How Much Does a Theater Director Make in California?

Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Theater Director in California is $79,299. While Salary.com is seeing that Theater Director salary in CA can go up to $96,452 or down to $62,066, but most earn between $70,279 and $88,277. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Similar Job Salaries to Theater Director by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Dance Arts Education Industries
Musical Theater Director
$102,579/yr
$69,843
$135,316
RANGE: $69,843 - $135,316
The College Preparatory School
Theater Designer/Tech Director/Instructor
$111,586/yr
$83,932
$139,240
RANGE: $83,932 - $139,240
Management Consultants for the Arts
Artistic Director | Children's Musical Theater San Jose
$332,242/yr
$253,035
$411,448
RANGE: $253,035 - $411,448
LA Catholics
Theater Arts Teacher & Artistic Director 2025-2026
$91,175/yr
$70,427
$111,922
RANGE: $70,427 - $111,922
Brophy College Preparatory
Theater Director
$95,114/yr
$66,035
$124,193
RANGE: $66,035 - $124,193
$70,782/yr
$61,089
$80,474
RANGE: $61,089 - $80,474
Fort Worth Country Day
Middle School Theater and Musical Theater Director
$83,269/yr
$58,152
$108,386
RANGE: $58,152 - $108,386
Shepherd University
Theater Tech Director
$93,059/yr
$65,839
$120,279
RANGE: $65,839 - $120,279
Elyria Catholic High School
Summer Theater Director
$109,760/yr
$91,244
$128,275
RANGE: $91,244 - $128,275
BENDER JCC OF GREATER WASHINGTON
Camp Theater Director
$105,697/yr
$85,949
$125,445
RANGE: $85,949 - $125,445

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Theater Director Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Theater Director can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Theater Director job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Theater Director jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Theater Director positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Theater Director salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Theater Director salary is $90,227 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Theater Director salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Theater Director in California is $79,299, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Theater Director jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Theater Director jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $90,227 $7,519 $1,735 $43
Santa Clara $90,227 $7,519 $1,735 $43
Fremont $90,083 $7,507 $1,732 $43
San Francisco $89,867 $7,489 $1,728 $43
Daly City $89,867 $7,489 $1,728 $43
Berkeley $87,710 $7,309 $1,687 $42
Oakland $87,710 $7,309 $1,687 $42
Hayward $87,567 $7,297 $1,684 $42
Antioch $82,822 $6,902 $1,593 $40
Vallejo $80,881 $6,740 $1,555 $39

What Does a Theater Director Do?

Theater directors are responsible for making sure each element of a play, opera, ballet or musical event is developed, manufactured and presented in a cohesive and professional manner.
Updated December 07, 2021
Because of this, many aspiring theater directors will usually take as many different theater courses as possible.
Updated November 22, 2021
For instance, a theater director working in a Broadway theater house that is packed every night will usually make much more than a theater director working in a community theater in a rural area.
Updated November 04, 2021
Not surprisingly, a theater director usually works in places like community theaters, school theaters, opera houses, and performing arts centers.
Updated December 18, 2021
There are several different elements that might influence a theater director’s salary, however, such as the size, location, and popularity of the theater where the director works.
Updated December 15, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Theater Director Salaries

What is the average of a Theater Director in California?

The Theater Director salary range is from $70,279 to $88,277, and the average Theater Director salary is $79,299/year in California. The Theater Director's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Theater Director salary in the United States?

The Theater Director salary in San Jose, CA is $90,227 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Theater Director's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Theater Director.

What is the growth rate of the Theater Director's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Theater Director or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Theater Director.