Music Directors and Composers Salary by State
The national median pay for music directors and composers is $73,710 a year. By state, it ranges from $42,250 in Alabama to $122,750 in New Jersey.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $39,880
- 25th percentile
- $53,110
- Median
- $73,710
- 75th percentile
- $104,090
- Top 10%
- $165,760
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 12,540 jobs.
Median pay in 29 states and DC
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $122,750 | +67% | $67,690 | $205,740 | 210 |
| 2 | California | $93,090 | +26% | $48,600 | $175,670 | 2,510 |
| 3 | Colorado | $88,460 | +20% | $49,170 | $158,760 | 160 |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $84,040 | +14% | $39,310 | $159,250 | 140 |
| 5 | New York | $82,930 | +13% | $46,640 | $199,430 | 2,370 |
| 6 | Utah | $82,570 | +12% | $65,110 | $86,410 | 150 |
| 7 | Tennessee | $79,640 | +8% | $18,520 | $117,820 | 400 |
| 8 | Wisconsin | $78,690 | +7% | $43,630 | $177,040 | 200 |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $78,620 | +7% | $51,120 | $150,380 | 340 |
| 10 | Indiana | $77,270 | +5% | $47,480 | $175,610 | 200 |
| 11 | Connecticut | $77,070 | +5% | $46,430 | $207,250 | 120 |
| 12 | Washington | $75,060 | +2% | $51,230 | $161,370 | 260 |
| 13 | Hawaii | $74,570 | +1% | $53,790 | $116,390 | 90 |
| 14 | Georgia | $67,100 | −9% | $19,900 | $123,530 | Not published |
| 15 | Texas | $65,570 | −11% | $27,970 | $130,290 | 480 |
| 16 | Maryland | $64,300 | −13% | $48,450 | $124,790 | 160 |
| 17 | North Carolina | $63,380 | −14% | $38,480 | $190,280 | 200 |
| 18 | Mississippi | $62,240 | −16% | $32,700 | $87,460 | 40 |
| 19 | Iowa | $61,740 | −16% | $28,500 | $100,360 | 120 |
| 20 | Missouri | $61,670 | −16% | $44,990 | $113,670 | 60 |
| 21 | Ohio | $61,380 | −17% | $40,350 | $121,270 | 440 |
| 22 | Pennsylvania | $61,160 | −17% | $36,540 | $109,380 | 580 |
| 23 | Oregon | $60,800 | −18% | $40,340 | $115,740 | 500 |
| 24 | Michigan | $59,400 | −19% | $36,700 | $125,090 | 310 |
| 25 | Virginia | $59,050 | −20% | $42,910 | $130,980 | 370 |
| 26 | Florida | $57,830 | −22% | $36,350 | $93,510 | 570 |
| 27 | Oklahoma | $54,250 | −26% | $29,540 | $167,740 | 60 |
| 28 | Montana | $51,530 | −30% | $44,230 | $76,680 | 110 |
| 29 | Illinois | $49,270 | −33% | $31,930 | $104,000 | Not published |
| 30 | Alabama | $42,250 | −43% | $27,850 | $62,700 | 70 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Music Directors and Composers salary questions
Which state pays music directors and composers the most?
New Jersey, with a median of $122,750 a year (+67% vs. the national median of $73,710). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays music directors and composers the least?
Alabama, with a median of $42,250 a year (−43% vs. national).
Where do most music directors and composers work?
California has the most jobs, about 2,510, with a median of $93,090.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.