Career and Salary Outlook

A film degree provides in-depth training in the various aspects of filmmaking including cinematography, editing, sound, mise-en-scene, scriptwriting, and directing. Students will also gain a comprehensive knowledge of the historical, political, and social aspects of film and will be able to employ film language in film criticism.

Undergraduate programs typically prepare students for entry-level jobs in the film industry or for graduate studies. Graduate programs, such as a master's degree in film and video, are a good match for students who want to pursue careers in academia and media research and programming.

Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), producers and directors have a median annual salary of $71,680 as of May 2018, and employment is expected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028. Those in advertising, public relations, and related services earn the most ($89,330) followed by producers and directors in film and video industries ($84,770).

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for camera operators is $54,570 while film and video editors earn $62,650. The highest earners in this fieldwork in the movies and video industries ($61,450 for camera operators, $67,330 for film and video editors). The projected job growth for both occupations is 8 percent and 14 percent, respectively.