Home > Salary > South Africa > 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: 204,297 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,025 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,929 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 98 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 16,505 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,809 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 95 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-08
Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,237 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 853 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 197 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 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.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 204,297 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,025 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,929 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 98 ZAR per hour
By working as Cinematographer a person can save up to 582 USD per month or 6,983 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 South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Cinematographer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Cinematographer salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Cinematographer in South Africa is approximately 204,297 ZAR (10,237 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?
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.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: 204,297 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,025 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,929 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 98 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 198,060 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 16,505 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,809 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 95 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-08Cinematographer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,237 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 853 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 197 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %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
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Cinematographer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Cinematographer in South Africa earns on average:
1.61 times the average salary (or 161% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Cinematographer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Cinematographer in South Africa earns on average:
1.61 times the average salary (or 161% 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 224,727 ZAR and 296,231 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Cinematographer in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 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: 204,297 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,025 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,929 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 98 ZAR per hour
By working as Cinematographer a person can save up to 582 USD per month or 6,983 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 South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. 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
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Salary 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
+12% salary increase- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
+25% salary increase- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
+16% salary increase- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
+9% salary increase- more than 25 years of experience yields
+10% salary increaseTop 10 highest salaries in South Africa
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Data as of 2025Random salary:
Veterinary practice manager (115,533 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Solar installation electrician (89,742 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Land surveyor manager (172,751 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Biological science teacher postsecondary (103,210 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Study abroad coordinator (104,940 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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