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What is a production coordinator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Eric Briscoe
introduction image

A production coordinator is an individual who oversees the logistical aspects of film, television, or theater productions. They work closely with producers and directors to ensure that all aspects of production run smoothly. This includes coordinating schedules, managing budgets, arranging transportation and accommodations, acquiring necessary permits and insurance, and ensuring that all equipment and materials are in place for filming or performances. They act as a liaison between the production team and vendors or service providers.

What general advice would you give to a production coordinator?

Eric BriscoeEric Briscoe LinkedIn profile

Lecture, Morgan State University

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.
ScoreProduction CoordinatorUS Average
Salary
3.9

Avg. Salary $49,366

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.1

Growth rate -3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%

Asian 4.45%

Black or African American 11.60%

Hispanic or Latino 20.23%

Unknown 4.06%

White 58.97%

Gender

female 52.87%

male 47.13%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a production coordinator?

Pros

  • Varied and exciting work

  • Opportunities for creativity

  • Ability to network within a competitive industry

  • Opportunity for career advancement

  • Good pay and benefits

Cons

  • Long and irregular hours

  • High stress levels

  • Clients can be demanding and difficult to please

  • Job insecurity due to industry instability

  • Can be physically demanding (e.g. lifting heavy equipment)

Production coordinator career paths

Key steps to become a production coordinator

  1. Explore production coordinator education requirements

    Most common production coordinator degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.1 %

    Associate

    15.5 %

    High School Diploma

    6.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific production coordinator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service12.89%
    Logistics8.49%
    Video Production6.40%
    Production Process6.36%
    Purchase Orders6.11%
  3. Complete relevant production coordinator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New production coordinators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a production coordinator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real production coordinator resumes.
  4. Gain additional production coordinator certifications

    Production coordinator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific production coordinator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for production coordinators include International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA) and Certified Manager Certification (CM).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research production coordinator duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the deployment communications for the Mid-Atlantic upgrade of ATM hardware.
    • Create social media campaigns on Facebook and help manage the AKAOKA blog.
    • Create UNIX shell scripts to automate the processes by avoiding manual process.
    • Utilize EDI communications to manage customer requirements and shipment coordination.
  6. Prepare your production coordinator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your production coordinator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a production coordinator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable production coordinator resume templates

    Build a professional production coordinator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your production coordinator resume.
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    Production Coordinator Resume
  7. Apply for production coordinator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a production coordinator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first production coordinator job

Zippi

Are you a production coordinator?

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Average production coordinator salary

The average production coordinator salary in the United States is $49,366 per year or $24 per hour. Production coordinator salaries range between $35,000 and $67,000 per year.

Average production coordinator salary
$49,366 Yearly
$23.73 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do production coordinators rate their job?

4/5

Based on 2 ratings

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Production coordinator reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022
Cons

When my children were young and still in school, I didn't like not having a work-life balance to be with the family. But now my family is grown up with there own families.


profile
4.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

I enjoyed my time as a production coordinator

Cons

I enjoyed my time as a production coordinator


profile
4.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

being in control of crew planning and scheduling. love being around with the team.

Cons

Time pressure some time need to work long hour


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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