If you’ve ever casually flipped through the television channels in search of something to watch, you probably already have a cursory knowledge of Tyler Perry’s massive TV empire. The writer, director, producer and actor has spent the last two decades absolutely dominating the film and television world, with such acclaimed projects as “Why Did I Get Married,” “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” and more recently, “Beauty In Black.” Perry has brokered exclusive deals with entertainment giants including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and has even opened a massive studio facility in Atlanta, which spans over 330 acres. The New Orleans native has also spoken at length about his mission to support Black actors, writers and filmmakers through his expanding empire, even serving as a mentor to 50 Cent.
Since Tyler Perry has become such an enormous part of the Hollywood system, it only makes sense that fans far and wide have started searching for ways to get involved. Luckily, we’ve got the breakdown on how to get hired by Tyler Perry studios, as well as the general payment you can expect to receive in some key roles. As with any production, there are droves of camera operators, grips and behind-the-scenes laborers for every on-screen performer. With any luck, you may be able to use this guide to join Perry on his mission to expand his brand into every home in America.
Jobs At Tyler Perry Studios
Tyler Perry Studios, which is said to be one of the largest production facilities in the entire country, employs more than 500 full-time workers, as well as an unknown number of 1099 and volunteer staff. Perry even has second units available for filming certain overseas sequences in Africa. As stated, the studio employs an array of actors, filmmakers and writers, but also serves as the livelihood for many day laborers in the film industry. Perry even launched an intern program recently, with the intention of highlighting new diverse voices and providing young people with a platform to chase their dreams.
Unfortunately, the official careers page on the Tyler Perry Studios website states that there are no openings at the time of this writing. Bookmarking this page and periodically returning might be the most direct way to contact the studio, but it isn’t the only way to find gainful employment in the Atlanta film industry. Depending on your skill set and preference, you may still be able to find opportunities as an extra, a day laborer or even a front-and-center star in Perry’s next breakout hit. The website FilmLocal is currently casting extras for two of Perry’s TV ventures, being “All The Queens Men” and “Sistas.” Both shows are filming in and around Atlanta, so you should definitely look into the casting call if you live in the Big A or have plans to visit. If you don’t mind taking some unpaid work just to get your foot in the door, it’s also worth checking out the 2025 internship program, which has the potential to blossom into a full-blown TV and film career.
What Does Tyler Perry Studios Pay?
Though it’s impossible to know exactly what every employee makes at the studio, there have been more than enough testimonials from A-listers and behind-the-scenes employees alike regarding Perry’s kind and fair employment practices. Famed screen performers such as Taraji P. Henson and Meagan Good have discussed the filmmaker’s generosity in the past, both arguing that Tyler Perry was the first exec to pay them an appropriate wage for their work. Keke Palmer has also described the welcoming environment fostered by Perry, stating that he offered to pay her backend percentages for their collaborations, even when her career was in its infancy. During an episode of her podcast “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer,” the actress stated, “That extra money, what it did for my family and how it allowed me to maintain my time in California, moving from Chicago. I mean we had nothing, and for you to do that it was just really amazing so I just wanted to mention that ‘cause I never forgot that.”
But what if you aren’t an A-list performer like Keke Palmer and Taraji P. Henson? Well, thanks to a handful of user testimonials from Glassdoor, we have a pretty good idea of what the average Atlanta resident can expect to make while working in a 9-5 style role for Tyler Perry Studios. According to the information available it looks like the highest-paying role at the studio is the executive director, who can expect to make between $141,000 and $241,000 per year. While the job bears the word “director” in its title, it should be noted that an executive director is less of a creative hands-on role, and more of a figurehead for the studio itself to provide notes, direction and strategic decision making regarding day-to-day operations. The lowest paying role listed on the site is for the Janitor, accounting for a range of $32,000 to $58,000 annually. While these salaries may vary for the individual candidate, the following guidelines should help you get a general framework for what TV jobs pay, and help to inform your decision about what roles you apply for.
Salary Breakdown
- Actor/Performer: $38K – 90K per year
- Cinematographer: $70K – $125K per year
- Filmmaker: $56K – 98K per year
- Production Assistant: $38K – $58K per year
- Camera Assistant: $52K – $87K per year
- Executive Assistant: $54K – 82K per year
- Wardrobe Assistant: $39K – $62K per year
- Production Secretary: $43K – $62K per year
- Set Designer: $56K – $92K per year
- Makeup Artist: $45K – $82K per year
- Producer: $61K – $103K per year
- Executive Producer: $115K – 198K per year
- Phone Actress: $35K – $59K per year
- Coordinator: $44K – $65K per year
- General Contractor: $62K – $110K per year
- Set Dresser: $47K – $84K per year
- Set Dec Buyer: $58K – $107K per year
- Post Production Supervisor: $71K – $106K per year
- Warehouse: $36K – $59K per year
- Janitor: $32K – $58K per year
- COVID Compliance Officer: $68K – $127K per year
- Security Guard: $34K – $84K per year
- Lab Technician: $39K – $55K per year
- Electrician: $58K – $91K per year
- Director of Operations: $106K – 174K per year
- Systems Analyst: $75K – $108K per year
- Safety Coordinator: $55K – 81K per year
- Communications Specialist: $46K – $74K per year
- Facilities Technician: $42K – $84K per year
- Executive Director: $141K – $241K per year
- Administrative Assistant: $40K – $57K per year
- Wardrobe Production Assistant: $40K – $59K per year
- Art Department Assistant: $43K – $62K per year
- Teacher: $43K – 71K per year
- 2nd Assistant Accountant: $49K – $70K per year
- Operations Coordinator: $44K – $61K per year
Tips For Your Job Search
If you’re gunning for a position at Tyler Perry Studios, remember that there are many different ways to break into the industry. Some of the above job titles may come as a surprise if you only expected a studio to hire creatives and screen actors. As you can see, there are thousands of different roles which go into making a film or TV show, including assistants to all departments, sanitation, craft services and more. Eagle-eyed readers may have even noticed a role for teacher at the studio. This is due to union regulations for child actors, who are required to have an on-site teacher paid for by the studio to ensure that they’re keeping up with their academic progress while working on the film.
Even bog-standard roles like electrician, security guard and warehouse worker are necessary to make Tyler Perry films happen, so don’t feel discouraged if you feel that you’ve aged out of an intern opportunity or fallen behind on your dream of directing the next hit blockbuster. Even as Tyler Perry expands his brand in Atlanta, there are droves of other studios looking to take on more talent in a variety of different locales, so don’t feel like you need to venture to a distant and unfamiliar city to break-in. At the end of the day, finding your way in the film industry could be as simple as meeting the right person.
