Home > Salary > Japan > 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: 9,863,096 JPY
Estimated Monthly Salary: 821,925 JPY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 189,675 JPY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4,742 JPY per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 795,513 JPY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 183,580 JPY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4,589 JPY per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-06
Estimated Yearly Salary: 64,001 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,333 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,231 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 31 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: 9,863,096 JPY
Estimated Monthly Salary: 821,925 JPY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 189,675 JPY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4,742 JPY per hour
By working as Cinematographer a person can save up to 3,636 USD per month or 43,630 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 Japan, see costs of living in Japan.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Cinematographer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Cinematographer salary in Japan
Average Yearly Salary of Cinematographer in Japan is approximately 9,863,096 JPY (64,001 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: 9,863,096 JPY
Estimated Monthly Salary: 821,925 JPY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 189,675 JPY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4,742 JPY per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 9,546,152 JPYEstimated Monthly Salary: 795,513 JPY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 183,580 JPY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4,589 JPY per hour
Cinematographer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 64,001 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,333 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,231 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 31 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
Japan, located in East Asia, is an island country consisting of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. With a population of approximately 126 million people, it is the 11th most populous country globally. Japan has a land area of around 377,975 square kilometers, making it comparable in size to Germany or Montana in the United States.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 5,998,894 JPY (42,440 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Cinematographer job salary compared to average salary in Japan.
Comparison shows that a person working as Cinematographer in Japan earns on average:
1.64 times the average salary (or 164% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 5,998,894 JPY (42,440 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Cinematographer job salary compared to average salary in Japan.
Comparison shows that a person working as Cinematographer in Japan earns on average:
1.64 times the average salary (or 164% of average salary).
Is Cinematographer a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that Cinematographer is a well paid job. 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 10,849,406 JPY and 14,301,489 JPY. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Cinematographer in Japan?
Living in Japan the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,698 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: 9,863,096 JPY
Estimated Monthly Salary: 821,925 JPY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 189,675 JPY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4,742 JPY per hour
By working as Cinematographer a person can save up to 3,636 USD per month or 43,630 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 Japan, see costs of living in Japan.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: China, South Korea, North Korea, Russia. 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
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 Japan
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5. Neurosurgeon
(53,032,036 JPY per year, pre-tax.)
(52,007,323 JPY per year, pre-tax.)
7. Urologist
(51,979,186 JPY per year, pre-tax.)
(51,888,641 JPY per year, pre-tax.)
9. Oncologist
(51,874,052 JPY per year, pre-tax.)
(51,756,180 JPY per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
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This website presents salary insights for educational purposes only.
This website compiles salary data for educational use exclusively. While we endeavor to deliver correct estimates, we do not ensure their full reliability. Users are highly advised to check with other sources before finalizing financial decisions. Salary figures fluctuate based on multiple factors, such as industry trends, negotiation power, and regional demand. We make no guarantees as to the validity of the provided data. Your use of this site indicates acceptance of this notice.
The salary data presented here are intended for informational purposes only. While we attempt to ensure correctness, we cannot guarantee all figures is precise. Users should to confirm salary details with independent sources before making critical financial choices. Salary ranges can fluctuate due to economic shifts, demand variations, and regional factors. We deny responsibility for errors in the salary data displayed.