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Film Director Salary in Los Angeles, CA

How much does a film director make in Los Angeles? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Los Angeles's cost of living.

Median Salary
$127,590
per year in Los Angeles
Entry Level
$67,153
Starting salary
Senior Level
$241,749
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
166
66% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how film director salaries break down across different pay periods in Los Angeles.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$67,153$127,590$241,749
Monthly$5,596$10,633$20,146
Biweekly$2,583$4,907$9,298
Weekly$1,291$2,454$4,649
Hourly$32$61$116

Los Angeles vs National Average

How Los Angeles's film director salaries compare to national figures.

Los Angeles Salary
$127,590
COL Index: 166
National Average
$72,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$55,470
Higher in Los Angeles

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,500
per month
Median Income
$65,290
per year
Population
3,979,576
residents
Rent % of Income
45.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 166 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Los Angeles have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Film Director

Overview

Direct the overall creative vision and production of films.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Film, Video Production, or related field

Key Skills

FilmmakingLeadershipCreative VisionBudget Management

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +22% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Film Director Salary

See Film Director salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$106,730
-16%
Chicago, IL
$78,490
-38%
Houston, TX
$56,000
-56%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,340
-52%
Philadelphia, PA
$78,430
-39%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Film Director Salary in Los Angeles, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a film director in Los Angeles, CA is $127,590 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Los Angeles's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level film director professionals in Los Angeles can expect to earn around $67,153 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level film directors earning approximately $241,749 per year. This represents a 260% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Los Angeles's cost of living index of 166 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Los Angeles are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $72,120, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a film director's salary in Los Angeles typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,500 per month, housing represents about 23.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Film Directors are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 22% over the next decade. In Los Angeles, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.