Media Programming Directors
SOC code 27-2012 · O*NET-SOC 27-2012.03 · Considerable preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Media Programming Directors pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$90,360
a year
Hourly
$43.44
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$113,300
$54.47 per hour
Middle 50%
$62,670 – $134,800
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$45,780 – $198,540
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
143,120
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Producers and Directors”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $45,780
- $22.01/hr
- 25th percentile
- $62,670
- $30.13/hr
- Median percentile
- $90,360
- $43.44/hr
- 75th percentile
- $134,800
- $64.81/hr
- 90th percentile
- $198,540
- $95.45/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+5%
Growing faster than average
167,000
jobs in 2024
175,200
projected for 2034
About 8,200 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Operate and maintain on-air and production audio equipment.
- Check completed program logs for accuracy and conformance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations and resolve program log inaccuracies.
- Read news, read or record public service and promotional announcements, or perform other on-air duties.
- Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in broadcast news, sports, or programming.
- Monitor and review programming to ensure that schedules are met, guidelines are adhered to, and performances are of adequate quality.
- Prepare copy and edit tape so that material is ready for broadcasting.
- Coordinate activities between departments, such as news and programming.
- Perform personnel duties, such as hiring staff and evaluating work performance.
How to become a media programming director
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 52% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree52%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)31%
- Some College Courses15%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2%
Common questions
How much does a media programming director earn?
The national median is $90,360 a year. The full range runs from $45,780 at the 10th percentile to $198,540 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a media programming director without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is media programming director in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 5% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking4.3/5
- Reading Comprehension4.1/5
- Critical Thinking4.1/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
- Monitoring3.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Communications and Media4.9/5
- Computers and Electronics4.5/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Administration and Management3.9/5
- Telecommunications3.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Sales and Marketing3.7/5
- Engineering and Technology3.4/5
Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination, Time Management, Management of Personnel Resources.