How much do intimacy coordinators get paid?
Exploring the Salaries, Factors, and Real-Life Examples Behind This Essential Role
(By Javier Guerra)
What Does an Intimacy Coordinator Do?
The role of an intimacy coordinator is relatively new in the entertainment industry but has quickly become vital. They are responsible for ensuring that actors feel safe and respected during scenes involving physical intimacy, nudity, or simulated sex. Their duties include choreographing movements, advocating for actors’ boundaries, and making sure consent is obtained and maintained throughout the filming process.
Intimacy coordinators work closely with directors, producers, and actors to create an environment of trust and open communication. They also ensure that the scenes meet the creative vision while respecting the actors’ comfort levels.
Average Salaries for Intimacy Coordinators
The salary of an intimacy coordinator can vary significantly depending on factors like experience, location, the size of the production, and union affiliation. On average, intimacy coordinators in the United States earn between $750 to $1,500 per day. For longer projects such as TV series, they may be booked for several weeks or even months, leading to substantial earnings.
For example:
A newly certified intimacy coordinator might earn around $500 to $750 per day.
An experienced coordinator working on a major studio film or premium cable show could command $1,200 to $2,000 per day.
According to Backstage and industry sources, an intimacy coordinator working on a network television show could earn a weekly rate of $3,500 to $5,000.
Union Rates and Agreements
The establishment of union guidelines has helped standardize pay for intimacy coordinators. The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has clear guidelines for productions.
SAG-AFTRA typically negotiates rates starting at around $900 per day for intimacy coordinators on union projects. For larger productions or streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon, or HBO, rates can be even higher.
Union membership also ensures benefits such as:
Health and pension contributions
Overtime pay
Travel reimbursement
These benefits can substantially enhance the overall compensation package.
Examples from Real Productions
Here are a few real-world examples to illustrate how much intimacy coordinators are paid:
“Euphoria” (HBO): Ita O’Brien, who served as a consultant for the show, reportedly charged top-of-the-market daily fees. Given HBO’s budget and emphasis on actor safety, intimacy coordinators like O’Brien may have earned upwards of $1,500 to $2,000 per day.
“Normal People” (BBC/Hulu): Intimacy coordinator Ita O’Brien was also involved here. Although exact figures weren’t public, insiders estimated about $1,200 per day for her services, in line with British industry standards.
Netflix Series: On many Netflix projects, intimacy coordinators are budgeted at $1,000 to $1,500 per day with extended contracts for multi-week shoots.
These examples show that experienced intimacy coordinators can make a lucrative living, especially when attached to high-profile, ongoing projects.
Factors That Influence Pay
Several factors can significantly influence how much an intimacy coordinator gets paid:
Experience and Training: More experienced intimacy coordinators with certifications from reputable programs can demand higher fees.
Location: Rates are often higher in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and London where the industry is more competitive.
Type of Production: Feature films and high-budget streaming series pay more than independent films or student projects.
Duration of Work: Some productions may only need a coordinator for a few scenes, while others involve months of regular work.
Union Membership: Being affiliated with SAG-AFTRA or another union helps standardize and raise minimum pay.
Reputation: Highly sought-after intimacy coordinators, especially those associated with critically acclaimed shows, can set their rates significantly above average.
Is Being an Intimacy Coordinator a Full-Time Career?
For some, yes. Successful intimacy coordinators can work full-time, especially if they balance television series, films, and theater projects. However, many work freelance and schedule their projects carefully throughout the year.
A full-time intimacy coordinator working at the higher end of the scale could easily make $100,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on workload and project size. Those just starting may supplement their income with related work, like teaching workshops or consulting.
How to Become an Intimacy Coordinator
Aspiring intimacy coordinators typically undergo specialized training programs. Some well-known training options include:
Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC): Offers certification programs.
Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE): Focuses on stage work and educational settings.
Training includes learning about consent practices, scene choreography, trauma-informed approaches, and communication skills. It often takes several months to a year to get certified and build up enough experience to land high-paying jobs.
Conclusion: A Growing and Vital Career
As awareness about actor safety continues to grow, the demand for intimacy coordinators is unlikely to diminish. Productions now see intimacy coordination as a necessity rather than a luxury.
For those willing to invest in training and build strong industry connections, becoming an intimacy coordinator can be both financially rewarding and deeply meaningful. With daily rates ranging from $750 to over $2,000, this career not only offers substantial earnings but also provides the satisfaction of helping create safer, healthier creative environments.
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