Based on 25,926+ real crew assignments across the United States
Assignment Desk publishes real video production day rates based on 25,926+ actual crew assignments. Rates cover 44 production roles including Directors of Photography, Camera Operators, Audio Technicians, Gaffers, Grips, and more. Data is sourced from actual billing records, not surveys or estimates, making it the most accurate day rate guide in the video production industry.
Rates shown are per-day compensation from actual billing records. Low = 25th percentile, High = 75th percentile. Only roles with 5+ data points are shown.
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How much does a Director of Photography cost per day?
Based on our data from thousands of real assignments, a Director of Photography (DP) typically costs between $500 and $2,500 per day depending on experience, market, and project complexity. The median day rate is around $800-$1,200.
What is a fair day rate for an audio technician?
Audio technicians typically charge between $400 and $1,500 per day. The median rate from our dataset is around $600-$900 per day. Rates vary by city and whether the tech provides their own equipment kit.
Do day rates vary by city?
Yes, significantly. Major markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago command higher rates (often 20-40% above the national median) due to higher cost of living and stronger demand. Smaller markets may have lower rates but also less competition for bookings.
What does a day rate typically include?
A standard day rate in video production covers a 10-hour work day. It includes the crew member's labor and basic kit (camera, audio, or lighting depending on the role). Equipment rentals, travel expenses, and overtime are usually billed separately.
How often are these rates updated?
Our rate data is computed from real billing records across 36,000+ crew assignments and is refreshed daily. The data reflects actual paid rates, not estimates or surveys, making it the most accurate rate guide in the industry.
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