Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, 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.
Long-term incentive is not shown for this role. Equity awards are only disclosed publicly for the named executive officers of public companies, so no market figure exists for most jobs. See executive pay disclosures.
Typical entry preparation: Bachelor's Degree and up to 2 years of related work experience, per O*NET occupational data. Advancement typically requires additional years in role.
Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.
Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.
Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.
Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.
Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.
Top skills:Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionMonitoringCritical ThinkingSocial Perceptiveness
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Producers and Directors 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.
Producers and Directors 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.
Typical duties and FLSA status
Core duties
Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.
Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.
Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.
Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.
Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.
FLSA classification (typical)
Typically Exempt · Professional, Administrative, or Executive exemption
Occupations in this SOC group are typically classified as Exempt when paid above the salary threshold, provided they satisfy the duties test for one of the FLSA exemption categories. Actual classification depends on the specific job duties, salary basis, and any applicable state or local rules. The current federal salary threshold for exemption is $684 per week ($35,568 per year), per the 2020 Department of Labor rule; the 2024 rule that would have raised the threshold was struck down by federal court in November 2024.
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Producers and Directors make?
The average base salary for a Producers and Directors 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 Producers and Directors 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.
