2026–2028 IATSE Theatrical Low Budget Agreement: Rates, Tiers & Key Changes

Effective as of January 1, 2026 and continuing through December 31, 2028, a new IATSE Theatrical Low Budget Agreement is now in effect. Below are detailed changes, including new benefit structures and wage increase details through 2028.  

2026 IATSE Theatrical Low Budget Budget Tier Thresholds

Effective for projects that start on or after 1/1/2026, the tier thresholds increase by 10%. 

New thresholds

• Ultra-Low Budget: Projects budgeted at no more than $3,300,000
• Tier 1A: Projects budgeted between $3,300,001 and $6,875,000
• Tier 1B: Projects budgeted between $6,875,001 and $9,900,000
• Tier 2: Projects budgeted between $9,900,001 and $13,750,000
• Tier 3: Projects budgeted between $13,750,001 and $16,500,000

2026–2028 IATSE Theatrical Low Budget Wage Increases

Wage Increases

• Effective January 1, 2026: Wages increase by 3.5%
• Effective January 1, 2027: Wages increase by 3%
• Effective January 1, 2028: Wages increase by 3%

2026–2028 IATSE Theatrical Low Budget Daily Benefit Rates

Daily Benefit Rates

Locals that are not considered “Production City Locals that have their own Benefit funds:”

• For individuals employed on Ultra-Low and Tier 1A and 1B productions:

  • Effective January 1, 2026: Increases from $137.00 to $142.00 per day
  • Effective January 1, 2027: Increases from $142.00 to $147.00 per day
  • Effective January 1, 2028: Increases from $147.00 to $152.00 per day

• For individuals employed on Tier Two and Tier Three productions:
   
  • Effective January 1, 2026: Increases from $139.00 to $144.00 per day
  • Effective January 1, 2027: Increases from $144.00 to $149.00 per day
  • Effective January 1, 2028: Increases from $149.00 to $154.00 per day

Locals that are considered “Production City Locals that have their own Benefit funds:”

• For individuals employed on Ultra-Low Budget productions:

• • Effective January 1, 2026: Increases from $144.00 to $149.00 per day
  • Effective January 1, 2027: Increases from $149.00 to $154.00 per day
  • Effective January 1, 2028: Increases from $154.00 to $159.00 per day

• For individuals employed on Tier One A and B productions:
• • Effective January 1, 2026: Increases from $151.00 to $156.00 per day
  • Effective January 1, 2027: Increases from $156.00 to $161.00 per day
  • Effective January 1, 2028: Increases from $161.00 to $166.00 per day
• For individuals employed on Tier Two productions:
   
  • Effective January 1, 2026: Increases from $168.00 to $173.00 per day
  • Effective January 1, 2027: Increases from $173.00 to $178.00 per day
  • Effective January 1, 2028: Increases from $178.00 to $183.00 per day

• For individuals employed on Tier Three productions: 

  • Effective January 1, 2026: Increases from $172.00 to $177.00 per day
  • Effective January 1, 2027: Increases from $177.00 to $182.00 per day
  • Effective January 1, 2028: Increases from $182.00 to $187.00 per day

Recognized Holidays Under the 2026–2028 IATSE Theatrical Low Budget Agreement

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• The day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the 2026 IATSE Theatrical Low Budget Agreement

 The AI provisions as laid out in the 2024 IATSE Basic Agreement have been incorporated into the IATSE Theatrical Low Budget Agreement under a newly added Article XXXV. 

2026 IATSE Theatrical Low Budget Wage & Benefit Rate Increases at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions: 2026–2028 IATSE Theatrical Low Budget Agreement

Q: What is the minimum wage increase in 2026?

A: The minimum wage for IATSE Theatrical Low Budget employees increased by 3.5% on January 1, 2026. 

Q: Who is impacted by the minimum wage increase?

A: Employees working in positions covered under the IATSE Theatrical Low Budget Agreement. 

Q: What are the biggest changes employees should prepare for in 2026? 

A: Aside from the 3.5% wage increase, other notable updates include revised Daily Benefit Rates, the addition of Juneteenth as a recognized holiday, and new AI provisions.

Q: Are these updates part of a multi-year agreement?

A: Yes. The current wage and benefit structure adjustments are part of a three-year agreement running through December 31, 2028, with scheduled increases each year.

For more labor relations updates, check out our latest labor relations blogs.

This information in this communication is general in nature, and is not intended, nor should it be construed, as legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice rendered by GreenSlate, LLC. The reader should contact his or her attorney, CPA, or tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.