How long does the training take?

Typically about four years for the degree, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do producers and directors make?

The US median is $90,360 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree for this work?

Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.

Where can you train for this work?

1,081 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

🎓 My University View

Home › Careers › Producers and directors

Producers and directors: pay, training and the programs that lead there

Arts, design, media & film · SOC 27-2012

$90,360US median pay, 2025

+4%Projected growth, 2025–35

12,100Openings per year

Degree + experienceUsual way in

How you get in

Not an entry-level job: it usually takes a degree plus years of related work.

Bachelor's degree
Less than 5 years of experience in a related job
Work in: producers and directors

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General	CIP 50.0501	829
Cinematography and Film/Video Production	CIP 50.0602	274
Film/Cinema/Media Studies	CIP 50.0601	209
Radio and Television	CIP 09.0701	167
Musical Theatre	CIP 50.0509	109
Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other	CIP 50.0599	51
Directing and Theatrical Production	CIP 50.0507	39
Theatre/Theatre Arts Management	CIP 50.1004	25
Documentary Production	CIP 50.0607	14
Theatre and Dance	CIP 50.0512	11

See the 1,081 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does the training take?: Typically about four years for the degree, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do producers and directors make?: The US median is $90,360 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree for this work?: Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.
Where can you train for this work?: 1,081 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

Related careers in Arts, design, media & film

Coaches and scouts · Public relations specialists · Musicians and singers · Merchandise displayers and window trimmers · Graphic designers · Art directors · Writers and authors · Photographers