Film Crew Member Salaries in Canada

The average salary for a Film Crew Member is $54,529 per year in Canada. Salaries estimates are based on 44 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Film Crew Member employees in Canada.

The highest salary for a Film Crew Member in Canada is $69,754 per year.

The lowest salary for a Film Crew Member in Canada is $42,627 per year.

Your salary as a film crew member will depend on your years of experience, skillset, certifications, and the size of the productions you work on. Many film crew members start their careers by volunteering or working part-time on a production, and moving up the ranks from there. Others find that joining a union, such as the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) or the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, offers them consistent training and experience to break into the industry. Many colleges across Canada offer certificates and diplomas in various parts of the film industry (like lighting technician training, videography, and pyrotechnics) which can bolster your earning potential. Earning a commercial driver’s license, firearms license, or forklift training can earn you more, too.

If you want to negotiate a higher salary as a film crew member, you’ll need to be aware of a few different variables. If you’re unionized, your compensation cannot be changed unless you earn different certifications or credentials that earn you more according to your labour contract. If you’re not unionized, your ability to earn more will depend on the size of the production you work on–a major Hollywood film has more money to allocate to staffing than a small independent film. If there’s budget, and you hold necessary skills, use them as leverage for a higher salary. For example, if your production uses lots of pyrotechnics, and you are certified in their use, your value will be much higher than someone without this training. You should also emphasize how helpful you are on-set, whether you’ve reduced downtime, how many different jobs you’re able to assist on, and how your contributions directly contribute to the production’s smooth operation.

About 64.73% of Film Crew Member professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional $0 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Film Crew Member in Canada as a good salary.

Film Crew Member professionals in Canada have a wide total pay range, between $34,160 and $87,044 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of $54,529 following the average career path of a Film Crew Member.