How to Become a Podcast Producer in the UK
Podcast producers plan, record, edit and publish podcasts for production companies, broadcasters, brands and individual hosts. On a typical show you book guests, research and shape episodes, run recordings, edit the audio, write show notes and handle publishing and promotion.
There is no required qualification. Most producers get in by making their own audio, building a portfolio of edited episodes and starting as a runner, production assistant or junior producer. A degree in journalism, media or audio helps for some schemes, but employers mainly judge your editing and storytelling.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £25,000 - £30,000
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £70,000
- Work environment
- Studio or remote
- Time to entry
- 1 - 2 years
- Degree required
- Preferred
- Category
- Marketing and Media
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: Creative careers, Career change.
What a Podcast Producer does
Produce branded or independent podcasts - planning, editing, distribution and growth.
How to become a podcast producer in the UK
Most podcast producers start with a portfolio rather than a qualification. Learn a professional editor such as Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, Reaper or Descript, record and edit your own show or short audio pieces, and learn how RSS hosting and distribution to Apple Podcasts and Spotify work. Entry roles include production assistant, junior producer and freelance podcast editor at podcast production companies, radio stations and branded content agencies. Degrees in journalism, radio, audio production or media are common but not required, and some broadcasters run trainee and apprenticeship schemes in audio production.
- Record and edit a short podcast series of your own, even five or six episodes, so you can show editing, structure and consistent sound quality.
- Learn a professional audio editor such as Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, Reaper or Descript, including noise reduction, levelling and loudness targets for podcast platforms.
- Practise the producer side: write episode outlines, research guests, prepare questions and cut a 60-minute interview down to a tight 30 minutes.
- Learn how podcast hosting works, from RSS feeds and episode metadata to publishing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, and reading download and retention data.
- Offer editing or production help to local creators, charities or small businesses to build paid credits and testimonials for your portfolio.
- Apply for production assistant and junior producer roles at podcast companies, radio stations and branded content agencies, and watch for broadcaster trainee schemes.
- Build relationships with hosts and producers at audio events and online communities, because much podcast work, especially freelance, comes through recommendations.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-taught with your own podcast portfolio | 6-18 months | Low: microphone and software | Career changers and creators |
| Degree in journalism, audio or media | 3 years | Tuition fee loan | Broadcaster and agency roles |
| Runner or production assistant, then producer | 1-2 years | Paid work | Learning inside a production company |
| Broadcaster trainee or apprenticeship scheme | 1-2 years | Paid by the employer | Structured training while earning |
How long it takes
Most people need one to two years of building a portfolio and doing assistant or freelance work before landing a producer role. If you already work in radio, journalism or video, you can move across faster.
Podcast Producer salary in the UK
Junior and assistant podcast producers usually earn around £25,000 to £30,000. Experienced producers running several shows earn about £35,000 to £45,000, and senior producers, executive producers and heads of audio reach £50,000 to £70,000. Pay depends on whether you work for a broadcaster, a production company or a brand, and on how much you own, from editing alone to full series production. Many producers are freelance, charging per episode or per day, so income varies with how many clients you hold.
Key skills
- Audio editing
- Story shaping
- Project management
- Distribution
Podcast Producer FAQs
How do I become a podcast producer in the UK?
Make and edit your own audio to build a portfolio, learn a professional editing tool and podcast distribution, then apply for production assistant or junior producer roles at podcast companies, radio stations and agencies. Freelance editing work for small creators is a common way to build early credits.
Do you need a degree to be a podcast producer?
No. Employers care most about your edited work and your ability to shape a story. A degree in journalism, audio production or media can help you get onto broadcaster schemes, but many producers come from radio, journalism or self-taught backgrounds.
How much does a podcast producer earn?
Starting salaries are around £25,000 to £30,000. Mid-level producers earn about £35,000 to £45,000, and senior or executive producers reach £50,000 to £70,000. Freelance producers charge per episode or per day, so their income depends on how many shows they work on.
What is the difference between a podcast producer and a podcast editor?
An editor focuses on the audio itself: cutting, cleaning and mixing episodes. A producer owns the whole show, including ideas, guest booking, scripting, recording, publishing and growth. Many people start as editors and take on more production responsibility over time.
Is Podcast Producer right for you?
Career Compass ranks careers from your interests and priorities and explains every suggestion, with UK routes and trade-offs. See how well Podcast Producer actually fits you. £19.99 once, full report included.
Comparing podcast producer with other careers? A career quiz gives you a type; a proper assessment gives you reasons, routes and trade-offs.