Film & Photography at Seattle Film Institute

Seattle, WA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Film/Video and Photographic Arts

a compact campus enrolling 60 students in Seattle, WA.

Program Analysis

At $28,447 per year, Film & Photography graduates from Seattle Film Institute significantly outpace the $21,229 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Film & Photography's career paths, with 44% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $17,956 represents roughly 8 months of the $28,447 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #13 of 23 Film & Photography programs, Seattle Film Institute falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Film & Photography offers 8 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

35 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
30
Low End
35
Score
37
High End
Earnings $28,447/yr (34% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (56% shielded)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$298K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
9.0x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$33,000
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,956
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Film & Photography graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Producers and directors $83,480 +4.9% 58%
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190 +1.7% 56%
Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800 +2.1% 57%
Producers and directors
$83,480
+4.9% growth 58% AI-proof
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190
+1.7% growth 56% AI-proof
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800
+2.1% growth 57% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Film & Photography Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Film & Photography careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering arts & design.

Read the full Film & Photography career guide →

Compare & Explore

Film & Photography Overview

Film & Photography at Other Schools

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Film & Photography at Seattle Film Institute?
This program scores 35/100 — on the lower end for Film & Photography. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Will AI affect Film & Photography careers?
Our scenarios model 44% of Film & Photography tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Seattle Film Institute's 35/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Film & Photography program at Seattle Film Institute?
If Seattle Film Institute's tuition gives you pause, consider that 8 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Film & Photography. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →