Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (occupation group), with detailed role definition from O*NET, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Operate and maintain on-air and production audio equipment.
Check completed program logs for accuracy and conformance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations and resolve program log inaccuracies.
Read news, read or record public service and promotional announcements, or perform other on-air duties.
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in broadcast news, sports, or programming.
Monitor and review programming to ensure that schedules are met, guidelines are adhered to, and performances are of adequate quality.
Top skills:SpeakingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingTime ManagementCoordination
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Media Programming Director pay by experience level
Entry level$47,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$65,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$93,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$139,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$205,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+4.9%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
12,800
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Media Programming Director salary by industry
Broadcasting and Content Providers
41,570 workers
$105,000
Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries
39,270 workers
$137,000
Motion Picture and Video Industries
37,700 workers
$138,500
Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, & Other Media Networks & Content Providers
23,000 workers
$124,000
Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations
18,570 workers
$82,000
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
17,990 workers
$125,000
Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries
16,380 workers
$92,000
Performing Arts Companies
8,270 workers
$79,000
Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
8,240 workers
$128,500
Educational Services
6,300 workers
$80,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Media Programming Director make?
The average base salary for a Media Programming Director in the United States is $117,500 per year, or about $56.49 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $65,000 and $139,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media roles?
The Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media job family averages $88,500 across 45 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need Media Programming Director pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
