How to become a Technical Director

Also called: Technical Producer

Controls the quality of pictures and sound for film, television, audio programs, live performances or digital content by directing technical teams, and planning and organising all technical facilities.

Main tasks

• Plans, coordinates and collaborates with producers and directors on all technical aspects of a television or audio program, live performance or digital content
• Supervises the installation and maintenance of technical equipment for television, audio, live performance or digital content
• Directs and monitors technical teams to ensure the quality of pictures and sound
• Monitors and adjusts technical equipment such as lighting, sound, rigging, animation or visual effects, to ensure optimal performance

Ways in

• University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services (CUA60220); Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA60620); Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA30420); Certificate III in Screen and Media (CUA31020); Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA40420); Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220); Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services (CUA50420); Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51020)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $102,700 a year
• About 15,500 people work in this job group now, and about 18,400 are projected by 2035. (+19.1%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Film and Video Editor
• Artistic Director
• Audio or Live Performance Director
• Cinematographer
• Production Manager (Screen or Live Performance)
• Screen Director

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Technical Director?

Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Arts & Humanities degrees; Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services; Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media.

How much does a Technical Director earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $102,700 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Technical Director a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2035, from about 15,500 to about 18,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Technical Director?

Not always. 43% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Arts & Humanities degrees; Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services; Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media.

Will AI change the work of a Technical Director?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04