Home > Salary > Canada > Cinematographer
A cinematographer, also known as a director of photography (DP), is responsible for the visual aspects of a film or video production. They work closely with the director to bring their artistic vision to life through the use of lighting, camera angles, composition, and movement. Cinematographers are skilled in selecting and operating cameras, lenses, and other equipment to capture the desired shots and create the desired mood or atmosphere. They collaborate with the production team to create a cohesive visual style that enhances the storytelling and engages the audience.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 80,128 CAD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,677 CAD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,541 CAD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 39 CAD per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,446 CAD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,488 CAD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 37 CAD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-03
Estimated Yearly Salary: 80,348 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,696 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,545 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 39 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 80,128 CAD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,677 CAD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,541 CAD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 39 CAD per hour
By working as Cinematographer a person can save up to 4,577 USD per month or 54,927 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Canada, see costs of living in Canada.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Cinematographer
United States Of America is 86,496 USD
8%
Details on Cinematographer salary in United States Of America
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
Random salary:
Radio operator (39,742 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
Mailroom messenger (27,590 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
Senior talent acquisition manager (108,526 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
Stocker (28,387 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
Entry-level sales representative pharmaceuticals (68,128 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
Cinematographer salary in Canada
Average Yearly Salary of Cinematographer in Canada is approximately 80,128 CAD (80,348 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Cinematographer do?

Skills: Cinematographer, Director of Photography, Visual Storytelling, Lighting Techniques, Camera Operation, Film Production
Job industry: Film and television production
Job industry: Film and television production
How much does Cinematographer make?
Salary details
How much does Cinematographer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 80,128 CAD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,677 CAD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,541 CAD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 39 CAD per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 77,353 CADEstimated Monthly Salary: 6,446 CAD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,488 CAD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 37 CAD per hour
Cinematographer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 80,348 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,696 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,545 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 39 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
Please type in your occupation and select desired country to see latest trends in salaries.
Country:
Salary comparison to National average
Canada is a vast country located in North America. It has a population of approximately 38 million people, making it the second-largest country by land area and the tenth-largest by population. With a total area of about 9.98 million square kilometers, Canada is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, forests, lakes, and coastlines.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 70,966 CAD (52,960 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Cinematographer job salary compared to average salary in Canada.
Comparison shows that a person working as Cinematographer in Canada earns on average:
1.13 times the average salary (or 113% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 70,966 CAD (52,960 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Cinematographer job salary compared to average salary in Canada.
Comparison shows that a person working as Cinematographer in Canada earns on average:
1.13 times the average salary (or 113% of average salary).
Is Cinematographer a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Cinematographer is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Cinematographer?
High salary for Cinematographer would be somewhere between 88,141 CAD and 116,186 CAD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Cinematographer in Canada?
Living in Canada the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,118 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 80,128 CAD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,677 CAD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,541 CAD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 39 CAD per hour
By working as Cinematographer a person can save up to 4,577 USD per month or 54,927 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Canada, see costs of living in Canada.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: United States of America. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Cinematographer

Details on Cinematographer salary in United States Of America
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
Top 10 highest salaries in Canada
(552,602 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
2. Cardiologist
(460,219 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
(446,188 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
4. Neurosurgeon
(430,825 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
(430,370 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
(421,037 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
7. Urologist
(420,203 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
(419,967 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
(419,948 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
10. Plastic surgeon
(419,552 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
Radio operator (39,742 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
Mailroom messenger (27,590 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
Senior talent acquisition manager (108,526 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
Stocker (28,387 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
Entry-level sales representative pharmaceuticals (68,128 CAD per year, pre-tax.)
Feedback about these results
Please provide feedback by clicking buttons below if you find any of our salaries erroneous.

The salary estimates on optisalary.com are meant for reference use exclusively.
The salary data on this site is designed for informational purposes exclusively. We offer salary insights based on multiple sources, but cannot guarantee absolute accuracy. Users should always verify salary details with other reliable sources before making financial choices. Variations in salary figures may arise due to various circumstances, including location, experience, and industry. We do not offer any warranty regarding the completeness of the displayed salary data. Use of this website constitutes acknowledgment of these conditions.
The salary estimates on this website are meant for reference use exclusively. We collect salary data from multiple sources, but cannot guarantee complete precision. Users must independently verify salaries before making financial commitments. Salary variations occur due to company policies, negotiation skills, and experience levels. We deny any warranty regarding the correctness of the listed salary data. By accessing this site, you acknowledge that salary data is not definitive.