⭐ Bright Outlook

Media Technical Directors/Managers

O*NET 27-2012.05 · SOC 27-2012

Media Technical Directors/Manager 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

Projected Growth
+4%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$90k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
12k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Cue camera operators and switch between live video feeds during broadcasts
  • →Coordinate audio, graphics, and lighting teams during live productions
  • →Monitor broadcast signal quality and resolve technical issues in real time
  • →Review rundowns with producers before going on air
  • →Operate production switchers to transition between segments and commercial breaks

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Media Technical Directors/Manager 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

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Media Technical Directors/Manager? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid

Work Style

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 Technical Directors/Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningCue camera operators and switch between live video feeds during broadcasts
MiddayCoordinate audio, graphics, and lighting teams during live productions
AfternoonMonitor broadcast signal quality and resolve technical issues in real time

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Enterprising (Persuaders)5.2
Conventional (Organizers)4.5
Realistic (Doers)4.0
Artistic (Creators)3.4
Investigative (Thinkers)2.8
Social (Helpers)2.6

Who Thrives as Media Technical Directors/Manager?

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.

ESTJThe ExecutiveENTJThe CommanderESTPThe DynamoESFJThe Provider

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Media Technical Directors/Manager Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Media Technical Directors/Managers 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?

30/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·30% 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 Technical Directors/Manager make?

The median Media Technical Directors/Manager 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 Technical Directors/Manager jobs?

Our model puts Media Technical Directors/Manager at 30 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 30% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.

Is Media Technical Directors/Manager 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 Technical Directors/Manager?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Media Technical Directors/Manager roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become a Media Technical Directors/Manager?

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 Technical Directors/Manager 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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