The Film Production Wage Calculator helps producers, line producers, production managers, and crew members estimate accurate pay for work done on a film, TV show, or commercial. It covers hourly, daily, and weekly rates, and includes overtime if needed. This ensures fair wages according to contracts, union rules, and labor laws. It also helps budgeting departments plan total labor costs for the shoot. This calculator belongs to the Film Crew Payroll and Budgeting Calculator category and is widely used on set, in production offices, and by payroll coordinators.
formula of Film Production Wage Calculator
- Hourly Wage Total
Total Wage = Hourly Rate × Hours Worked - Daily Wage Total
Total Wage = Daily Rate × Number of Days Worked - Weekly Wage Total
Total Wage = Weekly Rate × Number of Weeks Worked - If overtime applies (for hourly crew):
Total Wage = (Hourly Rate × Regular Hours) + (Hourly Rate × Overtime Multiplier × Overtime Hours)
Where:
Regular Hours = standard hours per day or week (often 8 hours/day)
Overtime Multiplier = common rates are 1.5× (time and a half) or 2× (double time)
Overtime Hours = hours beyond the standard shift
Common Film Crew Rates Reference Table
This table shows typical rate ranges for common crew positions. Use this for quick checks when planning wages.
| Crew Position | Typical Rate Type | Common Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Production Assistant | Hourly | $15–$25/hr |
| Camera Operator | Daily | $300–$600/day |
| Sound Mixer | Daily | $350–$700/day |
| Gaffer | Daily | $300–$600/day |
| Script Supervisor | Weekly | $1,200–$2,500/week |
| Director of Photography | Weekly | $2,500–$5,000/week |
Actual rates can vary by region, union agreements, and project scale.
Example of Film Production Wage Calculator
Let’s see a step-by-step example.
Suppose a camera operator works 5 days at $400/day. They also did 2 hours of overtime each day, paid at 1.5×.
- Regular Pay:
Daily Rate × Days Worked = $400 × 5 = $2,000 - Overtime Pay per Day:
Hourly Rate = Daily Rate / Standard Hours (assume 8) = $400 / 8 = $50/hr
Overtime per Day = $50 × 1.5 × 2 hrs = $150 - Overtime for all days:
$150 × 5 = $750 - Total Wage:
Regular Pay + Overtime = $2,000 + $750 = $2,750
So, the camera operator should earn $2,750 for that week.
Most Common FAQs
It ensures crew and talent are paid fairly and on time. It also helps producers control labor costs and avoid surprises in the budget.
Yes. You can adjust the overtime multiplier and standard hours to match union agreements, like IATSE or SAG-AFTRA.
Yes. Just enter their agreed daily or hourly rate and number of days or hours worked. Always use signed contracts to confirm rates.