Producer and Director Salary in Kentucky
Based on 950+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$54,550
$26.23/hr
vs National Average
$70,717
-22.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $96K
950 employed in Kentucky
Producer and Director salary in Kentucky averages $54,550 annually, with approximately 950 workers employed in these creative roles throughout the state. This median reflects opportunities across film, television, theater, and digital media production. However, Kentucky's compensation sits 23% below the national average, ranging from $35,860 to $95,970 depending on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence producer and director earnings in Kentucky's market. Project funding sources, whether independent productions or larger studio investments, significantly impact compensation levels. Experience, portfolio quality, and industry connections play crucial roles in salary progression. Additionally, the concentration of production activity in certain cities and the type of media being produced—commercial work typically pays more than independent projects—shape earning potential in the state.
Salary Distribution — Producer and Director in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,860 |
| 25th percentile | $45,680 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $54,550 |
| 75th percentile | $74,830 |
| 90th percentile | $95,970 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,020 |
| 2023 | $50,980 |
| 2024 | $50,610 |
| 2025 | $54,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,823 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,020 | $64,899 |
| 2023 | $50,980 | $64,909 |
| 2024 | $50,610 | $67,222 |
| 2025 | $54,550 | $70,717 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,823 | $74,960 |
Producer and Director Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,680 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $54,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $74,830 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $95,970 |
Producer and Director Salary in Other States
Related Producer and Director Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Producer and Director ($54,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Producer and Director | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in KY | $76,160 | +39.6% | $36.62/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in KY | $76,100 | +39.5% | $36.59/hr |
| Interior Designer in KY | $59,240 | +8.6% | $28.48/hr |
| Graphic Designer in KY | $52,960 | -2.9% | $25.46/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in KY | $48,320 | -11.4% | $23.23/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in KY | $54,190 | -0.7% | $26.05/hr |
| Title Examiner in KY | $52,860 | -3.1% | $25.41/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in KY | $52,790 | -3.2% | $25.38/hr |
| Truck Driver in KY | $56,340 | +3.3% | $27.09/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in KY | $57,850 | +6.0% | $27.81/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in KY | $50,970 | -6.6% | $24.50/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in KY | $58,540 | +7.3% | $28.14/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do producers and directors make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for producers and directors in Kentucky is $54,550 per year, or $26 per hour. This is 22.9% lower than the national average for this role.
What is the salary range for directors and producers in Kentucky?
- Producers and directors in Kentucky earn between $35,860 and $95,970 annually, depending on experience and specific role responsibilities.
Is the Kentucky producer and director salary below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median salary of $54,550 for producers and directors is 22.9% below the national average, making it a lower-paying state for this profession.
How many producers and directors work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 950 producers and directors currently employed in Kentucky according to the latest employment data.