Producer and Director Salary in Illinois
Based on 3K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$81,080
$38.98/hr
vs National Average
$70,717
+14.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$41K – $169K
3K employed in Illinois
Producer and Director salary in Illinois averages $81,080 annually, positioning the state favorably in the media and entertainment industry. With approximately 3,170 workers employed in these roles, Illinois offers competitive compensation that runs 15% above the national average, reflecting strong demand for creative professionals in this region.
Several factors influence Producer and Director salary in Illinois, including experience level, project scope, and industry sector. Those working in major markets like Chicago or on high-budget productions typically earn toward the upper range of $169,040, while entry-level positions start near $41,250. Specialization, company size, and career progression significantly impact earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Producer and Director in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,250 |
| 25th percentile | $58,790 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,080 |
| 75th percentile | $106,320 |
| 90th percentile | $169,040 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,860 |
| 2023 | $75,350 |
| 2024 | $76,370 |
| 2025 | $81,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,945 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,860 | $64,899 |
| 2023 | $75,350 | $64,909 |
| 2024 | $76,370 | $67,222 |
| 2025 | $81,080 | $70,717 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,945 | $74,960 |
Producer and Director Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $58,790 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,320 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $169,040 |
Producer and Director Salary in Other States
Related Producer and Director Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Producer and Director ($81,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Producer and Director | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in IL | $103,550 | +27.7% | $49.78/hr |
| Interior Designer in IL | $76,290 | -5.9% | $36.68/hr |
| Graphic Designer in IL | $62,560 | -22.8% | $30.08/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in IL | $60,740 | -25.1% | $29.20/hr |
| Data Analyst in IL | $81,090 | +0.0% | $38.99/hr |
| Tax Examiner in IL | $81,180 | +0.1% | $39.03/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in IL | $81,180 | +0.1% | $39.03/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in IL | $81,590 | +0.6% | $39.23/hr |
| Compliance Officer in IL | $80,550 | -0.7% | $38.73/hr |
| Accountant in IL | $80,230 | -1.0% | $38.57/hr |
| Logistician in IL | $80,100 | -1.2% | $38.51/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in IL | $79,990 | -1.3% | $38.46/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do producers and directors make in Illinois?
- The median salary for producers and directors in Illinois is $81,080 per year, or $39 per hour. This is 14.7% higher than the national average, making Illinois a competitive market for this profession.
What is the salary range for directors and producers in Illinois?
- Salaries for producers and directors in Illinois range from $41,250 at the lower end to $169,040 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, project scale, and career specialization within the field.
How many producers and directors work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 3,170 producers and directors employed in Illinois. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's media and entertainment production industry.
Is Illinois a good state for producer and director salaries?
- Yes, Illinois offers above-average compensation for producers and directors, with salaries running 14.7% higher than the national average. The median salary of $81,080 annually positions Illinois as an attractive location for professionals in this field.