Freelance Cinematographer Salary in Raleigh, NC
How Much Does a Freelance Cinematographer make?
Freelance Cinematographer made a median salary around $72,864 in February, 2025.
The best-paid 25 percent made $84,458 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $64,071.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out
Freelance Cinematographer
jobs in
Raleigh, North Carolina
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Best-Paying Cities for Freelance Cinematographer
The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Freelance Cinematographer profession are Cary
, Garner
, Knightdale
, Raleigh
, Apex
.
| Cary, NC | $72,864 |
| Garner, NC | $72,864 |
| Knightdale, NC | $72,864 |
| Raleigh, NC | $72,864 |
| Apex, NC | $72,789 |
Best-Paying States for Freelance Cinematographer
The states and districts that pay Freelance Cinematographer the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $83,177)
, California (around $82,429)
, New Jersey (around $81,906)
, Alaska (around $81,383)
, and Massachusetts (around $81,308)
.
| District of Columbia | $83,177 |
| California | $82,429 |
| New Jersey | $81,906 |
| Alaska | $81,383 |
| Massachusetts | $81,308 |
What is the Career Path of Freelance Cinematographer?
A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.
For Freelance Cinematographer, the first career path typically starts with a Creative Supervisor position , and then progresses to Art Director.
Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Photographer III position , and then progresses to Photography Studio Manager.
Besides, Freelance Cinematographer can also turn to other related jobs, including
Cinematographer
,
Cinematographer Editor
,
Freelance Photographer
and
Freelance Copywriter
.
Frequently Asked Questions for Freelance Cinematographer
Q:
What is the salary range of Freelance Cinematographer in Raleigh, NC?
A:
In 2025
, the lowest-paid Freelance Cinematographer in Raleigh, NC earned an average annual salary of $64,071
, while the highest-paid made $84,458.
Q:
What is the salary for a Freelance Cinematographer in California?
A:
Freelance Cinematographer employed in California earned an average salary of $82,429 in 2025.
Average Freelance Cinematographer Pay vs. Other Jobs
Freelance Cinematographer earned an average salary of $72,864 in 2025.
Other jobs related to Freelance Cinematographer earned the following average salary in February, 2025.
Cinematographer
made $72,864
,
Cinematographer Editor
made $77,069
,
Freelance Photographer
and
Freelance Copywriter
made $76,019
and $58,903 respectively
.
Relevant Jobs of Freelance Cinematographer
A cinematographer or director of photography (sometimes shortened to DP or DOP) is the chief over the camera and light crews working on a film, television production or other live action piece and is responsible for making artistic and technical decisions related to the image. The study and practice of this field is referred to as cinematography.
The cinematographer selects the camera, film stock, lenses, filters, etc., to realize the scene in accordance with the intentions of the director. Relations between the cinematographer and director vary; in some instances the director will allow the cinematographer complete independence; in others, the director allows little to none, even going so far as to specify exact camera placement and lens selection. Such a level of involvement is not common once the director and cinematographer have become comfortable with each other; the director will typically convey to the cinematographer what is wanted from a scene visually, and allow the cinematographer latitude in achieving that effect.
There is currently no job description for Cinematographer Editor, be the first to
submit
the job responsibilities for Cinematographer Editor.
There is currently no job description for Freelance Photographer, be the first to
submit
the job responsibilities for Freelance Photographer.
Copywriting is the act of writing text for the purpose of advertising or other forms of marketing. The product, called copy, is written content that aims to increase brand awareness and ultimately persuade a person or group to take a particular action.
Copywriters help create billboards, brochures, catalogs, jingle lyrics, magazine and newspaper advertisements, sales letters and other direct mail, scripts for television or radio commercials, taglines, white papers, social media posts, and other marketing communications.
There is currently no job description for Freelance Editor, be the first to
submit
the job responsibilities for Freelance Editor.