Music Directors and Composers Salary in U.S.
The median pay for a music directors and composers in U.S. is $63,670/year ($30.61/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $35K at the entry level to $157K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $64K get you in U.S.?
About music directors and composers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level music directors and composers (10th percentile) start around $35K. Mid-career wages sit at $64K.Top earners bring in $157K or more - a $122K spread from bottom to top.
Music Directors and Composers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $92K | +44% | 150 |
| New York | $80K | +26% | 1,610 |
| Utah | $78K | +23% | 130 |
| Washington | $78K | +22% | 390 |
| Hawaii | $77K | +22% | 140 |
| California | $75K | +17% | 2,410 |
| Wisconsin | $74K | +16% | 150 |
| Massachusetts | $73K | +14% | 260 |
| Indiana | $72K | +13% | 250 |
| Oklahoma | $67K | +5% | 90 |
| Oregon | $62K | -2% | 470 |
| Minnesota | $62K | -3% | 90 |
| North Carolina | $62K | -3% | 200 |
| Georgia | $61K | -4% | N/A |
| Ohio | $60K | -5% | 380 |
Track music directors and composers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do music directors and composers make in U.S.?
The median is $63,670 a year - that works out to about $30.61 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $34,990, and experienced music directors and composers can clear $157,010. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $64K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,432/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 31.9% 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 U.S.?
U.S. 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 $63,670 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.