Job seekers in major media and entertainment hubs like Los Angeles, New York, and Georgia have a lot of opportunities to pursue creative careers. Behind every actor, news anchor, or advertising campaign is a team of talented professionals handling cameras, designing, writing scripts or copy, editing, and more.
Whether you’re a job seeker aiming for a dynamic career in media and entertainment or a hiring manager, here are 10 in-demand roles in these fast-paced industries, along with the projected growth for each according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources.
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1. Photographer
Photographers combine technical and creative skills to capture images, tell stories, and record events. Photographers use light, composition, distance, framing, and other techniques to create striking and memorable images.
In media and entertainment, photographers are in demand to record events, capture people, and take photos for online and print publishing.
- Job growth: The job growth for photographers is projected to be 4% from 2023 to 2033.
- Average annual pay: $40,760
2. Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians
Broadcast, sound, and video technicians are in demand in a variety of locations, from hotels and sports arenas to TV and recording studios. They are responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining the broadcast, sound, or video technology. While operating the equipment, they adjust and monitor it to ensure consistent lighting or sound.
The last time you heard your favorite singer at a concert or a sports announcer call the game, a sound technician was working behind the scenes to make the talent shine.
- Job growth: The job growth rate for broadcast, sound, and video technicians is projected to be 3% between 2023 and 2033.
- Average annual pay: $54,160
3. Interpreters and Translators
Interpreters and translators are essential in converting movies, TV shows, books, broadcasts, live presentations, and much more from one language to another. They must be fluent in at least two languages to deliver a seamless experience to the audience, viewers, or readers.
Interpreters tend to work at live events and translate in real-time, while translators convert written or spoken material for publishing or broadcast.
- Job growth: The job growth for interpreters and translators is expected to be 2% from 2023 to 2033.
- Average annual pay: $57,090
4. Film & Video Editors and Camera Operators
Film and video editors and camera operators shoot and record films, live events, television programs, and more. They often work with a director who relies on their technical expertise to capture a scene or event on film according to the director’s vision. If editing, they may work with a director to improve a scene or compensate for shortcomings in the filming or acting.
Careers in this area of media and entertainment include cinematographers, studio camera operators, videographers, and video editors.
- Job growth: The job growth for film and video editors and camera operators is projected to be 3% from 2023 to 2033.
- Average annual pay: $66,600
5. Public Relations Specialists
Also called communications specialists, public relations experts might manage a person’s or organization’s communication with the media and public. They understand the news cycle and can be instrumental in framing stories to engage and win over the public and the audience. A public relations specialist is a key part of managing and even constructing a person or group’s public image.
- Job growth: The job growth rate for public relations specialists is projected to be 6% from 2023 to 2033.
- Average annual pay: $66,750
6. Special Effects Artists and Animators
Special effects artists and animators combine computer and technical skills with creativity and artistry. They work with a creative team to create visual effects that enhance or become a game or movie. Special effects artists and animators tend to specialize. They may help create games or movies, and even within that niche, they may have a specialty. For example, character design or creating the look and feel of a game.
- Job growth: The job growth for special effects artists and animators is expected to be 4% from 2023 to 2033.
- Average annual pay: $99,060
7. Producers and Directors
Producers and directors work together to create a film or production. Producers raise money, set the budget for a project, hire the crew, and manage the production timeline. They handle the business aspects of the project and are responsible for getting it done on time.
Directors have a more creative position but are still responsible for management and organization. They select the actors to portray the characters and work with the actors and crew to create the scenes and settings that convey the story. This may include directing costume designers, set designers, and helping the actors develop their characters.
- Job growth: The job growth rate for producers and directors is projected to be 8% between 2023 and 2033.
- Average annual pay: $82,510
8. Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers all use media and events to generate interest in a product or service. Their primary goal is to increase market share and sales. They achieve this through advertising campaigns, public relations, organic marketing, events, endorsements, and many other strategies.
- Job growth: The job growth for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to be 8% from 2023 to 2033.
- Average annual pay: $156,580
9. Creative Director
Creative directors oversee and direct the creative vision of a brand or organization. They lead teams of designers, writers, and others to develop the creative aspects of advertising campaigns, print materials (like brochures, flyers, and event posters), digital content that resonates with the target audience, and more.
- Job growth: The job growth rate for creative directors is expected to be 4% between 2018 and 2028.
- Average annual pay: $137,779
10. Media Analyst
Media analysts study market trends, consumer behavior, and media content performance to help business optimize their marketing and advertising strategies. In the entertainment industry, they assess which platforms, shows, or content types attract the most engagement.
- Job growth: The job growth for media analysts is expected to be 19% between 2018 and 2028.
- Average annual pay: $63,956
Make Your Next Career Move With Insight Global
Career opportunities in media and entertainment used to be concentrated in New York and California. These states are still hotbeds for entertainment, but in 2022, Georgia led the country in new video and motion picture jobs. If you’re ready to make your next big move, head over to Insight Global’s job board, where you’ll find thousands of listings.