Producers and directors
SOC Code: 27-2012Also known as:
Animation Director, Animation Producer, Art Framing Manager, Artistic Director, Broadcast News Producer
Median Annual Salary
$83,480
+4.9% growth (2024-2034)
13K
Openings/Year
167K
Current Jobs
What Producers and directors Do
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.
💰 Salary
$83,480
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.9%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
13K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
167,000
Projected Employment (2034)
175,200
Related Careers
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes
$96,310 •
+8.7% growth
Producers and directors
$83,480 •
+4.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed.
- Supervise and coordinate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crew members.
- Confer with technical directors, managers, crew members, and writers to discuss details of production, such as photography, script, music, sets, and costumes.
- Perform management activities, such as budgeting, scheduling, planning, and marketing.
- Consult with writers, producers, or actors about script changes or "workshop" scripts, through rehearsal with writers and actors to create final drafts.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Producers and directors
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a producers and directors:
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
10,778 degrees awarded •
848 colleges offer this program
Cinematography and Film/Video Production
9,544 degrees awarded •
285 colleges offer this program
Film/Cinema/Media Studies
5,777 degrees awarded •
218 colleges offer this program
Radio and Television
5,653 degrees awarded •
167 colleges offer this program
Musical Theatre
1,157 degrees awarded •
120 colleges offer this program
Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other
437 degrees awarded •
48 colleges offer this program
Theatre/Theatre Arts Management
220 degrees awarded •
23 colleges offer this program
Directing and Theatrical Production
213 degrees awarded •
45 colleges offer this program
Theatre and Dance
122 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Documentary Production
88 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Producers and directors
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become producers and directors.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do producers and directors make?
The median annual salary for producers and directors is $83,480.
What education do producers and directors need?
Most producers and directors positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General, Cinematography and Film/Video Production, Film/Cinema/Media Studies.
Is becoming producers and directors a good career choice?
Producers and directors is projected to see +4.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 12,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for producers and directors?
Top colleges for aspiring producers and directors include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, New York University, University of Southern California, The University of Texas at Austin.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to producers and directors?
Producers and directors may also be known as: Animation Director, Animation Producer, Art Framing Manager, Artistic Director, Broadcast News Producer, Broadcast Producer, Casting Director, Commercial Director, Content Producer, Creative Director, Creative Producer, Digital Media Manager, Digital Media Producer, Digital Producer, Director, Dramatic Director, Executive News Producer, Executive Producer, Film Maker, Film Producer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.