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Documentary Production Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Documentary

Chicago, IL · On-site

The documentary program equips aspiring documentary filmmakers with both a deep understanding of the documentary genre and strong skills in film production. The curriculum integrates knowledge of ...

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Documentary Production information

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$10

$24

$48

How much do documentary production jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for documentary production in the United States is $24.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the field of documentary production, high-paying roles such as senior producers, directors, or specialized editors can earn $10,000 or more monthly, especially with extensive experience, strong industry networks, and advanced skills in editing software and storytelling. These positions often require a proven track record, a strong portfolio, and sometimes freelance or contract work that offers higher pay rates.

What is documentary production?

Documentary production is the process of creating non-fiction films or videos that aim to document reality, educate viewers, or present factual stories. It involves several stages, including research, planning, filming, interviewing, and editing. The goal is to provide an authentic and compelling narrative about real events, people, or issues. Documentary producers work closely with directors, camera crews, editors, and often the subjects themselves to ensure accuracy and impactful storytelling.

How much does a producer make on a Docuseries?

A producer working on a docuseries typically earns between $50,000 and $150,000 per project, depending on the scope, budget, and experience. Senior producers or those working on high-profile series can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by bonuses or profit sharing. Compensation also varies based on the production company's size and location, as well as the producer's role and responsibilities within the project.

What jobs pay 400 an hour?

In the field of documentary production, highly experienced directors, producers, or specialized consultants can earn around $400 an hour, especially for high-profile projects or with extensive industry reputation. Such roles often require advanced skills, a strong portfolio, and sometimes exclusive contracts or freelance arrangements. Most documentary professionals earning this rate work independently or as consultants rather than full-time employees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Documentary Production, and why are they important?

To thrive in Documentary Production, you need strong storytelling abilities, research skills, and a background in film or media production, often supported by a relevant degree or experience. Familiarity with video cameras, audio equipment, editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, and project management tools is typically required. Creative vision, attention to detail, and strong communication and collaboration skills help professionals stand out in this field. These competencies are crucial for producing compelling, accurate, and high-quality documentaries that engage and inform audiences.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in documentary production?

Professionals in documentary production often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, limited budgets, and the need to adapt quickly to changing circumstances during filming. Securing access to interview subjects and locations can also require strong negotiation and communication skills. Additionally, balancing creative vision with factual accuracy and ethical considerations is essential, as documentaries aim to inform and engage viewers while maintaining journalistic integrity.

What is the difference between Documentary Production vs Film Production?

AspectDocumentary ProductionFilm Production
CredentialsOften requires a background in journalism, media, or communicationsTypically requires film school training or a degree in film or media arts
Work EnvironmentField and studio work, often on real-world locationsStudio sets, on-location shoots, and post-production facilities
Industry UsageUsed mainly in media, journalism, and educational sectorsUsed in entertainment, commercial, and artistic filmmaking

Documentary Production and Film Production share overlapping skills but differ mainly in content focus and industry application. Documentary production emphasizes real-world storytelling and factual content, often requiring journalistic skills, while film production centers on scripted entertainment and artistic storytelling. Both roles involve similar technical skills and equipment, but their goals and environments vary significantly.

How do I get into documentary production?

To enter documentary production, gain experience through internships or entry-level roles in film or media, develop strong storytelling and technical skills, and build a portfolio of work. Familiarity with editing software and understanding of production processes are also valuable for success in this field.
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Documentary Production jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Production job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 57% Contract, and 37% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,476 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Production Associate, 20/20

Production Associate, 20/20

The Walt Disney Company

New York, NY

$56K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 48 rated entertainment

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Production Associate, 20/20

Req ID:

10153985

Job Description:

ABC News' "20/20" award-winning prime-time news magazine is hiring a Production Associate to provide editorial support for all aspects of longform production.

The PA will work directly with producers and editors, supporting their needs to move the production forward efficiently. The PA is responsible for research, gathering material, media management, coordinating logistics, and organizing shoots. This position will require managing editorial content under deadlines and implementing organizational systems for production.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Excellent organizational and administrative skills, attention to detail is essential
  • Enterprising, resourceful, creative and collaborative while performing duties under fast paced deadlines
  • Must be self-motivated and proactive
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Basic understanding of production technology in both pre- andpost- production
  • Easily multitasks andadapt quickly to changing priorities, environments, especially in the field
  • Strong knowledge of archival anddigital resourcesfor video andstill images

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous news or documentary production experience
  • Basic knowledge of non-linear editing (Avid/Adobe)
  • Experience or familiarity in working with the courts, law enforcement officials, andobtaining legal records anddocuments
  • Knowledge of archival and digital resources
  • Knowledge of ABC News content and platforms, as well as the streaming landscape

Required Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree
The hiring range for this position in New York is $56,600 - $75,900 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

ABC News

Job Posting Primary Business:

Magazines

Primary Job Posting Category:

News Producing

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

New York, NY, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-06-18

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media

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