Media Technical Directors/Managers

People in this career coordinate technical departments to ensure radio and television programs are produced smoothly. On a daily basis, they organize, plan, and prioritize technical work while making critical decisions and solving complex problems. They gather information, monitor broadcasting processes, and identify key events or actions during production. They also work directly with computers, maintain electronic equipment, and communicate constantly with supervisors and peers.

Success in this role requires strong skills in active listening, coordination, and critical thinking. Managers must make sound judgments, manage their time efficiently, and speak clearly to direct their teams. They rely on deep knowledge of communications, media, telecommunications, and computer electronics. Because their work is highly enterprising, they must show strong leadership, dependability, and attention to detail. Staying calm under pressure and adapting to sudden changes are essential work styles for handling live production environments.

Entering this field typically requires a bachelor's degree along with several years of related work experience. This career is classified as requiring considerable preparation to ensure candidates have the necessary technical and leadership skills.

Students preparing for this career often choose college majors focused on media and the performing arts. Relevant fields of study include radio, television, and digital communication, as well as film, video, and photographic arts. Other helpful majors include drama, theatre arts, stagecraft, and arts, entertainment, and media management. No specific professional licenses or certifications are reported as standard requirements for this role.

The median annual pay for media technical directors and managers is $90,360. This figure is based on the broader occupational group of producers and directors. Within this group, the lowest 10 percent of earners make less than $45,780, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $198,540.

There are 143,120 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 4 percent, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 12,100 job openings each year.