Like everything in Hollywood, it depends. It depends on your prior experience; how many years you've been with the show; how many years the show has been on the air. It depends whether it's a pilot or a series (pilots often pay less) and whether it's network or cable (network often pays more). Some assistants are paid hourly, some get built-in overtime, and some are are on salary. Some shows offer benefits; some do not. But almost every show reimburses mileage, meaning you are paid a certain amount of money for every mile you drive on behalf of the show (delivering scripts, picking up lunch, etc.) and that money adds up. When I was a PA (five years ago) I was paid $525/wk before taxes. However, once my mileage was added in, I cleared over $525.
Obviously, it's impossible for me to tell you exactly what you'll be making if you're hired as an assistant; I can only provide you with the information I've collected from assistants I know who are currently working in the industry. And please, if you have any information to add, leave a comment on this post.
Production Assistants (PAs): $550 to $650 per week
Executive Producer's Assistants: $650 to $800 per week
Writer's Assistants: $650 - $900 per week
Script Coordinator: $850 - $1000 per week
Network/Studio Assistants: $700 to $850 per week
Agency Assistants: $25,000 to $45,000 per year
Here is some info that I was given at school:
ReplyDeleteWB showrunner's asst: 800/wk + 300 out of pocket from a generous boss (female)
CW showrunner's asst: 700/wk + raises per yr (female)
NBC showrunner's asst: 650/wk (50 hrs/wk) (female)
Disney showrunner's asst: 650/wk, no health benefits (female)
USA showrunner's asst: 650/wk + health benefits after 1st season (female)
ABC showrunner's asst: 600/wk (60 hours) + health benefits (male)
NBC showrunner's asst: 500/wk after taxes (female)
CW writers' asst: 800/wk, no health benefits (male)
USA writers' asst: 650-750/wk + health benefits (female)
ABC writers' asst: 650/wk (male)
ABC writers' PA: 600/wk (60 hrs/wk) + health benefits (female)
Thank you, Lauren. The truth is, it all depends on your boss. Most networks have a standard hourly wage for each assistant position, but some bosses fight for more by making a deal with the studio or adding overtime or mileage to the assistant's timecard. Also, some bosses pay more for assistants with more experience.
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