As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Production Associate in the United States is $43,530 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Production Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Production Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Production Associate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Production Associate | 1-3 years | $43,524 |
| Broadcast Production Manager | 3-5 years | $107,958 |
| Broadcast Production Director | 5+ years | $145,401 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Production Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 4.75% |
| Housekeeping | 2.8% |
| Logistics | 1.55% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$52,671 |
21%
|
|
Presentation
|
$51,365 |
18%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$49,624 |
14%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$49,624 |
14%
|
|
Time Management
|
$48,318 |
11%
|
|
Production Schedule
|
$48,318 |
11%
|
Production Associate salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $48,729. While startup companies pay approximate $41,224.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $41,224 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $43,599 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $47,057 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $48,729 |
For Production Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 56% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 32% above the average. In contrast, Production Associate positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Production Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $57,460 | $28.0 | 32% |
| Insurance | $52,236 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $51,365 | $25.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $48,754 | $23.0 | 12% |
| Financial Services | $48,754 | $23.0 | 12% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Production Associates enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Production Associate with a No Diploma is between $43,040 and $46,084).
Production Associate Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 9.9% |
| Associates | 8.3% |
| Bachelors | 71.4% |
| Masters | 8.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how a Production Associate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Production Associate, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Camera Operator | $94,201 | 116% |
| Broadcast Production Manager | $108,000 | 148% |
Salaries for a Production Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,392 in 2023 to around $48,112 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Production Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $48,392 |
| 2024 | $48,330 |
| 2025 | $48,112 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Production Associate roles, with salaries approximately 32% above the market median.
The Production Associate will be responsible for performing various tasks related to the production of goods, including operating machinery, assembling products, and packaging finished goods. The role offers a salary range from $41,110 to $53,260, with a midpoint of $46,560. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
To be a Production Associate, essential skills include knowledge of manufacturing sanitation, food handling, and labeling. Familiarity with disinfectants, personal shopping, and handling vegetables is also important. The salary range for this position typically falls between $41,110 and $53,260, with a mid-salary of $46,560.
A production support associate aids in optimizing the production process by preparing components and supplies and ensuring project documentation is complete. The salary for this role typically ranges from $41,110 to $53,260, with a mid-point salary of $46,560, reflecting the importance of their contributions to efficient production operations.
The estimated total pay range for a Produce Manager at Walmart is approximately $41,110 to $53,260 annually. The average base salary is around $46,560 per year. Additional pay may vary but is not specified. This includes potential bonuses or other incentives that could enhance overall compensation.
A 3rd year Production Associate typically earns a salary ranging from $41,110 to $53,260, with a mid-point salary of $46,560. This reflects the general compensation structure for this role, which may vary based on experience and location.
To become a Production Associate, you typically need to be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED, depending on the employer and state regulations. The salary for this position ranges from $41,110 to $53,260, with a median salary of $46,560, reflecting the skills and experience required in the role.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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