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For Educators: Military Resources

Media Technical Directors / Managers

Median Salary
82,510
Job Outlook
+7%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

57%

Self-employed

24%

Private not for profit

12%

State and local government

6%

Federal Government

1%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of producers and directors is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,900 openings for producers and directors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$39,000

10%

$82,510

Median

$111,360

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    92%

  • High school

    4%

  • Associate's degree

    1%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
  • Musical Theatre
  • Cinematography and Film/Video Production
  • Radio and Television
  • Film/Cinema/Media Studies
  • Directing and Theatrical Production
  • Theatre/Theatre Arts Management
  • Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other
  • Documentary Production
  • Theatre and Dance

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Communications and Media
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language
  • Administration and Management
  • Engineering and Technology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.