Producer and Director Salary in the United States
Based on 143K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$70,717
$34.00/hr
▲ 5.2% vs 2024Salary Range
$42K – $138K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
143K
workers nationwide
The Producer and Director salary in the United States shows a median annual income of $70,717, which translates to approximately $34 per hour. This career field, with over 142,630 individuals employed, offers a substantial range for earning potential, with most professionals falling between $41,574 and $138,078 annually.
Several factors influence the Producer and Director salary. Location plays a significant role, with top-paying states like California offering an average of $129,790 per year. Experience level, the size and type of production company, and the specific responsibilities of the role also contribute to the variation in pay.
Salary Distribution — Producer and Director
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,574 |
| 25th percentile | $52,035 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $70,717 |
| 75th percentile | $100,268 |
| 90th percentile | $138,078 |
Producer and Director Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Producer and Director
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $129,790 | +83.5% | 34K |
| 2 | New Jersey | $119,840 | +69.5% | 3K |
| 3 | New York | $107,550 | +52.1% | 28K |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $104,270 | +47.4% | 3K |
| 5 | Connecticut | $88,260 | +24.8% | 2K |
| 6 | Oregon | $87,460 | +23.7% | 2K |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $84,250 | +19.1% | 560 |
| 8 | Washington | $81,550 | +15.3% | 2K |
| 9 | Illinois | $81,080 | +14.7% | 3K |
| 10 | Massachusetts | $80,970 | +14.5% | 3K |
Producer and Director Salary by Industry
How much Producer and Directors earn across industries nationwide — Management of Companies and Enterprises pays the most ($135,490 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $135,490 | +91.6% | 2K |
| 2 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $108,400 | +53.3% | 18K |
| 3 | Wholesale Trade | $108,360 | +53.2% | 530 |
| 4 | Administrative and Support Services | $107,590 | +52.1% | 4K |
| 5 | Retail Trade | $106,020 | +49.9% | 270 |
| 6 | Finance and Insurance | $100,060 | +41.5% | 280 |
| 7 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $99,410 | +40.6% | 440 |
| 8 | Transportation and Warehousing | $99,320 | +40.4% | 40 |
| 9 | Information | $95,140 | +34.5% | 88K |
| 10 | Manufacturing | $87,930 | +24.3% | 200 |
| 11 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $87,400 | +23.6% | 2K |
| 12 | Construction | $79,960 | +13.1% | 50 |
| 13 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $74,530 | +5.4% | 18K |
| 14 | Educational Services | $70,950 | +0.3% | 6K |
| 15 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $68,600 | -3.0% | 2K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Producer and Director
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Producer and Director roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple | $184,905 | 8 |
Historical Salary Trend — Producer and Director
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,899 |
| 2023 | $64,909 |
| 2024 | $67,222 |
| 2025 | $70,717 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,394 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Producer and Director Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $52,035 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $70,717 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $100,268 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $138,078 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Producer and Director salary in the US?
- The median Producer and Director salary in the United States is $70,717 per year. This means half of all professionals in this role earn more, and half earn less, with the typical range falling between $41,574 and $138,078.
How much do Producers and Directors make in California?
- California is the top-paying state for Producers and Directors, with an average annual salary of $129,790. This figure is significantly higher than the national median, reflecting the concentration of the entertainment industry in the state.
What is the salary range for this profession?
- The salary range for Producers and Directors in the United States spans from $41,574 to $138,078 annually. This wide gap indicates that factors like experience and location can greatly impact individual earnings.
Is the hourly wage for Producers and Directors significantly different from the annual?
- When calculated annually, the median Producer and Director salary is $70,717, which averages out to approximately $34 per hour. This hourly rate provides a useful benchmark for understanding compensation on a more frequent basis.