Explore Careers

Arts and Media Directors

Explore Careers

Arts and Media Directors

Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications
Enlisted Role

Service Branches with this Role

  • Marines logo
  • Navy logo

What do Arts and Media Directors do in the Military?

Arts and media directors are experts in graphic arts, digital photography, layout design, cinematography, and video production.

Where do Arts and Media Directors work?

Arts and media directors usually work in studios or offices. They may direct film crews on location in military camps or combat zones.

How much do they make?

Median Military Salary

This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$95,340

Military Salary Range

This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$26,872 - $231,803

How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Set based on rank and years of service.
  • Paid every month.

Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.

  • Tax-free payments.
  • Varies by location and family status.

Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.

  • Based on specialized roles.
  • Varies by position and duty.

What training do Arts and Media Directors gain in the Military?

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Arts and media directors may have an education in business or the arts. Job training for arts and media directors consists of classroom and on-the-job learning in various environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Management of military broadcasting facilities
  • Motion picture, radio, and television content, and production management
  • Public information management principles
  • Imagery production systems
  • Military media relations

Military Training for Enlisted Service members

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.

What skills help Arts and Media Directors succeed?

  • Ability to transform ideas into visual images
  • Interest in organizing and planning activities
  • Interest in planning and directing the work of others

What are possible career paths after the Military?

  • Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
  • Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
  • Proofreaders and Copy Markers
  • Film and Video Editors
  • Camera Operators, Television, Video and Film
  • Photographers
  • Media Technical Directors/Managers
  • Media Programming Directors

Interested? Take Your Next Step!