Documentary Filmmaker Salary
in Mesa, AZ
Research, produce, and direct documentary films and long-form video content. Median salary in Mesa: $61K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Salary range in Mesa
Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Mesa, Arizona.
Key facts for Mesa
Salary forecast: Mesa Documentary Filmmaker to 2030
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $61K by 2030.
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Documentary Filmmaker Salary in Mesa, Arizona: Complete Guide (2026)
The median Documentary Filmmaker salary in Mesa, AZ is $61,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Mesa–AZ 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.
Salary range for Documentary Filmmaker in Mesa
Entry-level Documentary Filmmakers in Mesa with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $39,000 and $61,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $61,000 to $99,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $99,000 to $165,000 or more.
Cost of living in Mesa for Documentary Filmmakers
Mesa has a cost of living index of 98 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 2% further in Mesa than the national average. Arizona has a 2.5% state income tax rate.
Education requirements for Documentary Filmmaker
Bachelor's in Film or Journalism; production portfolio. 40% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.