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Film Teacher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Film Instructor

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$25.25 - $34.25/hr

Teach African-American Cinema classes in Film (preferred courses). Engage with students by advising Film clubs/organizations, national competitions, and student-run activities on campus; Assist with ...

Teach assigned courses, whether on campus, off campus, or online, day or evening, following the ... MA in Film or related field * or * BAin Film or related field and 5 years of professional ...

Key Responsibilities Film and Media Instruction Teach fundamentals of filmmaking including storytelling, scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing Introduce students to camera operation ...

Key Responsibilities Film and Media Instruction Teach fundamentals of filmmaking including storytelling, scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing Introduce students to camera operation ...

FILM PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Key Responsibilities Film and Media Instruction • Teach fundamentals of filmmaking including storytelling, scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing • Introduce students to camera ...

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Film Teacher information

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$8

$23

$40

How much do film teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for film teacher in the United States is $23.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Film Teacher, you need a solid background in film theory, production techniques, and a relevant degree such as a BA or MFA in Film Studies or a related field. Familiarity with editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and audiovisual equipment is typically required, and teaching credentials may be necessary for certain educational settings. Strong communication, creativity, and the ability to inspire and mentor students are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively educating and motivating students, fostering creative growth, and keeping pace with evolving film industry standards.

What does a film teacher do?

A Film Teacher educates students on various aspects of filmmaking, including film theory, history, production techniques, cinematography, and editing. They design lesson plans, lead discussions, and provide hands-on instruction using cameras, editing software, and other equipment. Film Teachers may also guide students through creating their own short films and provide feedback to help them improve their creative and technical skills.

Do you need a master's to teach film?

A master's degree is not always required to teach film, but many teaching positions, especially at colleges or universities, prefer candidates with a master's or higher degree in film, media, or related fields. For high school teaching, a bachelor's degree and teaching certification are typically sufficient, along with relevant experience or skills in filmmaking and media production.

What does a film teacher do?

As a film teacher, your duties involve offering instruction in filmmaking, film history and appreciation, and related subjects. You may teach at a high school or university level and offer classes in the technical aspects of movie production, film criticism, or screenwriting. At the university level, you design syllabi and lecture on these subjects, using various movies as text to support your lessons. You can specialize in a specific aspect of the industry, such as screenwriting or film direction, and may advise graduate students on their projects. In addition to teaching classes, college-level instructors often offer guidance to students who want to start a career in the film industry.

What is the difference between Film Teacher vs Film Instructor?

AspectFilm TeacherFilm Instructor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in film, education certification often preferredSimilar educational background, often with additional industry experience
Work EnvironmentSchools, colleges, universities, community programsWorkshops, private classes, film schools, community centers
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, public and private schoolsFilm schools, private training centers, community programs

Both Film Teachers and Film Instructors typically hold similar educational credentials and work in educational or training environments. The main difference lies in their settings: Film Teachers are often found in formal academic institutions, while Film Instructors may work in specialized workshops or private settings. Both roles focus on teaching film skills, but their specific contexts and audiences differ.

How much do high school film teachers make?

High school film teachers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education level, and location. They often hold a teaching certification and may teach classes in media arts, film production, or related subjects within a school environment.

What are some common challenges film teachers face in keeping students engaged and inspired during hands-on projects?

Film Teachers often find that balancing technical instruction with creative exploration can be challenging, especially when working with students of varying skill levels. Keeping students motivated requires designing projects that are both educational and personally meaningful, as well as providing constructive feedback that encourages growth. Additionally, managing limited resources such as equipment or time can require creative problem-solving, while fostering collaboration among students helps simulate real-world filmmaking environments. Building a supportive and inclusive classroom culture is key to overcoming these obstacles and inspiring students to pursue their ideas.
What cities are hiring for Film Teacher jobs? Cities with the most Film Teacher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Film Teacher jobs? The most popular types of Film Teacher jobs are:
What states have the most Film Teacher jobs? States with the most job openings for Film Teacher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Film Teacher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,449 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Film Instructor / Filmmaking Mentor (Part-Time Teaching Artist)

Latino Film Institute

Calistoga, CA • On-site

$31.80/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Film Instructor / Filmmaking Mentor (Part-Time Teaching Artist)


Compensation: $31.80/hour + paid prep + mileage reimbursement

Schedule: Part-time, 7-19 hrs/week

Locations: Calistoga/ Napa


Keep one foot in the craft while shaping the next generation of filmmakers.

The Youth Cinema Project hires working filmmakers to teach project-based film classes to students in grades 5-12, guiding them from script to screen on a real short film over the school year. It’s flexible, part-time work that fits around freelance gigs, with paid prep time and a curriculum already built for you. You bring the craft; we bring the lesson plans.

What you’ll do

  • Teach two 90-minute film classes a week, partnered with a co-mentor

  • Guide students through the full filmmaking process, writing, shooting, and editing, to produce a finished short film

  • Teach from our ready-made, rigorous curriculum (no lesson planning from scratch)

  • Help young people find their voice and discover a path into film

Why filmmakers take this role

  • Flexible hours (avg. 7-14/week) that work around production schedules and freelance gigs

  • $31.80/hour, plus paid preparation time and paid training

  • Mileage reimbursed for any travel

  • Stay creatively engaged between projects, and give back to your community

What you’ll need

  • 3+ years working in the film industry, as a director, producer, or in any below-the-line role

  • Strong skills in at least one area of filmmaking

  • Enough editing ability to cut simple short content (DaVinci Resolve a plus)

  • Comfortable and confident working with kids in a school setting

  • Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation (some travel up to 50 miles; mileage reimbursed). Comfortable using Google Workspace.

Nice to have (not required)

  • Film degree or film-school background

  • Previous teaching or mentoring experience

  • Knowledge of camera, audio, and G&E equipment; film story structure

  • Experience with Frame.io and Dropbox


How to apply

Send your résumé and a link to your reel or portfolio. That’s all to get started. Promising candidates will be asked for a few work samples and a short note about your interest in the next step.


Good to know

This position works directly with students and requires successful completion of a background check, Live Scan fingerprinting, and a TB screening prior to employment. The role involves extended periods of standing, frequent outdoor work, and the ability to safely lift and transport up to 50 pounds of filmmaking equipment. All required state-mandated trainings, including Child Abuse Mandated Reporter and Harassment Prevention training, are provided and compensated. Please note that participation in or completion of the pre-instruction Boot Camp training does not guarantee employment or placement as a YCP Mentor.


The Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.