Entertainment Safety & Risk Manager

Career Guide

Entertainment Safety & Risk Managers design and oversee safety programs for film, TV, and live events. They identify hazards, conduct risk assessments, secure permits, train crews, and lead incident response planning to prevent injuries, property loss, and production delays.

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Key Responsibilities

Develop production safety plans and risk assessments for sets, stunts, SFX, and rigging
Conduct site inspections; issue corrective actions and track closure
Coordinate permits and compliance with OSHA, fire code, and local authorities
Deliver safety training, toolbox talks, and contractor onboarding
Lead incident investigations and root-cause analysis; maintain safety records
Plan emergency response, crowd management, and evacuation procedures
Review vendor qualifications, COIs, and risk transfer requirements with insurers

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Production Safety Manager

Director of Production Safety / EHS

Head of Risk Management (Studio or Live Events)

Transition Opportunities

Occupational Health & Safety Manager (non-entertainment)

Emergency Management Manager

Risk Consultant (Entertainment/Production Insurance)

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Production-specific hazard assessment for stunts/SFX/riggingCrowd safety and emergency action planning for venuesInsurance and risk transfer (COIs, waivers, contractual risk)Industry Safety Bulletins and NFPA code application on sets/venues

Development SuggestionsComplete OSHA 30 and FEMA ICS 100/200/700, then take Event Safety Alliance crowd safety training; shadow a production or venue safety team to practice risk assessments and EAP development.

Market Intelligence Report

Entertainment Safety & Risk Manager is part of the Risk Management category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$75,000–$95,000

Mid Level$100,000–$130,000

Senior Level$135,000–$170,000

Growth Trend

growing – Heightened focus on set safety, crowd risks, and insurer requirements.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

NetflixThe Walt Disney CompanyLive Nation Entertainment

Industry Sectors

Media & EntertainmentLive Events & VenuesProfessional Services & Insurance

Recommended Next Steps

Earn OSHA 30 and First Aid/CPR; compile sample JHAs, risk assessments, and an Emergency Action Plan for a mock or community production.

Complete FEMA ICS 100/200/700 and an Event Safety Alliance or similar crowd safety course; document learnings in a portfolio.

Network with production managers, IATSE locals, and venue ops leaders; pursue a Safety Coordinator or Assistant role to gain on-set experience and begin CSP/CHST prep.