Talent Directors
Talent directors audition and interview performers to cast roles in stage productions, television shows, radio programs, and films. They work in entertainment studios, theaters, production companies, and broadcast facilities, evaluating actors' skills and suitability for specific parts. The role requires assessing talent across multiple media formats and making casting decisions that shape productions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against talent directors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing performer headshots and reels, scheduling auditions, and conducting interviews with actors of varying experience levels. Talent directors may attend performances or watch recorded auditions to evaluate range and suitability for roles. They collaborate with producers, directors, and other casting professionals to discuss candidate strengths and weaknesses. Administrative work includes maintaining performer databases, documenting audition notes, and communicating casting decisions to agents and candidates.
Who this work suits
Holland code EAS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You thrive in this work if you combine artistic sensibility with business acumen. You enjoy evaluating creative talent, making strategic decisions about fit, and building industry relationships. Strong judgment about performance quality, interpersonal skills for conducting interviews, and comfort with enterprise-level decision-making are essential strengths.
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
- Director, Talent Management · GiveDirectly · Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Türkiye, UK, USA · Remote
- Executive Talent Attraction Recruiter Assistant Director · EY · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $106,730–$106,730
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
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against talent directors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-2012.04 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.