Theater producers are responsible for ensuring that live theater productions go as expected. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 4,510 individuals employed as producers for performing arts companies throughout the United States in 2010. Theater producer salaries tend to vary based on factors such as location. The average salary of these producers, however, was below the national average other producers and directors.

Average Salary

The average salary for those working as theater producers was approximately $60,000 per year, as of May 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS indicates, however, that salaries for other producers and directors nationwide were substantially higher. For example, those in the movie industry made salaries of $110,000 per year, on average, while those in the field of television producing made $72,000 annually.The average salary for all producers, regardless of the industry in which they worked, was $88,610 per year.

Pay Scale

Placing the salary of theater producers within the larger pay scale for all producers and directors nationwide can provide some additional insight. According to the BLS, the pay scale starts at $32,140 per year for those in the bottom 10 percent. At the top of the pay scale were those who made over $166,000 per year. The middle 50 percent of the pay scale earned salaries ranging from approximately $45,500 per year to $111,700, with a reported median salary of $68,440 per year.

Location

Location also has an influence on the salary amount made by theater producers. According to the BLS, the highest-paying locations in this industry were in New York and California. New York producers averaged approximately $112,000 in annual income, while those in California made just over $126,000 per year, on average. All other states reported salaries below $90,000 per year. The District of Columbia was the only other place were salaries exceeded this figure. Theater and other producers in D.C. made approximately $91,000 per year.

Job Outlook

Jobs for theater producers and directors should grow by about 11 percent, along with the jobs for producers and directors in other fields. According to the BLS, much of the job growth for those working in this capacity will come in the movie industry because of increased demand for American films, but the BLS also notes that there should be steady job growth for those in live production, as well.