Job outlooks for Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators

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Occupation

boom microphone operator (53111)

Location

All regions across Canada

Did you know? You can visit the Open Government Portal to search through and download our Employment Outlooks data all in one place. There, you will find current and previous versions of our 3-Year Employment Outlooks reports for the periods of 2013-2015 to 2025-2027. View the dataset on the Open Government Portal.

These outlooks were updated on December 10, 2025.

Legend

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Very limited
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Limited
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5 out of 5 stars
Very good
  • Newfoundland and LabradorUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

  • Prince Edward IslandUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • Nova ScotiaModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in Nova Scotia:

    • Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 84%
      • Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 12%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 83% compared to 82% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 17% compared to 18% for all occupations
    • 11% of motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 79% compared to 51% for all occupations
      • Women: 21% compared to 49% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 27% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 35% compared to 20% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 7% compared to 10% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Halifax Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the Halifax region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the Halifax region:

      • Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): more than 95%

  • New BrunswickUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

  • QuebecVery limited

    The employment outlook will be Very limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in Quebec:

    • Approximately 1,700 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 62%
      • Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 17%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 78% compared to 82% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 22% compared to 18% for all occupations
    • 23% of motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators work all year, while 77% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 31 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • 18% of motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 56% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 43% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: 6% compared to 12% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 18% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 39% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 25% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Estrie Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Laurentides Region Very limited

      The employment outlook will be Very limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the Laurentides region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the Laurentides region:

      • Approximately 90 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): more than 95%

    • Laval Region Very limited

      The employment outlook will be Very limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region, for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region,:

      • Approximately 1,390 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

    • Montréal Region Very limited

      The employment outlook will be Very limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the census metropolitan area of Montréal:

      • Approximately 1,390 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

    • Montérégie Region Very limited

      The employment outlook will be Very limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the Montérégie region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the Montérégie region:

      • Approximately 280 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 78%
        • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 6%

  • OntarioVery limited

    The employment outlook will be Very limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in Ontario:

    • Approximately 2,200 people work in this occupation.
    • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 60%
      • Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 14%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 77% compared to 81% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 23% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • 19% of motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators work all year, while 81% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 27 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • 20% of motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 67% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 33% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: 8% compared to 9% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 25% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 8% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 24% compared to 24% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region:

      • Approximately 480 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 64%
        • Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 12%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 10%

    • Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region:

      • Approximately 260 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 78%
        • Construction (NAICS 23): 9%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 8%
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 5%

    • London Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Ottawa Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Toronto Region Very limited

      The employment outlook will be Very limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the Toronto region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the Toronto region:

      • Approximately 1,790 people work in this occupation.
      • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 81%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 6%

  • ManitobaVery limited

    The employment outlook will be Very limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the winter months.

    Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in Manitoba:

    • Approximately 300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 55%
      • Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 37%
      • Other schools and instruction (NAICS 6115-6117): 5%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 80% compared to 81% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 20% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • 7% of motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators work all year, while 93% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 21 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • 13% of motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 68% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 32% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 36% compared to 31% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 12% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 28% compared to 20% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • North Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Winnipeg Region Very limited

      The employment outlook will be Very limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the Winnipeg region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
      • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the winter months.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the Winnipeg region:

      • Approximately 260 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 92%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 5%

  • SaskatchewanUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

  • AlbertaLimited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in Alberta:

    • Approximately 500 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 65%
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 10%
      • Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 9%
      • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 5%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 77% compared to 80% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 23% compared to 20% for all occupations
    • 22% of motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators work all year, while 78% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 28 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • 9% of motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 63% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 37% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: 14% compared to 10% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 38% compared to 28% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 13% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 15% compared to 21% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Calgary Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the Calgary region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the Calgary region:

      • Approximately 300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 95%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 5%

    • Edmonton Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the Edmonton region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the Edmonton region:

      • Approximately 140 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 54%
        • Construction (NAICS 23): 23%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 17%
        • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 7%

  • British ColumbiaVery limited

    The employment outlook will be Very limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in British Columbia:

    • Approximately 3,100 people work in this occupation.
    • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 81%
      • Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 5%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 86% compared to 78% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 14% compared to 22% for all occupations
    • 14% of motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators work all year, while 86% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 29 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • 13% of motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 70% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 30% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: 7% compared to 8% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 35% compared to 28% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 13% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 20% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 20% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Cariboo Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Lower Mainland–Southwest Region Very limited

      The employment outlook will be Very limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region:

      • Approximately 2,900 people work in this occupation.
      • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 89%

    • Nechako Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Vancouver Island and Coast Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (NOC 53111) in the Vancouver Island and Coast region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the Vancouver Island and Coast region:

      • Approximately 230 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 93%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 7%

  • Yukon TerritoryUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • Northwest TerritoriesUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • NunavutUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

Related links

Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) - Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

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