What Does it Take to Be a Talent Director?
Position Description Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.
Life As a Talent Director
- Maintain talent files that include information such as performers' specialties, past performances, and availability.
- Select performers for roles or submit lists of suitable performers to producers or directors for final selection.
- Arrange for or design screen tests or auditions for prospective performers.
- Serve as liaisons between directors, actors, and agents.
- Hire and supervise workers who help locate people with specified attributes and talents.
- Negotiate contract agreements with performers, with agents, or between performers and agents or production companies.
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What a Talent Director Should Know
These are the skills Talent Directors say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Artistic Associate
- Photo Studio Assistant
- Contestant Coordinator
- Production Director
- Casting Associate
What Kind of Talent Director Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 134,700 jobs in the United States for Talent Director. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 16,500 new jobs for Talent Director by 2026. The BLS estimates 14,100 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Talent Director are Utah, Georgia, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Talent Directors Salary
The average yearly salary of a Talent Director ranges between $34,450 and $163,540.

Talent Directors who work in California, New York, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Talent Directors make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $57,040 |
Alaska | $61,280 |
Arizona | $62,760 |
Arkansas | $58,750 |
California | $115,080 |
Colorado | $68,290 |
Connecticut | $84,900 |
Delaware | $59,680 |
District of Columbia | $89,390 |
Florida | $70,630 |
Georgia | $84,570 |
Hawaii | $73,200 |
Idaho | $55,600 |
Illinois | $77,960 |
Indiana | $48,300 |
Iowa | $46,610 |
Kansas | $56,680 |
Kentucky | $60,530 |
Louisiana | $56,290 |
Maine | $51,310 |
Maryland | $78,760 |
Massachusetts | $70,480 |
Michigan | $65,910 |
Minnesota | $73,110 |
Mississippi | $44,310 |
Missouri | $65,560 |
Montana | $51,920 |
Nebraska | $51,620 |
Nevada | $67,190 |
New Hampshire | $59,830 |
New Jersey | $92,180 |
New Mexico | $75,110 |
New York | $115,610 |
North Carolina | $73,980 |
North Dakota | $42,570 |
Ohio | $60,590 |
Oklahoma | $55,670 |
Oregon | $68,280 |
Pennsylvania | $76,050 |
Rhode Island | $65,660 |
South Carolina | $57,200 |
South Dakota | $55,930 |
Tennessee | $65,040 |
Texas | $69,280 |
Utah | $67,800 |
Vermont | $58,760 |
Virginia | $69,750 |
Washington | $71,430 |
Wisconsin | $57,110 |
Wyoming | $45,930 |
What Tools do Talent Directors Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Talent Directors may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Microsoft Windows
- Database software
- Linux
- UNIX
- SAP software
- Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Microsoft operating system
- Appointment scheduling software
- Blogging software
- Website development software
How do I Become a Talent Director?
Education needed to be a Talent Director:

What work experience do I need to become a Talent Director?

Where do Talent Directors Work?

Talent Directors work in the following industries:

References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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