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Job outlook for design and production assistants in the United States
Design and production assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected design and production assistant job growth rate is -8% from 2018-2028.
About -286,900 new jobs for design and production assistants are projected over the next decade.
Design and production assistant salaries have increased 12% for design and production assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 17,256 design and production assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 109,616 active design and production assistant job openings in the US.
The average design and production assistant salary is $41,685.
Are design and production assistant jobs in demand?
Design and production assistant job and salary trends over time
Design and production assistant jobs over time
Design and production assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 17,256 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 17,133 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 18,460 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 18,860 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 19,112 | 0.01% |
Average design and production assistant salary over time
Design and production assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $41,685 | $20.04 | +3.1% |
| 2025 | $40,440 | $19.44 | +2.9% |
| 2024 | $39,303 | $18.90 | +2.9% |
| 2023 | $38,187 | $18.36 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $37,361 | $17.96 | +2.7% |
Design and production assistant jobs by state
Most common states for design and production assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 687 | 22% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,153 | 21% |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,168 | 20% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 127 | 20% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 795 | 19% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 251 | 19% |
| 7 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 135 | 19% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,235 | 18% |
| 9 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,932 | 17% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 518 | 17% |
| 11 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,070 | 16% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 305 | 16% |
| 13 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 446 | 15% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 200 | 15% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 158 | 15% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 117 | 15% |
| 17 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,363 | 14% |
| 18 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,200 | 14% |
| 19 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,020 | 14% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 237 | 14% |
Most common cities for design and production assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concord | 1 | 1% | $47,661 |
| 2 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $46,974 |
Design And Production Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of design and production assistant experts
Catawba College
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Ohio University - Lancaster Campus
Erin Dougherty
Associate Professor of Costume Design Costume DirectorCatawba College
Drama/Theatre Arts And Stagecraft
What will help Design And Production Assistants increase their earning potential?
Erin Dougherty: Be flexible and don't be afraid to broaden your search. Technical Theatre is in demand around the country, but many times you can't expect to jump into a Design or high-level position right away with a BA degree. Don't be afraid to work your way up from a stitcher or carpenter and make connections or try to build your resources (monetary and personal) before a big jump. Companies want to know your work ethic, your creative eye, and attention to detail. However, you also want to make sure the company isn't going to abuse you. Especially since the pandemic, there has been a call to pay even interns a living wage and/or provide housing as part of the "perks." Unpaid internships should be a thing of the past. It also depends on the market you're trying to get into-NYC is much different than Regional Theatre, and most places won't offer housing in NYC. Ask yourself: what is your ultimate goal. If you're looking at NYC, great, but is it only because you think you should? There's a LOT of fantastic theatre throughout the US or with traveling companies. And your skills are also applicable to other aspects of the Entertainment Industry. Look at all options: film, fashion, commercials, theme parks, cosplay etc.
Christi Patton Luks
Professor (NTT) and Associate Chair for Academic AffairsMissouri University of Science & Technology
Linda & Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering
What's a good job out of college for Design And Production Assistants?
Christi Patton Luks: A good job out of college is one that can be adapted to the individual's skills and interests and encourages them to stretch. Frequently, students think they want to work in a particular type of job. Once they have it, they discover that it was not what they thought it would be. Many companies rotate new employees through a variety of positions. Those are great for helping people find their own hidden talents. I know that I have discovered abilities that I would not have even attempted when I was 20.
Brandy Bailey
Career CoachOhio University - Lancaster Campus
Student Services, Career Services
What soft skills should all Design And Production Assistants possess?
Brandy Bailey: Soft skills may vary depending on the employer, industry, and personal opinions. My biggest ones are communication skills, adaptability, self-awareness, teamwork, problem-solving, intercultural competency, creativity or innovation, and time management.