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The differences between stage managers and associate producers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a stage manager and an associate producer. Additionally, a stage manager has an average salary of $50,142, which is higher than the $47,279 average annual salary of an associate producer.
The top three skills for a stage manager include stage management, audio equipment and control room. The most important skills for an associate producer are customer service, video content, and sales floor.
| Stage Manager | Associate Producer | |
| Yearly salary | $50,142 | $47,279 |
| Hourly rate | $24.11 | $22.73 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 699 | 9,295 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A stage manager is someone who oversees theatrical performances and all practical and technical aspects of rehearsals and shows, such as lighting cues, sound, prop usage, and costume changes. The core skills that stage managers should possess to accomplish their responsibilities include excellent attention to detail, the ability to multi-task and work under pressure, and strong leadership and problem-solving skills. They should be able to delegate tasks to staff. The job requires no formal education.
An associate producer is an entry-level one position in the television and film industry who assists senior producers in putting a TV program or film together. Associate producers are required to write, edit, and organize scripts and run a teleprompter in newscasts. Most of the assistant producers are required to obtain a bachelor's degree and become editors, writers, or actors to gain experience in television and film. Associate producers are also often assigned to tasks with operational duties such as generating financial reports or status updates.
Stage managers and associate producers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Stage Manager | Associate Producer | |
| Average salary | $50,142 | $47,279 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $76,000 | Between $31,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | New York |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Media |
There are a few differences between a stage manager and an associate producer in terms of educational background:
| Stage Manager | Associate Producer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Theatre | Communication |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between stage managers' and associate producers' demographics:
| Stage Manager | Associate Producer | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.3% Female, 55.7% | Male, 61.2% Female, 38.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.4% White, 65.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.4% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 14% | 14% |