2026From a Facebook group: The Steadicam Group
Day rates and hourly pay for Steadicam® operators on low-budget US union productions (Tier 0 / 1A)
What the thread found
- US union Tier 0 side agreement requires productions to pay minimum 125% of local minimum wage; operator rates are negotiable beyond this floor.
- Common offers range from first or second camera assistant rates plus approximately USD 10 per hour, typically USD 30–45 per hour; during busy periods rates reportedly reach into the USD 90 range.
- Negotiations on hourly wages yield little movement due to union payroll structures, but productions often find budget flexibility for Steadicam® equipment rental rather than operator wages.
- Directors of photography and directors frequently advocate for dedicated Steadicam® budget, allowing operators to increase earnings through equipment rental fees rather than labor rates alone.
- Experienced operators estimate approximately USD 750 per day for 12-hour labor plus equipment, with flexible allocation between wages and rental fees; incorporation as a service company can improve contract terms.
- Non-union low-budget productions have offered approximately USD 600 per day including all equipment; such positions are often awarded to lower-rate competitors and are pursued primarily for work hours and industry contacts.
Depends on
- Rates depend on production union status and tier classification.
- Payroll tax obligations constrain movement in base hourly wages.
- Equipment rental pricing and availability vary by market and season.
- Operator experience and portfolio influence negotiating power.