Film and Television Producers

Producers are generally paid a percentage of the project's profits or a fee negotiated between the producer and a studio. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, producers and directors had earnings that ranged from less than $34,450 to more than $163,540 in May 2023; the median annual salary was $82,510. Fifty percent of producers and directors earned between $58,540 and $128,040. In general, producers in the film industry earn more than television producers. Producers employed in the motion picture and video industries had annual mean earnings of $130,620 in May 2023, while those employed in television broadcasting averaged $71,710. Those who worked media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers earned annual mean wages of $109,010.

Producers of highly successful films can earn $250,000 or more, while those who make low-budget, documentary films might earn considerably less than the average.

Producers who are full-time, salaried employees of studios, stations, or networks typically receive benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation and sick days. Independent producers must provide these extras for themselves.