Media Programming Directors
O*NET 27-2012.03 · SOC 27-2012
Media Programming Director is a solid career choice. Median pay is $90k a year with +4% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 12,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Select and schedule programming content for broadcast or streaming
- →Develop programming strategies to target specific audience demographics
- →Negotiate licensing agreements for acquired content and programming
- →Monitor ratings and adjust programming schedules accordingly
- →Coordinate with production and marketing teams on content rollout
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Media Programming Director roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Media Programming Director involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Media Programming Director?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Media Programming Director Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Media Programming Directors is projected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·39% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·36% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Media Programming Director make?
The median Media Programming Director earns $90k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Media Programming Director jobs?
Our model puts Media Programming Director at 28 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 39% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 36% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Media Programming Director a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 4% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 12,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Media Programming Director?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Media Programming Director roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Media Programming Director?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Media Programming Director career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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