Home > Salary > India > Gaffer
A gaffer is a key member of the film and television production crew, responsible for the management and execution of lighting setups. They work closely with the director of photography (DP) to achieve the desired visual style and mood of a scene. The gaffer oversees a team of electricians and grips, ensuring that all lighting equipment is properly set up, powered, and controlled. They collaborate with the DP to determine the placement and intensity of lights, as well as the use of filters, diffusers, and other accessories. The gaffer must have a strong technical understanding of lighting techniques, as well as excellent communication and problem-solving skills. They often work long hours and in various locations, adapting to different lighting conditions and constraints.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 2,195,656 INR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 182,971 INR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 42,224 INR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 1,056 INR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 177,465 INR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 40,953 INR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 1,024 INR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-09
Estimated Yearly Salary: 24,474 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 2,040 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 471 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 12 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
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.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 2,195,656 INR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 182,971 INR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 42,224 INR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 1,056 INR per hour
By working as Gaffer a person can save up to 1,144 USD per month or 13,732 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 India, see costs of living in India.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Gaffer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Gaffer salary in India
Average Yearly Salary of Gaffer in India is approximately 2,195,656 INR (24,474 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 Gaffer do?

Skills: Gaffer, Lighting, Film Production, Television Production, Cinematography, Lighting Design
Job industry: Film and television production
Job industry: Film and television production
How much does Gaffer make?
Salary details
How much does Gaffer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 2,195,656 INR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 182,971 INR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 42,224 INR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 1,056 INR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 2,129,580 INREstimated Monthly Salary: 177,465 INR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 40,953 INR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 1,024 INR per hour
Gaffer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 24,474 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 2,040 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 471 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 12 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
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
India is a diverse and vibrant country located in South Asia. With a population of over 1.3 billion people, it is the second-most populous country in the world. The land area of India spans approximately 3.29 million square kilometers, making it the seventh-largest country by land area. It shares borders with several countries including Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 1,850,826 INR (22,380 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Gaffer job salary compared to average salary in India.
Comparison shows that a person working as Gaffer in India earns on average:
1.19 times the average salary (or 119% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 1,850,826 INR (22,380 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Gaffer job salary compared to average salary in India.
Comparison shows that a person working as Gaffer in India earns on average:
1.19 times the average salary (or 119% of average salary).
Is Gaffer a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Gaffer 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 Gaffer?
High salary for Gaffer would be somewhere between 2,415,222 INR and 3,183,701 INR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Gaffer in India?
Living in India the approximate monthly expenses are: 895 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: 2,195,656 INR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 182,971 INR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 42,224 INR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 1,056 INR per hour
By working as Gaffer a person can save up to 1,144 USD per month or 13,732 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 India, see costs of living in India.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), Afghanistan. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Gaffer
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
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