Producers and Directors
Producers and directors oversee the creative and technical aspects of stage, television, radio, video, or film productions. They make decisions about script interpretation, casting, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography. Work settings include studios, theaters, production companies, and broadcasting facilities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against producers and directors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves script review and creative planning, casting auditions or actor meetings, and coordinating with departments like cinematography, sound, and design. Directors often spend time on set or in studios overseeing rehearsals, filming, or recording sessions. Producers handle budgets, scheduling, and logistical problem-solving. Post-production work includes reviewing edited footage, sound mixing, and final approval of materials before release.
Who this work suits
Holland code AEC. Artistic work is creating and designing, with room for self-expression. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely succeed in this work if you combine artistic vision with business acumen. You enjoy making creative decisions and solving problems under pressure, and you're comfortable managing teams and resources to bring a project from concept to completion.
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
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Executive Producer - Brand Creative · Mercury · Canada, USA · Remote
- National Director of Group Sales · Trailborn · United States · Remote
- Director, Revenue Operations (Fundraising) · GiveDirectly · USA · Remote
- Director, Talent Management · GiveDirectly · Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Türkiye, UK, USA · Remote
- Director Frontend Engineer · wongdoody · Berlin, DE
- Director, Internal AI Operations · LaunchDarkly · USA · Remote
- Director, Customer Success · Instructure · USA · Remote
- Director of Affiliates · CrossFit · USA · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
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.
- Certification for Program and Project Managers - Entry Level (FAC-P/PM) — Federal Acquisition Institute
- Certified Senior Broadcast Television Engineer (CBTE) — Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc.
- Certification for Program and Project Managers Mid-Level (FAC-P/PM) — Federal Acquisition Institute
- Certification for Program and Project Managers Senior Level (FAC-P/PM) — Federal Acquisition Institute
- Meta Certified Media Buying Professional — Meta
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
and 5 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against producers and directors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-2012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.