Music Directors and Composers vs. Coaches and Scouts: Who Earns More?
Music Directors and Composers out-earn Coaches and Scouts by $26K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Music Directors and Composers land at $73,710 and Coaches and Scouts at $47,320. The education gap is real: music directors and composer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while coaches and scout programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Music Directors and Composers is New Jersey ($122,750); for Coaches and Scouts it's New Jersey ($76,700).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Music Directors and Composers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Music Directors and Composers or Coaches and Scouts?
Music Directors and Composers earn more nationally. The median is $73,710 for Music Directors and Composers versus $47,320 for Coaches and Scouts, a difference of $26K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Music Directors and Composers or Coaches and Scouts?
Coaches and Scouts has the better 10-year outlook at 6.4% projected growth, compared to -0.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Music Directors and Composers or Coaches and Scouts?
Music Directors and Composers typically requires bachelor's degree. Coaches and Scouts requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Music Directors and Composers get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Music Directors and Composers at $122,750/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Music Directors and Composers vs. Coaches and Scouts pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Music Directors and Composers earn $122,750 vs. $76,700 for Coaches and Scouts. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.