Find Media Gig day rate resources here, to check the range of average day rates. Pay is a valid concern with any position in the Multi-Media Industry. Job postings may not list their pay rate, leaving us to wonder, will it even be worth the time to ask. However, as a freelancer, self employed contractor, it us up to you to research, set your own rate and negotiate.
People are at different career levels. There are those that start a new career late in life or re-enter a job field, who may not have the same amount of experience accumulated over time as others. Some are more tech savvy than others, more formally educated, have a flexible schedule, willing to travel, able to work long hours and the employer's requirement list goes on. All taken in to account on pay level, plus their own budget to balance. Their ultimate mission is to make the maximum profit on their investment. The same thought as the employee - make some money.
I've listed resources you can review to find out wage rates per position. These include union and non-union. Keep in mind, large union affiliated Production companies, do their best to pay non-union employees, close to union rates, in certain situations.
Unions
Several unions are involved in cast and crew labor negotiations. Some may not post those publicly, but a few I've found, I've listed. Each area market, size of cities, vary with rates. Unions have membership requirements either through hours worked on certain types of projects, referrals, fees, initiation, monthly dues, meetings, grievance procedures and more. Recently, many have closed across the United States due to lack of work in specific areas. Look up your chapter in your area to find out more info.
Other functions Unions assist with are: Work contracts or deal memos that spell out hours of work, breaks, meals, overtime rates, even wardrobe and weather changes. The union can also limit its members' work by requiring to only take union jobs in the specific profession registered with the union. So, attempting to take a non union job could create some stress with union reps.
The list below is not all inclusive, there are other positions they represent. Feel free to call them to ask if your specialty is covered.
IATSE
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
Wage Rates Agreement
Mainly represents technicians such as:
- Audio
- Camera Operators
- Production Coordinators
- Gaffers
- Electricians
Teamsters
Teamsters Wage Rate PDF file 2011
These cover positions such as:
- Van Drivers
- Camera Crane Operators
- Animal Trainers
- Trailer/RV Drivers
SAG/AFTRA
SAG AFTRA wage pdf file 2010-2013
The Screen Actors Guild
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
Represents:
- Actors
- Dancers
- Singers
- Stunt Performers
There are also many guilds, associations, and organizations that may help you with additional information, but do not represent members the same way as unions.
- Writer's Guild of America
- Producer's Guild of America
- Director's Guild of America
- Artist's Rights Foundation
- Actors Equity
Non- Union
US Dept of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics
The United States tracks this data yearly. It can be used to cross reference skills to similar roles. For example: Production Coordinator may have the same type of skills as an Event Coordinator. This is usually broken down in to an average rate, so they sampled high amounts and low amounts. They may even sub categorize by state, sex, age and so on.
Other ways to compare rates:
- Job postings may lists rates
- Ask fellow crew members, privately
- Set your own reasonable rates.
Caution:
There are productions companies, like any other industry, who will attempt to pay low wages for positions but ask them to perform other duties in which they should be being paid extra for. For Example, a Production Assistant may be asked to do lighting, camera operating, or transportation driving. The other positions may pay up to double or triple the going rate of a production assistant who is at an entry level.
Note: Do not assume if a job posting does not list a rate or found on Craigslist, its not a legitimate job. It may be a large production company reaching out to the community privately.
A few key words can indicate a low or no budget or unpredictable pay:
- Internship
- Deferred
- Half day rate
- Volunteer
- Student film
- Stipend
- Crowdfunded, Commission based, or Contest submissions
I can not criticize anyone for deciding to take a job that may pay at a low rate. Either for an entry level opportunity, to feed their family, pay some bills or be involved to stay involved in the industry polishing their skills, or networking intentions. Union offices are closing across the United States. Production companies are filming in non-union right to work states bringing paying jobs to local qualified candidates.
There will always be an infinite debate on how much some people think others should be making. The encouragement to stand up, similarly to striking, until demands are met and no one should give up the fight. But even in those fights, there will be someone who falls or takes the job someone walks away from. The worker and the employer must make decisions based on a number of reasons facing them towards what is an attainable business relationship.
