TV Producer: Career Profile, Job Outlook and Educational Requirements
TV producers control all aspects of a show from conception to broadcast, and they are typically responsible for the overall quality of the production. Find out more about this career, including education requirements and growth potential.
What You Need to Know
Depending on the scope of a project, your duties as a TV producer may be limited to a certain aspect of television show production, such as talent casting, or you may be responsible for ensuring that the overall project runs on time, on budget and is of acceptable quality. You can prepare for this career by earning a degree in related field and acquiring work experience in entry-level television production roles.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degrees</b> </td><td> Associate in Applied Science in Radio and Television Broadcasting, Bachelor of Arts in Television Producing, Bachelor of Arts in Radio-Television,</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b> Job Outlook</b> </td><td> Faster than average job growth of 8% projected from 2021 to 2031*</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Salary</b> </td><td> $74,181 median salary for film and TV producers in 2023**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **Payscale.com</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheDutiesOfATVProducer">What Are the Duties of a TV Producer?</h3><p>Most TV producers manage a program's budget and production schedule. They make the final business and financial decisions affecting every phase of a television program. In addition to researching material, selecting scripts, and determining the size and scope of the budget, TV producers decide what actually gets on the air and what doesn't.
</p><p>Producers can oversee the entire television show, or they can specialize in one area.
</p><p>Here are some examples of the different types of producers:
</p><ul><li>Executive producer - runs the show and may also be the head writer
</li><li>Supervising producer - oversees the creative process in the development of the show
</li><li>Coordinating producer - arranges a show's schedule and assignment of staff duties
</li><li>Consulting producer - former executive producer who assists writers or current producers in specific areas
</li><li>Associate producer - manages the day-to-day operations of a program
</li><li>Line producer - supervises the staff and makes hiring suggestions
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobOutlookForThisCareer">What Is the Job Outlook For This Career?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of producers and directors in all industries is expected to grow 8% over the 10-year period from 2021-2031. Online video streaming is one of the driving factors for the projected growth in this career. In 2021, there were approximately 166,200 producers and directors who worked in the television and radio broadcasting industry.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatEducationDoINeedToBecomeATVProducer">What Education Do I Need to Become a TV Producer?</h3><p>Although there are no specific educational or training requirements for an individual to become a TV producer, most producers have a bachelor's degree in majors like cinema, journalism and communication, according to the BLS. Along with a degree, these professionals usually have a considerable amount of experience in the industry.
</p><p>Many TV producers start their careers in a theatrical management office, working for agents, press agents or business managers. Others begin with performing arts organizations. Still others are current or former actors or directors. A number of colleges offer degree and certificate programs in the field of arts management. These programs cover topics like marketing, fundraising and financial management, which can help producers learn the budgetary and advertising skills needed to run a TV show.</p>