Media Technical Directors/Managers
Media technical directors and managers oversee the technical operations that make radio and television programs happen. They coordinate departments like taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance at broadcasting stations, production companies, and media facilities. The role requires managing both equipment and staff to ensure programs air on schedule.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against media technical directors/managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves monitoring technical quality during live broadcasts, scheduling maintenance for cameras and audio equipment, and meeting with engineering and production teams about upcoming projects. Technical directors troubleshoot equipment problems, review edited content, and document technical specifications. They may spend time in control rooms during live events or in offices handling budget and personnel matters for their departments.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECR. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy solving technical problems and organizing complex systems. You work well with details, follow procedures carefully, and take satisfaction in seeing plans executed smoothly. If you're drawn to both hands-on technical work and coordinating teams or resources, this career fits well.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $83,110 | $129,790 | $172,410 | 34,110 |
| New Jersey | $78,120 | $119,840 | $161,550 | 2,970 |
| New York | $79,700 | $107,550 | $169,260 | 27,990 |
| District of Columbia | $82,580 | $104,270 | $133,180 | 2,640 |
| Connecticut | $63,030 | $88,260 | $138,850 | 2,200 |
| Oregon | $60,260 | $87,460 | $123,320 | 1,640 |
| Rhode Island | $58,050 | $84,250 | $98,910 | 560 |
| Washington | $62,760 | $81,550 | $128,030 | 2,270 |
| Illinois | $58,790 | $81,080 | $106,320 | 3,170 |
| Massachusetts | $60,220 | $80,970 | $105,940 | 3,440 |
| Georgia | $64,540 | $79,950 | $125,780 | 5,010 |
| Florida | $62,360 | $79,920 | $109,670 | 7,160 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Avid Certified Professional: Media Composer — Avid Technology, Inc.
- Meta Certified Media Buying Professional — Meta
- Technical Supervisor (TS) — American Association of Bioanalysts
- Avid Certified User: Media Composer — Avid Technology, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against media technical directors/managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-2012.05 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.