Producer and Director Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 3K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$104,270
$50.13/hr
vs National Average
$70,717
+47.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$69K – $170K
3K employed in District of Columbia
The median Producer and Director salary in District of Columbia is $104,270 annually, significantly outpacing the national average by 47%. With approximately 2,640 workers employed in these roles throughout the district, the region offers competitive compensation for creative professionals. Salaries in this field range from $69,260 to $170,490, reflecting the diversity of experience levels and specializations within the industry.
Several factors shape Producer and Director salary in District of Columbia, including experience, project scope, and industry sector. Government media work, nonprofit productions, and commercial broadcasting opportunities create distinct compensation tiers. Educational background, professional credentials, and the ability to manage larger-budget productions also influence earning potential. The district's status as a major media hub for news, documentary, and government communications contributes to higher-than-average salaries compared to most other U.S. markets.
Salary Distribution — Producer and Director in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,260 |
| 25th percentile | $82,580 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $104,270 |
| 75th percentile | $133,180 |
| 90th percentile | $170,490 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,540 |
| 2023 | $97,730 |
| 2024 | $99,900 |
| 2025 | $104,270 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,831 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,540 | $64,899 |
| 2023 | $97,730 | $64,909 |
| 2024 | $99,900 | $67,222 |
| 2025 | $104,270 | $70,717 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,831 | $73,810 |
Producer and Director Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,580 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $104,270 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $133,180 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $170,490 |
Producer and Director Salary in Other States
Related Producer and Director Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Producer and Director ($104,270 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Producer and Director | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer in DC | $98,450 | -5.6% | $47.33/hr |
| Graphic Designer in DC | $87,920 | -15.7% | $42.27/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in DC | $78,770 | -24.5% | $37.87/hr |
| Civil Engineer in DC | $103,880 | -0.4% | $49.94/hr |
| Logistician in DC | $104,770 | +0.5% | $50.37/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in DC | $104,900 | +0.6% | $50.43/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in DC | $104,990 | +0.7% | $50.48/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in DC | $103,300 | -0.9% | $49.66/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in DC | $102,770 | -1.4% | $49.41/hr |
| Financial Analyst in DC | $105,780 | +1.4% | $50.86/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in DC | $102,740 | -1.5% | $49.39/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in DC | $105,990 | +1.6% | $50.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do producers and directors make in Washington DC?
- The median salary for producers and directors in District of Columbia is $104,270 per year, or $50 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 47.4% premium for working in DC.
What is the salary range for producers and directors in DC?
- Producers and directors in District of Columbia earn between $69,260 and $170,490 annually, depending on experience and specialization. This wide range shows substantial earning potential for those advancing in their careers.
Is DC a good market for producer and director jobs?
- Yes, DC is an excellent market with 2,640 producers and directors currently employed in the area. Combined with salaries 47.4% above the national average at $104,270 median, DC offers strong job opportunities and compensation in this field.
What do entry-level producers and directors earn in Washington DC?
- Entry-level producers and directors in District of Columbia typically earn around $69,260 annually, which is the lower end of the salary range in the region. This starting salary is still competitive compared to many other markets nationwide.