Producer and Director Salary in California
Based on 34K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$129,790
$62.40/hr
vs National Average
$70,717
+83.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $307K
34K employed in California
Producer and Director salary in California averages $129,790 annually, significantly outpacing earnings in most other states. With approximately 34,110 professionals employed in these roles across California, the state supports a robust entertainment and media production industry. This median salary represents 84% above the national average, reflecting the state's position as a major hub for film, television, and digital content creation.
Several factors influence Producer and Director salary in California, including experience level, project budget size, and industry sector. Directors working on major studio productions typically earn substantially more than those in independent or smaller-market projects. Geographic location within California also matters, as positions in Los Angeles command higher salaries than roles in smaller markets. Additionally, professional credentials, portfolio strength, and union membership through organizations like the DGA can significantly impact earning potential and career trajectory.
Salary Distribution — Producer and Director in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,570 |
| 25th percentile | $83,110 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $129,790 |
| 75th percentile | $172,410 |
| 90th percentile | $306,850 |
Top-Paying Industries for Producer and Director (U.S.)
Which industries pay Producer and Directors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Producer and Directors in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $135,490 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $108,400 | 18K |
| Wholesale Trade | $108,360 | 530 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $107,590 | 4K |
| Retail Trade | $106,020 | 270 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Producer and Director in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $107,120 |
| 2023 | $105,080 |
| 2024 | $122,150 |
| 2025 | $129,790 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,577 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $107,120 | $64,899 |
| 2023 | $105,080 | $64,909 |
| 2024 | $122,150 | $67,222 |
| 2025 | $129,790 | $70,717 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,577 | $74,960 |
Producer and Director Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $83,110 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $129,790 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $172,410 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $306,850 |
Producer and Director Salary in Other States
Related Producer and Director Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Producer and Director ($129,790 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Producer and Director | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in CA | $137,780 | +6.2% | $66.24/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in CA | $100,770 | -22.4% | $48.45/hr |
| Interior Designer in CA | $80,230 | -38.2% | $38.57/hr |
| Graphic Designer in CA | $75,130 | -42.1% | $36.12/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in CA | $64,620 | -50.2% | $31.07/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CA | $130,330 | +0.4% | $62.66/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CA | $130,410 | +0.5% | $62.70/hr |
| Actuary in CA | $130,510 | +0.6% | $62.75/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in CA | $130,540 | +0.6% | $62.76/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CA | $130,900 | +0.9% | $62.93/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CA | $128,470 | -1.0% | $61.76/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CA | $128,310 | -1.1% | $61.69/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do producers and directors make in California?
- The median salary for producers and directors in California is $129,790 per year, or $62 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, with California salaries running 83.5% above the national median.
What is the salary range for directors and producers in California?
- Producers and directors in California earn between $63,570 and $306,850 annually, depending on experience and specialization. This wide range reflects the variation in production budgets and career levels within the industry.
How many producers and directors work in California?
- There are approximately 34,110 producers and directors employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's media and entertainment industry.
Is the producer and director salary in California higher than the national average?
- Yes, California's median salary of $129,790 for producers and directors is 83.5% higher than the national average. This premium reflects the state's major role in film, television, and digital media production.