Media Technical Directors/Managers

SOC code 27-2012 · O*NET-SOC 27-2012.05 · Considerable preparation needed

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Media Technical Directors/Managers 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

10th$45,780Median$90,36090th$198,540

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 technical directors/manager do?

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Direct technical aspects of newscasts and other productions, checking and switching between video sources and taking responsibility for the on-air product, including camera shots and graphics.
Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.
Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.
Follow instructions from production managers and directors during productions, such as commands for camera cuts, effects, graphics, and takes.
Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.
Set up and execute video transitions and special effects, such as fades, dissolves, cuts, keys, and supers, using computers to manipulate pictures as necessary.
Monitor broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station or network policies and regulations.
Operate equipment to produce programs or broadcast live programs from remote locations.

How to become a media technical directors/manager

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 92% 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.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree92%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)4%
Post-Secondary Certificate1%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1%

Common questions

How much does a media technical directors/manager 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 technical directors/manager 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 technical directors/manager 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

Active Listening4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Monitoring4.0/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Reading Comprehension3.6/5
Writing3.4/5

Knowledge areas

Communications and Media4.8/5
Computers and Electronics4.3/5
English Language4.1/5
Telecommunications3.8/5
Engineering and Technology3.6/5
Administration and Management3.3/5
Customer and Personal Service3.1/5
Education and Training2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Time Management.