Music directors and composers Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Music directors and composers in the United States is $73,710 per year — about $35 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $53,110 and $104,090 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Music directors and composers
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Syracuse, NY | $140,230 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $115,400 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $104,690 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $112,950 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $84,660 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $97,970 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $94,700 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $81,770 |
| Rochester, NY | $84,130 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $82,570 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Music directors and composers make in the US?
The median salary is $73,710 per year (about $35 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $53,110 and $104,090 a year.
How much do Music directors and composers make per hour?
About $35 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $73,710 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Music directors and composers?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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