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Job outlook for production assistants in the United States
Production assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected production assistant job growth rate is -5% from 2018-2028.
About -130,800 new jobs for production assistants are projected over the next decade.
Production assistant salaries have increased 23% for production assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 70,430 production assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 51,905 active production assistant job openings in the US.
The average production assistant salary is $33,405.
Are production assistant jobs in demand?
Production assistant job and salary trends over time
Production assistant jobs over time
Production assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 70,430 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 80,019 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 98,544 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 111,646 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 125,909 | 0.04% |
Average production assistant salary over time
Production assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,405 | $16.06 | +4.8% |
| 2024 | $31,872 | $15.32 | +4.9% |
| 2023 | $30,371 | $14.60 | +6.4% |
| 2022 | $28,553 | $13.73 | +5.0% |
| 2021 | $27,195 | $13.07 | +3.6% |
Production assistant jobs by state
Most common states for production assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 505 | 16% |
| 2 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 816 | 14% |
| 3 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 851 | 13% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 730 | 13% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 73 | 12% |
| 6 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,260 | 11% |
| 7 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 506 | 11% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 330 | 11% |
| 9 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 314 | 11% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 144 | 11% |
| 11 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 141 | 11% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 184 | 10% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,177 | 9% |
| 14 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 851 | 9% |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 618 | 9% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 150 | 9% |
| 17 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 498 | 8% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 460 | 8% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 339 | 8% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 61 | 8% |
Most common cities for production assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inver Grove Heights | 5 | 14% | $36,286 |
| 2 | Goleta | 3 | 10% | $39,086 |
| 3 | Bristol | 3 | 5% | $43,664 |
| 4 | Washington | 10 | 1% | $29,569 |
| 5 | San Francisco | 6 | 1% | $39,700 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 5 | 1% | $28,178 |
| 7 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $37,918 |
| 8 | Los Angeles | 13 | 0% | $38,110 |
| 9 | New York | 13 | 0% | $42,636 |
| 10 | Phoenix | 6 | 0% | $31,342 |
Production Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of production assistant experts
Catawba College
Morgan State University
Oakland University
Centenary College of Louisiana
Ashland University
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Erin Dougherty
Associate Professor of Costume Design Costume DirectorCatawba College
Drama/Theatre Arts And Stagecraft
What general advice would you give to a Production Assistant?
Erin Dougherty: Don't underestimate what you can do. Make sure to advocate for yourself, push for the max salary listed once you've been offered the job, and be firm that you meet the qualifications. Talk about the skills you can do, how you can collaborate, and adjacent skill sets that could come into play, including "soft" skills. Don't lie of course, because that will come back to bite you, and facts are really easy to check these days. You need to express self-confidence if you're going to survive in this industry, and overall, be a good person to work with.
What Production Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Erin Dougherty: Skills that broaden communication, and your ability to be flexible. We're seeing design/rendering software and patterning really move electronically to programs like Procreate and even CLO 3D, and of course Vectorworks for Light and Scenic. Pay attention to industry standards. It's helpful to be familiar with technology and have a wide swath of skills in your technical area-people want you to wear multiple hats and be at least a partial generalist as well as your specialty. The other thing is, we really need Technical Directors. That's an industry gap, and if you can fill a gap, you're hireable.
What will help 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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Production Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Eric Briscoe: User Interface Design will be focused on in the very near if not immediate. Much of what is and will be happening in people's lives will be changed permanently as a result of the current crisis. As a result of having to work the way we have over the last year we have become forced into these ways and accustomed to these ways of doing things and therefore people will be reluctant to go back. Design must begin to address the "new normal".
What Production Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Eric Briscoe: Students and others should take advantage of online opportunities to get acquainted with new technology. As a result of the pandemic costs may be lower because of the financial hits that institutions and businesses have taken.
What general advice would you give to a Production Assistant?
Eric Briscoe: My advice to recent graduates is to be forward thinking. This is also the time for entrepreneurial perspectives. Do not discount critical thinking. With the current world climate there are problems that need to be addressed and design and art professionals are vital visual communicators in these circumstances. Students and recent grads should rely upon their knowledge of basic design elements and principles when connecting with the public.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Production Assistants?
Anthony Guest: The profession is hopeful that theatre can begin again this summer. The unified audition organizations are moving full steam ahead so many of our students are preparing to audition. The larger question here is how comfortable will the audience be coming back to the theatre. At OU, we are planning on an outdoor festival in hopes that the audience will feel at ease social-distancing outside, but at this point, nothing is certain. Our theme for the year has been #pivot.
One issue faculty are concerned about is for our new students. Are the remote trainings, rehearsals, and Zoom performances providing enough for the students to markedly improve? I do know that our faculty have worked relentlessly to find the best ways to provide the skills necessary for a successful career in theatre, and in many ways, our peer institutions have not.
Jessica Hawkins
Associate Professor of CommunicationCentenary College of Louisiana
Department of Art and Visual Culture
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Production Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Jessica Hawkins: In my opinion, I think the pandemic has hastened a trend that was already building: working remotely. Given that, employers are looking for job candidates that are motivated and capable of greater self-direction and self-regulation. Not being tied to a physical location creates both challenges and opportunities for working in the arts. Fine art often involves physical and tactile objects, meaning remote working isn't always viable. However, there are many museum and gallery functions (marketing, research, education, and outreach, as examples) that can be done remotely, and not having to be physically present means you can work for an institution or organization in a large city without having to shell out for higher cost of living. I also think we'll see more students defer entering the work force, opting instead for graduate school to gain additional skills in hopes of increasing opportunities once the job market improves.
What skills stand out on Production Assistant resumes?
Jessica Hawkins: Related to my answer above, communication skills are more important now than ever. This includes written communication like email, but also speaking and presentation skills for video conferencing. These communication skills are also related to important professional necessities in the visual arts: grant writing, proposal development, and applications for artist-in-residence opportunities.
What type of skills will young Production Assistants need?
David McCoy Ph.D.: The types of skills needed for a successful career in the future is a blend of fundamental qualities and emerging abilities. Graduates, as always, will need effective written and oral skills. The ability to flex between organic or face-to-face communication and the newer technologies of online real-time communication will be a must as companies adapt to a post-Covid-19 market place. Media content creation will be an evolving, and critical, skill that will permit workers to succeed in an increasingly media literate and savvy world.
What experience really stands out on Production Assistant resumes?
David McCoy Ph.D.: Experiences of a real and relevant nature will be highly-valued qualities that graduates need to reflect on their resumes and e-Portfolios. Working during a collegiate career in a part-time job that relates to one's chosen field is desirable. Internships are critical to gaining the interest of future employers. Co-curricular associations that demonstrate leadership, creativity and efficiency craft a fuller portrait that can influence the interest of employers
What skills stand out on Production Assistant resumes?
Dr. Robin Mello Ph.D.: -Communication (The arts teach expertise in this area.) and negotiation
-Leadership and project management (Believe it or not, the arts focus on time management and high commitment to work ethic.)
-New ideas and innovations (Developing ideas and solutions and working on them through to the finished project)
-Curiosity and risk taking
-Technology skills (Film and theatre production are focused on mentoring in shops and laboratories.)
-Imagination and interpersonal skills
-Curiosity - independence - knowing how to follow through on tasks and projects
-Cultural literacy and diversity
-Singing, dancing, storytelling, acting, writing, designing, comedy, and scholarship
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Production Assistants to find work opportunities?
Dr. Robin Mello Ph.D.: Yes, considering that this field is not just based on a stage or for a theater building. Our industry is the entertainment industry, the third largest economic driver globally. The U.S.'s chief export is entertainment - filmmaking, theatre, song, and story. Production graduates have a very high rate of employment in sports (Super Bowl displays, for example); animation and digital products (in Disney corp, for example); marketing and promotions; and management. Acting and musical theatre graduates often go to Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and London - the centers for English-language theatre and film. We also produce many teachers - a majority of alumni finds employment in schools (private and public). Communications and promotions are also huge industries that employ graduates both locally and nationally. International markets are connected to many of these because the industry and field are linked globally.