Music Directors and Composers Salary in Illinois
The median pay for a music directors and composers in Illinois is $46,310/year ($22.27/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $30K at the entry level to $108K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Illinois. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $46K get you in Illinois?
About music directors and composers
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Illinois
Entry-level music directors and composers (10th percentile) start around $30K. Mid-career wages sit at $46K. Top earners bring in $108K or more, a $78K spread from bottom to top.
Music Directors and Composers salary by metro in Illinois
1 metro area with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $47K | +1% | 440 |
Compare to other states
Track music directors and composers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Illinois numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do music directors and composers make in Illinois?
The median is $46,310 a year, that works out to about $22 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $30,060, and experienced music directors and composers can clear $108,130. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $46K enough to live in Illinois?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,080/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,407/month, which eats 45.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a music directors and composers salary go in Illinois?
Illinois has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median music directors and composers salary is worth about $49,345 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do music directors and composers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.