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Full Time Documentary Film Jobs (NOW HIRING)

La Storia Productions

Documentary Editor

Boulder, CO · On-site

La Storia Productions is seeking an experienced, full-time, in-house Documentary Editor with a ... Proven experience as a Documentary Editor or similar role in film or television production.

LVT

Junior Film Producer

American Fork, UT

... documentary, brand, or agency. * Technical Fluency: Working proficiency with Frame.io, Premiere ... Full-time benefits include, but not limited to: Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage ...

LVT

Junior Film Producer

American Fork, UT · On-site

... documentary, brand, or agency. * Technical Fluency: Working proficiency with Frame.io, Premiere ... Full-time benefits include, but not limited to: Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage ...

May Street

Video Editor

Boston, MA · Remote

$60 - $85/hr

... minute film with multiple interview subjects. This is not a full-time role and there's no ... Experience cutting interview-based or documentary-style work; you can find the story in an hour of ...

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Full Time Documentary Film information

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$38K

$75.5K

$129K

How much do full time documentary film jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time documentary film in the United States is $75,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is full time documentary film a good career?

Full time documentary film work involves creating non-fiction films and often requires strong storytelling, research, and technical skills such as editing and camera operation. It can be a rewarding but competitive career with variable income and job stability, often relying on freelance projects, grants, or funding. Success typically depends on building a portfolio, networking, and gaining experience in the industry.

What is the difference between Full Time Documentary Film vs Full Time Film Editor?

AspectFull Time Documentary FilmFull Time Film Editor
CredentialsRelevant film or media degrees, experience in documentary productionFilm editing certifications, experience with editing software
Work EnvironmentOn-location shoots, editing suites, production officesEditing suites, post-production facilities
Industry UsageDocumentary filmmaking, broadcast, streaming platformsFilm and TV post-production, various genres

Both roles require strong storytelling skills and technical knowledge, but a Full Time Documentary Film focuses on creating factual, real-life stories often involving fieldwork, while a Full Time Film Editor specializes in post-production editing across various film genres. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the film industry.

What is a full time documentary film job?

Full-time documentary film jobs refer to positions where individuals work primarily on the creation, production, and post-production of documentary films as their main occupation. These roles can include directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, researchers, and sound technicians, among others. Working full-time in documentary filmmaking often involves collaborating with a team to research topics, shoot footage, conduct interviews, and edit films for television, streaming platforms, or festivals. The work can be project-based but is considered full-time when it constitutes a consistent, primary source of employment. Many professionals in this field are employed by production companies, media organizations, or work as staff within dedicated documentary divisions.

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

To thrive as a Full-Time Documentary Filmmaker, you need strong storytelling ability, proficiency in video production, interviewing skills, and often a degree in film, journalism, or a related field. Mastery of editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, as well as experience with cameras, audio equipment, and possibly drone technology, is typically required. Creativity, curiosity, resilience, and excellent communication are essential soft skills for connecting with subjects and navigating challenging production environments. These skills are crucial for creating impactful, high-quality documentaries that engage audiences and convey compelling narratives.

How much do full time documentary film filmmakers get paid?

Full-time documentary film filmmakers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, project scope, and funding sources. Salaries can vary widely based on the filmmaker's reputation, the production company's size, and the complexity of the projects they undertake.

What are some common challenges faced by full time documentary filmmakers and how can they be managed?

Full-time documentary filmmakers often encounter challenges such as securing consistent funding, managing tight production schedules, and gaining access to subjects or locations. To address these, filmmakers typically build strong networks within the industry, apply for grants or pitch to production companies, and develop detailed project plans to stay on track. Collaborating closely with producers, editors, and legal advisors also helps navigate logistical and ethical hurdles, ensuring the project maintains its creative vision while staying within budget and timeline constraints.
More about Full Time Documentary Film jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Documentary Film jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Documentary Film job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary Film jobs? The most popular types of Documentary Film jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Documentary Film jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Documentary Film jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Documentary Film jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Documentary Film jobs are:
Full Time Documentary Film jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Documentary Film job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,498 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies

Stanford Energy

Stanford, CA

$115K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Stanford University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies

Apply now Work type: University Tenure Line
Location: Stanford University
Categories: School of Humanities & Sciences

Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies

SCHOLAR OF AFRICAN/AFRO-DIASPORIC FILM AND MEDIA

The Program in Film and Media Studies in the Department of Art & Art History at Stanford University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor. We are seeking a scholar engaged in innovative research and teaching of moving-image arts (fiction and or documentary film, video, media installations and environments) who specializes in African or Afro-diasporic film/media cultures. Strong training in film history and theory is expected. We welcome applicants who study the intersection of cinema and other media, as well as those who incorporate creative media production into their scholarly practice. The successful candidate will develop a range of introductory level and topical courses for undergraduates, as well as graduate seminars related to their specific research interests. 

Housed in a department with programs in art history, art practice, and documentary filmmaking, Stanford's Program in Film and Media Studies has a dynamic and interdisciplinary vision of the field. We have a robust undergraduate program as well as a roster of PhD students specializing in film and media studies. The ideal applicant will bring to Stanford a program of current and future research in African or Afro-diasporic film and media, and attract PhD students of the highest caliber. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. at the time of appointment and will be expected to teach and advise students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The position will be at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in Fall 2027. 

Candidates should apply through Stanford Faculty Positions and submit

  • a cover letter

  • curriculum vitae 

  • a research and teaching statement (no more than three single-spaced pages)

A writing sample and letters of recommendation will be solicited at a later stage. 

The salary range for this position is $115,133 - $135,388.

Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.

Inquiries may be directed to Inge Klaps, Assistant Director of Finance and Operations, Department of Art & Art History at iklaps@stanford.edu. 

The application process will close on September 30, 2026.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research, teaching and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.

Advertised: 09 Jul 2026 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 30 Sep 2026 11:55 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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