Research, produce, and direct documentary films and long-form video content. Median salary in Irvine: $112K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Figures represent annual base salary in Irvine, California. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →
Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.
Documentary Filmmakers in Irvine earn approximately 72% higher than the US national median for this role — a $47,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Irvine's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.
California's 9.3% state income tax reduces take-home by roughly $10,416 per year at the median salary. A Documentary Filmmaker relocating to a no-tax state like Texas, Florida, or Tennessee would retain that amount without changing gross pay.
Average 1-bedroom rent in Irvine ($2,800/mo) consumes approximately 49% of an after-tax median Documentary Filmmaker salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home — a salary at the 75th percentile ($181K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $112K by 2030.
Enter your email for free access. We'll send salary market updates — unsubscribe anytime.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
The median Documentary Filmmaker salary in Irvine, CA is $112,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Irvine–CA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.
Entry-level Documentary Filmmakers in Irvine with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $72,000 and $112,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $112,000 to $181,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $181,000 to $301,000 or more.
Irvine has a cost of living index of 172 compared to the US national average of 100. Irvine's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. California has a 9.3% state income tax rate.
Bachelor's in Film or Journalism; production portfolio. 40% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.