DP Career Coach

DP Career Coach | earnings calculator and AI career coach for working Directors of Photography.

What does a working DP actually earn? This app gives you the honest answer based on real US market rates.

10 inputs in: years experience, market tier (smaller market through LA/NYC), production mix, days per month, reel and network strength, kit ownership, union status, specialty add-ons, retainer clients.

Year-one income range out: low, median, high. Effective day rate. Days booked per month. A 10-year career projection chart showing how the trajectory compounds as your reel and network grow.

Plus a built-in AI coach that can interpret your numbers, suggest moves, and help you think through career math. Want to know if buying a full cinema kit pays off for your market? Ask the coach. Considering joining IATSE Local 600? The coach can run the math on what changes. Wondering whether to chase a strategic retainer client? Same, the coach can compare scenarios.

The calculator math runs locally on your device. No network required for the math. The chat connects to our backend (no account, no login required).

Built by a working commercial cinematographer who got tired of guessing.

• Free
• No ads
• No account required
• No data collected beyond your saved calculator inputs (which stay on your device)

Rates compiled May 2026 from IATSE wage schedules, DGA rate cards, AICP commercial production agreement, Wrapbook, Mixing Light, AIR Rate Guide, and peer surveys.