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Film Instructor Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Film Instructor information

See Arizona salary details

$13

$30

$54

How much do film instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for film instructor in Arizona is $30.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.75 and $32.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a film instructor?

A Film Instructor is an educator who teaches courses related to film studies, filmmaking, or film production. They may work at high schools, colleges, universities, or private institutions and cover topics such as film history, theory, screenwriting, directing, editing, and cinematography. Film Instructors help students understand the artistic, technical, and cultural aspects of cinema, often combining lectures with hands-on projects. Their goal is to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills in aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts.

What are some common challenges film instructors face when balancing curriculum requirements with fostering creativity in students?

Film Instructors often need to strike a balance between teaching technical skills and encouraging creative exploration. While curriculum standards ensure students learn essential concepts like editing, cinematography, and storytelling structure, instructors must also create space for students to experiment and find their unique voice. This can be challenging, especially with diverse skill levels and limited class time. Effective instructors frequently integrate hands-on projects and collaborative assignments, allowing students to apply theory in creative ways while still meeting educational objectives.

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

To thrive as a Film Instructor, you need a strong background in film theory, production techniques, and a relevant degree in film studies or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro), camera equipment, and possibly teaching credentials are typically required. Excellent communication, creativity, and the ability to inspire and mentor students are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, foster student engagement, and prepare students for success in the film industry.

What is the difference between Film Instructor vs Film Director?

AspectFilm InstructorFilm Director
Required CredentialsFilm or education-related degrees, teaching certifications often preferredFilm experience, strong portfolio, sometimes film school background
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, workshops, educational institutionsFilm sets, production locations, studios
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, film schools, community programsFilm studios, production companies, independent projects
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

While both roles involve film, a Film Instructor primarily teaches filmmaking techniques and theory in educational settings, whereas a Film Director is responsible for overseeing the creative aspects of film production on set. The roles differ in work environment, credentials, and industry focus, but both are essential in the filmmaking industry.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Film Instructor jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Film Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Film Instructor job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,068 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor, TFTV (Multiple Positions)(UPDATED)

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$45K/yr

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


University Of Arizona rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

363rd of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Adjunct Instructor, TFTV (Multiple Positions)(UPDATED)
Posting Number
req26726
Department
Sch Theatre Film & Television
Department Website Link
https://tftv.arizona.edu/
Medical Sub-Speciality
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
Note: Two additional positions have been added to this recruitment.
The University of Arizona, School of Theatre, Film & Television is accepting applications for Adjunct Instructors to teach Arts Administration courses during the 2026-2027 Academic Year. Appointments may be assigned as semester or academic year long. This is a unique opportunity to work with undergraduate and graduate students.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at theUniversity of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Instruct in field of assigned expertise
  • Hold regular office hours.
  • Assign grades to students, based upon performance in class assignments and exams/juries.
  • Attend meetings as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree in relevant field or equivalent professional experience, credentials or certification.
  • Minimum of 2 years teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Terminal Degree in related discipline.
  • 4 years University level teaching experience in related discipline.

Rank
Instructor
Tenure Information
Adjunct (NTE)
FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Part Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
8 - 19
Job FTE
.20 - .49
Work Calendar
Academic
Job Category
Faculty
Benefits Eligible
No Benefits
Rate of Pay
$45,000
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
3
Target Hire Date
8/24/2026
Expected End Date
1/3/2027
Contact Information for Candidates
Frances Gateward,
TFTV Director,
gateward@arizona.edu
Open Date
8/6/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume, Cover Letter, and One Additional Document
Special Instructions to Applicant
Documents required to apply: Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and a document containing contact information for 3 references.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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