Career profile · SOC 27-2012.03

Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

Media Programming Directors direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news. The role reports a median annual salary of $83,480 in the US with the middle 80% earning between $38,400 and $188,870 and is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (about as fast as average). Entry typically requires a Bachelor's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.45 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Active Listening, Speaking, Coordination, Critical Thinking, Time Management.

Median salary
$83,480
per year
Growth outlook
Average
BLS 10-yr
Education
Bachelor's degree
AI exposure
4.55/10
automation risk

Salary distribution (US)

Real salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The p10–p90 spread tells you more than the median alone.

Bottom 10%
$38,400
25th %ile
$53,470
Median
$83,480
75th %ile
$131,280
Top 10%
$188,870

Top skills

Active Listening Speaking Coordination Critical Thinking Time Management Judgment and Decision Making Management of Personnel Resources Negotiation Complex Problem Solving Social Perceptiveness

Knowledge you'll build

  • Communications and Media
  • English Language
  • Fine Arts
  • Administration and Management
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Telecommunications

Frequently asked questions

What does Media Programming Directors do?

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

How much does Media Programming Directors earn?

The median annual salary for Media Programming Directors in the US is $83,480. The middle 80% of workers earn between $38,400 and $188,870 annually. Entry-to-mid-career earners typically fall between $53,470 and $131,280.

What is the job outlook for Media Programming Directors?

The role is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (about as fast as average). Current US employment is approximately 167,000 workers.

How do I become media programming directors?

The typical entry education is a Bachelor's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.

What skills does Media Programming Directors need?

The most in-demand skills for this role include Active Listening, Speaking, Coordination, Critical Thinking, Time Management, Judgment and Decision Making. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.

Will AI replace Media Programming Directors?

Our AI-durability model gives Media Programming Directors a score of 0.45 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.

How hard is it to enter this field?

Media Programming Directors has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.

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