5 High-Paying Entry-Level Careers in Entertainment

The entertainment industry is often seen as being glamorous and highly competitive, and job seekers might feel overwhelmed by stories about how hard it is to get their foot in the door; however, there are many lucrative entry-level opportunities that are relatively easy to get into. Here are some exciting, high-paying entry-level careers in entertainment.

Film Editor

Also known as video editors, these professionals are often the unsung heroes behind the scenes of your favorite films and television series. Film and video editors are responsible for piecing together raw footage to create a coherent, polished final product. They work on movies, television shows, music videos, and various digital content, ensuring that the narrative flows seamlessly and is visually appealing to the audience.

Individuals who pay great attention to detail make the best film and video editors. If this role interests you, you’ll need to get a bachelor’s degree in film production, cinematography, or a related field. Along with this, you’ll be required to have working knowledge of programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro. As a film and video editor, you can expect to make anywhere between $35,000 and $150,000 a year.

Agent Assistant

Entertainers often enlist the help of an agent when looking for work. As an agent assistant, it’s your job to support agents in managing and promoting their clients. These clients can be actors, musicians, athletes, or any other type of performer. This role involves administrative tasks, scheduling, communicating with clients, and sometimes scouting new talent.

Agent assistants require excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. To start a career as an agent assistant, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, marketing, or a related field. Agent assistants can expect to make anywhere between $40,000 and $104,000 per year, depending on factors such as location and level of experience.

Public Relations Assistant

Public figures are always looking for someone to help make them look their best, and that’s where a public relations assistant comes in. In this role you’ll be managing the public image of not only celebrities, but of movies, television shows, and other media entities. These professionals draft press releases, coordinate media appearances, and support the execution of PR campaigns to build and maintain a positive public perception.

Public relations assistants are required to have strong writing and communication skills. Those who are interested in a career as a public relations assistant should go after a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field. In this role, you’ll be making anywhere between $40,000 and $60,000 a year, depending on your level of experience, location, and the assignment.

Broadcast Technician

If you’re into the behind-the-scenes operations of your favorite television shows, this career might suit you well. Broadcast technicians operate and maintain the equipment used for broadcasting television and radio programs. This role involves ensuring that broadcasts go off without a hitch, adjusting signal strength, and troubleshooting technical issues.

The best broadcast technicians are individuals who can work under pressure in fast-paced environments. To get into this role, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in broadcast technology, media production, or a related field. Along with this, you’ll need to demonstrate experience in handling broadcast equipment and digital broadcasting technologies. As a broadcast technician, you can expect to make between $46,000 and $76,000 a year.

Junior Graphic Designer

Do you enjoy collecting movie posters and other promotional materials? If so, you might enjoy a career in graphic design. In the entertainment industry, graphic designers work on creating visual content for various media, including movie posters, album covers, promotional materials, and digital content. They often collaborate with creative directors and marketing teams to bring artistic visions to life.

To get into this role, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual arts, or a related field. In addition to this, graphic designers are required to be proficient in software such as the Adobe Creative Suite and must have a strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects. As a junior graphic designer, you’ll be making between $40,000 and $62,000 per year, depending on your location and the project.

Breaking into the entertainment industry can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. From creative roles in film editing and graphic design to talent management and public relations, the entertainment industry offers a variety of pathways to a fulfilling and financially rewarding career.