What Producers and Directors do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Producers and Directors this way: "Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "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"; "Coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and other personnel throughout the production process"; "Study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years.
Job outlook for Producers and Directors
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 181,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 188,300 in 2035, an increase of 7,300 jobs (+4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 12,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.7% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 20.4% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $90,360, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Producers and Directors earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $106,270 in New Jersey to $128,287 in California, a gap of $22,017 (1.21 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $90,360 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 29,340, which is 33.6% of the 87,340 counted across them. California follows with 29,260.
Highest-paying states
California ($128,287), New York ($106,663) and New Jersey ($106,270) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($106,270) and New York ($106,663) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Producers and Directors: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Los Angeles County, CA (Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA) at $54,329. The smallest margin is $38,508 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 29.8% and 41.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Producers and Directors
Actors belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (27-2000) include Coaches and Scouts.
Frequently asked questions about Producers and Directors
How much do Producers and Directors earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $90,360. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $106,270 to $128,287.
Which state pays Producers and Directors the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $128,287. New York is next at $106,663.
Is Producers and Directors a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 12,100 openings a year.
What education do Producers and Directors need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years, according to BLS.
Where can Producers and Directors afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Los Angeles County, CA leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $54,329 on a median wage of $131,600.