Music Directors and Composers Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · Last updated: 2026-09-02
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 27-2041As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
US Salary Overview
The national median wage for music directors and composers in the United States is $73,710 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 13,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Signing an offer? Employment contract templates at LawDepot cover offer letters, NDAs and employment agreements.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $39,880 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $53,110 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $73,710 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $104,090 | Experienced |
| 90th | $165,760 | Senior / highest decile |
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| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $122,750 | $133,540 | 210 |
| California | $93,090 | $108,530 | 3,000 |
| Colorado | $88,460 | $92,810 | 160 |
| District of Columbia | $84,040 | $97,530 | 140 |
| New York | $82,930 | $105,520 | 2,000 |
| Utah | $82,570 | $83,970 | 150 |
| Tennessee | $79,640 | $70,240 | 400 |
| Wisconsin | $78,690 | $90,360 | 200 |
| Massachusetts | $78,620 | $93,170 | 340 |
| Indiana | $77,270 | $91,240 | 200 |
| Connecticut | $77,070 | $105,300 | 120 |
| Washington | $75,060 | $87,600 | 260 |
| Hawaii | $74,570 | $87,060 | 90 |
| Georgia | $67,100 | $74,460 | — |
| Texas | $65,570 | $85,750 | 480 |
| Maryland | $64,300 | $80,120 | 160 |
| North Carolina | $63,380 | $84,340 | 200 |
| Mississippi | $62,240 | $63,380 | 40 |
| Iowa | $61,740 | $66,750 | 120 |
| Missouri | $61,670 | $72,810 | 60 |
| Ohio | $61,380 | $73,880 | 440 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,160 | $74,570 | 580 |
| Oregon | $60,800 | $69,590 | 500 |
| Michigan | $59,400 | $68,810 | 310 |
| Virginia | $59,050 | $79,160 | 370 |
| Florida | $57,830 | $64,800 | 570 |
| Oklahoma | $54,250 | $88,420 | 60 |
| Montana | $51,530 | $56,230 | 110 |
| Illinois | $49,270 | $60,360 | — |
| Alabama | $42,250 | $51,980 | 70 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a music directors and composers in the US?
The US national median wage for music directors and composers is $73,710 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
What is the pay range for music directors and composers in the US?
Pay ranges from $39,880 at the 10th percentile to $165,760 at the 90th percentile. This difference typically reflects experience level, employer size, and location.
Which US states pay music directors and composers the most?
The highest-paying states for music directors and composers include New Jersey ($122,750), California ($93,090), Colorado ($88,460). Pay varies by state due to cost of living, local demand and industry concentration.
How much does music directors and composers salary vary by state?
The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states is significant — New Jersey ($122,750) pays roughly 191% more than Alabama ($42,250). Check the state breakdown above for the exact figure in your location.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-09-02