Gaffer
Impact: Creative and Technical
Oversee all lighting aspects of film or television productions by collaborating with the Director of Photography, managing the electrical crew, ensuring safety, and maintaining the desired visual mood and ambiance for each scene.
What the day looks like
- People interaction
- Extensive
- Team vs solo
- Team
- Client facing
- Always
- Impact visibility
- High
- Travel
- Moderate
- Schedule flexibility
- Rigid
- Remote work
- On-site Only
- Typical work hours
- 10-14 hours per day
- Stress level
- High
At a glance
- Median salary
- $60,059
- Entry-level
- $45,000
- Senior
- $85,000
- Growth by 2033
- Average
- Demand
- Stable
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Salary growth potential
- High
- Typical student debt
- Low to Moderate
Skills you'll use
Hard skills
- Electrical Systems
- Lighting Equipment Operation
- Cinematography Principles
- Safety Protocols
- Budget Management
Soft skills
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Attention to Detail
Technical complexity: High
How to get there
- Minimum education
- Postsecondary non-degree award (e.g., electrical certification) or significant on-the-job training
- Licensing
- Yes
- Years to mid-career
- 5
- Years to senior
- 10
- Career switching
- Moderate
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
Where you can go from here
Typical progression
- Best Boy Electric
- Gaffer
- Director of Photography
Future outlook
- Automation probability
- Low
- AI disruption risk
- Low
- Demand trend
- Stable
How people feel about it
- Overall satisfaction
- 3.5/10
- Meaning
- 4/10
- Work-life balance
- 4/10
- Prestige
- 7/10
- Social perception
- Low