Producers and directors
SOC Code: 27-2012
Producers and directors carries a 56% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $83,480 and +4.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 167,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Producers and directors (SOC 27-2012) carries an AI exposure score of 56%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 167,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.9% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $83,480, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus Less than 5 years of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Producers and directors. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Direct technical aspects of newscasts and other productions, checking and switching between video sources and taking responsibility for the on-air product, including camera shots and graphics.
- 2. Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.
- 3. Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.
- 4. Follow instructions from production managers and directors during productions, such as commands for camera cuts, effects, graphics, and takes.
- 5. Operate and maintain on-air and production audio equipment.
- 6. Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.
- 7. Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.
- 8. Audition and interview performers to match their attributes to specific roles or to increase the pool of available acting talent.
- 9. Prepare actors for auditions by providing scripts and information about roles and casting requirements.
- 10. Select performers for roles or submit lists of suitable performers to producers or directors for final selection.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Writing
Knowledge Areas
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Telecommunications
- Engineering and Technology
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Production and Processing
- Geography
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Producers and directors?
Producers and directors has an AI exposure score of 56%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Producers and directors?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Producers and directors is projected to grow by 4.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 167,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Producers and directors?
Key skills for Producers and directors include Active Listening, Speaking, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Producers and directors earn?
The median annual wage for Producers and directors is $83,480, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Producers and directors?
The typical entry-level education for Producers and directors is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Producers and directors?
Producers and directors roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).