How much does a movie director make?
a year · about $43 an hour
A typical movie director in the United States makes $90,360 a year, about $43 an hour, about 1.8× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A director studies the script, chooses actors, and works with the crew to plan each scene. On set, they guide performances and filming, then review edits and music to shape the finished movie.
Did you know? Some US producers and directors earn a share of ticket sales—and a few successful ones earn extraordinarily high amounts.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $45,780 and $198,540How do you become one?
In the US, a bachelor's degree in film, cinema, theater, or a related subject is typical. People build several years of set experience, often starting as assistants or interns.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like creating and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the US, pay can differ with experience, location, and whether someone works in movies, streaming, TV, or theater. Some successful producers and directors may earn a share of ticket sales; schedules can also be long and irregular.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($129,790), lowest in Arkansas ($38,820).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $45,780 | $90,360 | $198,540 | about 143,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $129,790 | about 34,000 |
| New Jersey | $119,840 | about 3,000 |
| New York | $107,550 | about 28,000 |
| District of Columbia | $104,270 | about 3,000 |
| Connecticut | $88,260 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/producers-and-directors.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-2012.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY