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Jennifer Vera's picture

What to pay a 2nd shooter?

Hi,
I was thinking about paying a 2nd shooter $40 per hour. Is that a reasonable amount. What is the average pay for a 2nd shooter in the Houston area?
Thanks!

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10 Comments

I'm in Charleston SC and that is on the high side for this area.

Thanks for the feedback!

I'm in Kansas City, MO and that is on the high side as well. It's usually $15-20/hr for assistants and $25-45/hr depending on experience level for second photographers.

Thanks!

I don't have an answer to your question, a question that might help you find an answer: based on your skill level, and experience, how much would you want to be paid as a second shooter? Might be a good place to start, and adjust accordingly

Good place to start indeed! Then judge how you think your second shooter is, worse or better than you, or about the same?

Yep you're definitely pickin up what I'm puttin down

The average here in Edmonton, Canada seems to be $30 to $40.
In US dollars, that's about $23 to $31.

I've worked in Houston area quite a bit (I'm based out of College Station), and I tend to pay anywhere from $20-$40 per hour for a second shooter. General assistants generally receive less than that, but there's some overlap depending on the job description and experience. And to be fair, I don't technically pay an hourly rate for second shooters, but rather tend to hire a flat-rate "package" that breaks down in that price range.

The most I've paid a second shooter was just under $40 per hour because I was desperate due to a last-minute scheduling mixup, and the least I've paid was closer to $15 per hour for a beginner who had no portfolio and a ton of talent (leap of faith paid off).

Orlando/Miami $30 - $50 based on experience.