The median pay for Media Programming Directors is $90,360 a year ($43.44/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 4.0% through 2035, with about 12,100 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 27-2012
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Media Programming Director in four numbers
- Median pay
- $90,360a year, or $43.44/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $46KTop 10% $199K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +4.0%About as fast as averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+4%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +4% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 12,100181,000 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025181K
- Projected 2035188.3K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 181K Projected 2035 188.3K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school31.2%
- Some college15%
- Associate's1.8%
- Bachelor's52%
Highest education held by media programming directors Segment Value High school 31.2% Some college 15% Associate's 1.8% Bachelor's 52%
Also advertised as: Broadcast Content Manager, News Director, Newscast Director, Production Director, Program Coordinator, Program Director (PD).
Pay
How much do media programming directors make?
Media Programming Directors earn a median of $90,360 a year ($43.44 an hour, or about $7,530 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $45,780 and the top 10% more than $198,540 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is California, with a median of $129,790. See Media programming director salary in California and every other state. By city, pay is highest around Los Angeles ($159,390 average): salary in every city.
Every media programming director in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$90,360
Middle half earn $62,670 to $134,800
- 10th
- $45,780
- 25th
- $62,670
- 75th
- $134,800
- 90th
- $198,540
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $45,780 |
| 25th | $62,670 |
| Median | $90,360 |
| 75th | $134,800 |
| 90th | $198,540 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $90,360
- Median hourly wage
- $43.44/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $113,300
- People employed
- 143,120
Versus all US occupations
At $90,360, Media Programming Directors earn 77% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $39,380 a year.
Versus arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations
Inside the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media group, where the middle occupation pays $68,060, this is 33% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $198,540 or more while the bottom 10% earn $45,780, a gap of 4.3×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 66% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
California pays the most at $129,790, and still leads at $117,224 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay media programming directors the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1California | $129,790 | $117,224 | 34,110 |
| 2New Jersey | $119,840 | $110,142 | 2,970 |
| 3New York | $107,550 | $99,656 | 27,990 |
| 4District of Columbia | $104,270 | $94,876 | 2,640 |
| 5Connecticut | $88,260 | $85,185 | 2,200 |
| 6Oregon | $87,460 | $84,616 | 1,640 |
| 7Rhode Island | $84,250 | $82,372 | 560 |
| 8Washington | $81,550 | $76,206 | 2,270 |
| 9Illinois | $81,080 | $81,114 | 3,170 |
| 10Massachusetts | $80,970 | $76,562 | 3,440 |
Job outlook
Is media programming director a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
About as fast as average. +4.0% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Media Programming Directors | +4% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
About as fast as average
BLS projects employment of Media Programming Directors to change 4.0% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 7,300 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 12,100 openings are projected each year, 6.7% of the 181,000 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
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.
Demand for video advertising across platforms is projected to increase demand for these workers. Additionally, new TV shows and movies, especially on online and streaming platforms, are expected to continue to create some opportunities for producers and directors.
Demand for theater producers and directors will depend on funding availability. If there is a steady revenue stream, these workers may be in demand. However, opportunities for producers and directors may be limited in theaters with funding challenges.
AI exposure: high
BLS places this occupation in its high relative AI exposure category, above the middle of the pack: a substantial share of the work overlaps with what AI can do.
Getting in
How to become a media programming director
Producers and directors typically have a bachelor’s degree. They also typically need several years of experience working on set in film, TV, stage, or other productions in positions such as actors, cinematographers, or film and video editors or in related occupations, such as theater managers.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
Less than 5 years
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as media programming directors.
- Bachelor's Degree52%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)31.2%
- Some College Courses15%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1.8%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 52% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 31.2% |
| Some College Courses | 15% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 1.8% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a media programming director do?
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
Producers and directors make business and creative decisions about, film, television, stage, and other productions. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain, inform, or instruct an audience.
Day-to-day tasks
- Monitor and review programming to ensure that schedules are met, guidelines are adhered to, and performances are of adequate quality.
- Plan and schedule programming and event coverage, based on broadcast length, time availability, and other factors, such as community needs, ratings data, and viewer demographics.
- Read news, read or record public service and promotional announcements, or perform other on-air duties.
- Monitor network transmissions for advisories concerning daily program schedules, program content, special feeds, or program changes.
- Check completed program logs for accuracy and conformance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations and resolve program log inaccuracies.
- Develop promotions for current programs and specials.
- Develop ideas for programs and features that a station could produce.
- Operate and maintain on-air and production audio equipment.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Workdays for producers and directors may be long and irregular. Many do not have a standard workweek, because their schedules may change with each assignment or project. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is common. Most producers and directors work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where media programming directors work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Self-employed workers20%
- Motion picture and video industries19%
- Media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers13%
- Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries9%
- Television broadcasting stations7%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 20% |
| Motion picture and video industries | 19% |
| Media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers | 13% |
| Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries | 9% |
| Television broadcasting stations | 7% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Speaking4.3
- Reading Comprehension4.1
- Critical Thinking4.1
- Active Listening3.9
- Active Learning3.9
- Monitoring3.9
- Writing3.8
- Learning Strategies3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Speaking | 4.3 |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.1 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.1 |
| Active Listening | 3.9 |
| Active Learning | 3.9 |
| Monitoring | 3.9 |
| Writing | 3.8 |
| Learning Strategies | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Judgment and Decision Making4.1
- Coordination4.0
- Time Management4.0
- Management of Personnel Resources3.9
- Social Perceptiveness3.8
- Complex Problem Solving3.8
- Negotiation3.6
- Persuasion3.3
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Judgment and Decision Making | 4.1 |
| Coordination | 4.0 |
| Time Management | 4.0 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | 3.9 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.8 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.8 |
| Negotiation | 3.6 |
| Persuasion | 3.3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Video creation and editing software · in demand
- Web page creation and editing software · in demand
- Web platform development software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as a media programming director?
Women make up 43.6% of media programming directors, close to their 47.1% share of all employed people.
19.4% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs.
The median worker is 41.7 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 43.6%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 41.7All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 19.4%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 216,000BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of media programming directors | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 43.6% | 47.1% |
| White | 77.9% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 13.8% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 4.6% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 14.8% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 19.4% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 3.7% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a media programming director?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Media Programming Director |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 1 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 4 |
| Social | 4 |
| Enterprising | 7 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around leading, persuading, selling and making decisions, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Enterprising6.5
- Conventional4.6
- Artistic4.1
- Social3.7
- Investigative2.3
- Realistic1.4
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Media Programming Director
O*NET related occupations
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Computer and Mathematical
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Management
- Business and Financial Operations
More arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media careers
Median annual pay, with media programming directors highlighted
- Art Director$114,850
- Technical Writer$90,390
- Media Programming Director$90,360
- Editor$77,920
- Writer and Author$76,910
- Public Relations Specialist$74,750
- Interior Designer$67,190
- Graphic Designer$62,960
- Photographer$44,660
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Art Director | $114,850 |
| Technical Writer | $90,390 |
| Media Programming Director | $90,360 |
| Editor | $77,920 |
| Writer and Author | $76,910 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $74,750 |
| Interior Designer | $67,190 |
| Graphic Designer | $62,960 |
| Photographer | $44,660 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Media Programming Director appears on
Questions
Media Programming Director: frequently asked questions
How much do media programming directors make?
Media Programming Directors earn a median of $90,360 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 77% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $43.44/hr. The middle half earn between $62,670 and $134,800. The top 10% earn $198,540 or more.
How much do media programming directors make an hour?
The median hourly wage for media programming directors is $43.44 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $90,360 annual median works out to about $7,530 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for a media programming director?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of media programming directors earn less than $45,780 a year and the bottom quarter less than $62,670 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Do media programming directors make $100k?
Some do. $100,000 sits between the median ($90,360) and the 75th percentile ($134,800), so roughly a quarter to a half of media programming directors earn more than that (BLS OEWS, May 2025). In 4 states the median itself is above $100,000: California ($129,790), New Jersey ($119,840), New York ($107,550), District of Columbia ($104,270).
Which states pay media programming directors the most?
The highest state medians for Media Programming Directors are California ($129,790), New Jersey ($119,840), New York ($107,550) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What kind of media programming director earns the most?
BLS does not split media programming directors' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $198,540, against a median of $90,360 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are California ($129,790), New Jersey ($119,840), New York ($107,550).
Do you need a degree to become a media programming director?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Media Programming Directors, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as considerable preparation. Employers typically expect less than 5 years of related work experience first. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 52.0% hold bachelor's degree.
How long does it take to become a media programming director?
BLS does not publish a fixed length; it depends on the route. What it does publish: the typical way in for media programming directors is a bachelor's degree, plus less than 5 years of work experience in a related occupation. O*NET classes the work as needing considerable preparation.
Is media programming director a growing career?
It is stable rather than fast-growing: employment is projected to change 4.0% over 2025–2035, about the same as the 3.5% projected across all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 12,100 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a media programming director do?
Producers and directors make business and creative decisions about, film, television, stage, and other productions. A core O*NET task: monitor and review programming to ensure that schedules are met, guidelines are adhered to, and performances are of adequate quality. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Data base user interface and query software, Document management software.
Do media programming directors work 40 hours a week?
Most work more than 40. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 57% of media programming directors usually work more than 40 hours a week, 43% work exactly 40 and 0% work fewer. 87% say their schedule is regular and 13% irregular. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits a media programming director?
O*NET scores Media Programming Directors highest on the Enterprising, Conventional and Artistic interest areas, so the work mixes leading, persuading, selling and making decisions with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ENFJ, ESFJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
What percentage of media programming directors are women?
Women make up 43.6% of media programming directors, close to their 47.1% share of all employed people. 19.4% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs. The median worker is 41.7 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages.