the accuracy of historical or sensitive information. You may also need to navigate complex copyright or licensing requirements for archival materials. Working collaboratively with directors, producers, and subject matter experts is essential to ensure the research aligns with the creative vision of the project. These challenges require adaptability, resourcefulness, and strong organizational skills to create a reliable factual foundation for the documentary.

Do documentarians make good money?

Documentarians' salaries vary widely depending on experience, project funding, and employer type, with many earning between $30,000 and $70,000 annually. Freelance or independent filmmakers may have more variable income, while those working for production companies or broadcasters often have more stable pay and benefits. Success in the field often depends on skills, networking, and the ability to secure funding or distribution for projects.

What are 5 jobs that are needed during a film production?

During film production, key roles include the director, producer, cinematographer, production designer, and sound mixer. These positions are essential for overseeing creative vision, managing logistics, capturing visuals, designing sets, and recording audio. Each role requires specific skills and often involves collaboration on set or in post-production.

How do you become a documentarian?

To become a documentary researcher, individuals typically pursue a degree in film, journalism, or a related field, and develop strong research, interviewing, and storytelling skills. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or assisting established filmmakers helps build a portfolio and industry connections. Familiarity with research tools, editing software, and understanding of documentary production processes are also valuable.
More about Documentary Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Documentary Research jobs? Cities with the most Documentary Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary Research jobs? The most popular types of Documentary Research jobs are:
What states have the most Documentary Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Documentary Research jobs include:
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Documentary Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Internship, 64% As Needed, 12% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 67% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,148 per year, or $40 per hour.
Kitchen Utility Attendant/Dishwasher - Campbell's Tavern

Kitchen Utility Attendant/Dishwasher - Campbell's Tavern

Colonial Williamsburg Company

Williamsburg, VA

$19.59/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Colonial Williamsburg rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 27 rated museums

Job description

Job Description:

  • Must be available to work all schedules, weekends, Sundays, and holidays
  • Process china, glass, eating and cooking utensils through a large dishwashing machine.
  • Wash china, glass, eating and cooking utensils by hand as appropriate.
  • Ability to understand and follow instructions.
  • Follow a strict sanitation policy.
  • Prior experience performing heavy cleaning, preferably in a commercial kitchen setting.
  • Preferred: experience working in a commercial kitchen using industrial dishwashing equipment.

Successful candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a current Williamsburg James City County Food Handlers Card; applicants with an active Food Handlers Card should be prepared to present the Card during the interview process.
Physical requirements include but are not limited to: (1) ability to lift, handle and transport up to 100 pounds as necessary; (2) carrying heavy objects up and down stairs; (3) bending, stooping, lifting; (4) working while standing for long periods of time; (5) working at a fast pace for several hours at a time; (6) working at heights over 6 feet.

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation. Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Giffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

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