How to become a Production Manager

Official title: Production Manager (Screen or Live Performance)

Plans, organises, supervises and coordinates the day-to-day operations of screen or live performance productions, including managing the activities of crew, artists and technicians.

Main tasks

• Supervises the day-to-day operations of a film, television or live performance production
• Coordinates and manages rehearsal processes
• Liaises between performers, creative artists and the production team to support the director during rehearsals
• Coordinates bump-in and bump-out of costumes, sets, props and lighting
• Manages performers during the performance run
• Coordinates pre-show set up and manages the backstage, props and costumes
• Plans and schedules rehearsals and production activities and calls technical cues during a show
• Oversees and manages daily operations of the production team, staff and artists to ensure efficient flow of work through the facility
• Assists with setting up and maintaining the production and technical workflow processes internally and externally

Ways in

• University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services (CUA60220); Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA60620); Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA30420); Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA40420); Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220); Diploma of Arts and Cultural Management (CUA51420); Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services (CUA50420); Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51020)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $113,308 a year
• About 14,300 people work in this job group now, and about 17,000 are projected by 2035. (+18.9%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Film and Video Editor
• Artistic Director
• Audio or Live Performance Director
• Cinematographer
• Screen Director
• Screen or Live Performance Designer

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Production Manager?

Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services; Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media.

How much does a Production Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $113,308 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Production Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2035, from about 14,300 to about 17,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Production Manager?

Usually. 61% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Production Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04