A new structure aimed at strengthening the career development of post-production sound professionals will officially take effect on April 27, 2025. These changes are the result of recent negotiations between the Society of Film Editors (IATSE Local 700) and the Alliance of Film and Television Producers (AMPTP) and introduce new categories, updated assignment downgrades and a variety of good and good combined effects.
At the heart of this protocol is to build a progressive training pipeline, from entry-level roles to high-level classifications such as Y-9 to Y-1. The new framework introduces two other trainee levels, such as the Y-15 (Sound Department Tructee II) and Y-14 (Sound Department Tructee III), and modify the existing Y-16A classification to better support skills development and career mobility.
Key changes include:
Y-14 Sound Department Certificate III: A new top-level training staff position, paying $44 per hour ($2,327.60 per week, 48.6 cumulative hours). Individuals can retain this category for nine consecutive months.
Y-15 Sound Department Truchee II: Offers $36/hour salary ($1,904.40 per week) and offers up to twelve consecutive months before moving on to Y-14.
Y-16A Sound Department Student I: Renamed but not changed in terms of salary, this entry-level classification provides basic on-the-job training and has a twelve consecutive months of restrictions before it has evolved to Y-15.
Importantly, these roles are designed as learning opportunities that cannot replace or replace workers with higher classifications. The promotion may be earlier than the maximum period, and the studio must report new students to the guild within 30 days.
In addition to the new classification, wage adjustments are also effective. The Y-16 Ranger rate has increased from $28.50 per hour to $32.50. The interest rate will further raise wages, and on August 3, 2025, and on August 2, 2026, it will receive a 4% income, reflecting the terms of the current basic agreement.
All major studios and post-production facilities have been notified of these changes, which are expected to create more consistent training experiences and clearer professional trajectories in the sound sector.
Members working under any reasonable classification are encouraged to verify their identity in the guild and to conduct direct classification of issues related to guild staff.
These updates represent a meaningful investment in the future of the post-production sound workforce, a focus on skills, upward movement and fair pay.
