As of 2023, according to the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the minimum salary for a first-time feature film director is $202,654, while the average salary for a first-time feature film director is around $300,000. Experienced film directors can earn much more, with some top directors earning millions of dollars per film.
In addition to their salary, film directors may also receive other benefits such as royalties from the film's box office earnings and streaming revenue, as well as travel expenses and per diem payments.
Some film directors also have their own production companies, which can generate additional income from producing films and other creative projects.