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The differences between technical directors and managing directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a technical director, becoming a managing director takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a technical director has an average salary of $131,719, which is higher than the $129,690 average annual salary of a managing director.
The top three skills for a technical director include business development, architecture and technical expertise. The most important skills for a managing director are healthcare, portfolio, and business development.
| Technical Director | Managing Director | |
| Yearly salary | $131,719 | $129,690 |
| Hourly rate | $63.33 | $62.35 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 77,550 | 81,022 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A technical director is responsible for monitoring the technical efficiency of operations. Technical directors inspect audio and visual equipment, lighting systems for productions, and other technical processes. They ensure that all the equipment is in proper working condition, identify and troubleshoot defects, and deliver high-quality project results. They also monitor expenses, forecast sales reports, and create cost estimates for the systems needed for the project completion, following the clients' specifications to gain satisfaction. A technical director must have excellent communication and decision-making skills to manage operational processes with maximum accuracy.
A Managing Director oversees workflow and progress, making sure that all operations align within the company or organization's mission or set of goals. They are responsible for crafting strategies, devising effective business plans, and executing guidelines that would nurture a company's growth, and as well as to be the driving force that would direct employees to the company's objectives. Furthermore, a Managing Director must coordinate with those in a higher position, such as the members of the board.
Technical directors and managing directors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Director | Managing Director | |
| Average salary | $131,719 | $129,690 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $200,000 | Between $72,000 And $233,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | New York | New York |
| Best paying company | Nike | Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a technical director and a managing director in terms of educational background:
| Technical Director | Managing Director | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between technical directors' and managing directors' demographics:
| Technical Director | Managing Director | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.4% Female, 17.6% | Male, 73.5% Female, 26.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.4% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 6.3% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 14% | 10% |