The median pay for Music Directors and Composers is $73,710 a year ($35.44/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 1.2% through 2035, with about 4,200 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 27-2041
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Music Director and Composer in four numbers
- Median pay
- $73,710a year, or $35.44/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $40KTop 10% $166K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +1.2%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+1.2%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +1.2% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 4,20051,100 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202551.1K
- Projected 203551.7K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 51.1K Projected 2035 51.7K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school5.1%
- Some college6.2%
- Associate's7.9%
- Bachelor's24%
- Master's28.2%
- Doctorate20.6%
Highest education held by music directors and composers Segment Value Less than high school 5.1% Some college 6.2% Associate's 7.9% Bachelor's 24% Master's 28.2% Doctorate 20.6%
Also advertised as: Arranger, Choir Director, Composer, Conductor, Music Composer, Music Director.
Pay
How much do Music Directors and Composers make?
Every music director and composer in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$73,710
Middle half earn $53,110 to $104,090
- 10th
- $39,880
- 25th
- $53,110
- 75th
- $104,090
- 90th
- $165,760
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $39,880 |
| 25th | $53,110 |
| Median | $73,710 |
| 75th | $104,090 |
| 90th | $165,760 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $73,710
- Median hourly wage
- $35.44/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $90,470
- People employed
- 12,540
Versus all US occupations
At $73,710, Music Directors and Composers earn 45% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $22,730 a year.
Versus arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations
Inside the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media group, where the middle occupation pays $68,060, this is 8% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $165,760 or more while the bottom 10% earn $39,880, a gap of 4.2×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 47% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
New Jersey pays the most at $122,750, and still leads at $112,817 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Music Directors and Composers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1New Jersey | $122,750 | $112,817 | 210 |
| 2California | $93,090 | $84,077 | 2,510 |
| 3Colorado | $88,460 | $85,840 | 160 |
| 4District of Columbia | $84,040 | $76,469 | 140 |
| 5New York | $82,930 | $76,843 | 2,370 |
| 6Utah | $82,570 | $83,519 | 150 |
| 7Tennessee | $79,640 | $86,688 | 400 |
| 8Wisconsin | $78,690 | $83,628 | 200 |
| 9Massachusetts | $78,620 | $74,340 | 340 |
| 10Indiana | $77,270 | $82,793 | 200 |
Job outlook
Is Music Director and Composer a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +1.2% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Music Directors and Composers | +1.2% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Music Directors and Composers to change 1.2% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 600 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 4,200 openings are projected each year, 8.2% of the 51,100 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Despite limited employment growth, about 4,200 openings for music directors and composers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Music directors will be needed to lead orchestras for concerts and musical theater performances. They also will conduct the music that accompanies ballet troupes and opera companies.
In addition, there will likely be a need for composers to write original music and arrange known works for performances. Composers will be needed as well to write film scores and music for television and commercials.
Getting in
How to become a Music Director and Composer
Music directors and composers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, although education requirements vary. Some workers may not need formal education, while others may benefit from having a graduate degree. Most positions require related work experience.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
Less than 5 years
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as music directors and composers.
- Master's Degree28.2%
- Bachelor's Degree24%
- Doctoral Degree20.6%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree7.9%
- Some College Courses6.2%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | 28.2% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 24% |
| Doctoral Degree | 20.6% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 7.9% |
| Some College Courses | 6.2% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Music Director and Composer do?
Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.
Music directors, also called conductors, lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange music in a variety of musical styles.
Day-to-day tasks
- Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
- Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
- Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.
- Fill in details of orchestral sketches, such as adding vocal parts to scores.
- Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
- Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
- Transpose music from one voice or instrument to another to accommodate particular musicians.
- Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Part-time work is common for music directors and composers, and work schedules may vary. Rehearsals and recording sessions may be held during standard business hours, but performances often take place in the evenings and on weekends. Long workdays are sometimes required, such as when preparing for performances.
Because music writing is done primarily independently, composers may be able to set their own schedules.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where music directors and composers work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations58%
- Self-employed workers25%
- Performing arts companies9%
- Educational services; state, local, and private5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations | 58% |
| Self-employed workers | 25% |
| Performing arts companies | 9% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 5% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening3.9
- Speaking3.6
- Reading Comprehension3.5
- Critical Thinking3.5
- Writing3.4
- Active Learning3.4
- Monitoring3.3
- Learning Strategies2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 3.9 |
| Speaking | 3.6 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.5 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.5 |
| Writing | 3.4 |
| Active Learning | 3.4 |
| Monitoring | 3.3 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.5
- Coordination3.4
- Persuasion3.3
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
- Complex Problem Solving3.1
- Time Management3.1
- Management of Personnel Resources3.1
- Negotiation3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.5 |
| Coordination | 3.4 |
| Persuasion | 3.3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 |
| Time Management | 3.1 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | 3.1 |
| Negotiation | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software
- Desktop publishing software
- Music or sound editing software
- Video creation and editing software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Music Director and Composer?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Music Director and Composer |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 2 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 7 |
| Social | 3 |
| Enterprising | 5 |
| Conventional | 3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules, combined with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions.
- Artistic7.0
- Enterprising4.8
- Social3.0
- Conventional2.6
- Investigative2.3
- Realistic2.1
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Music Director and Composer
O*NET related occupations
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$78,620median a year
Most earn $48K to $163K
+2.2%Master's - Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
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- Musician · N/A median
More arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media careers
Median annual pay, with music directors and composers highlighted
- Art Director$114,850
- Technical Writer$90,390
- Editor$77,920
- Writer and Author$76,910
- Public Relations Specialist$74,750
- Music Director and Composer$73,710
- Interior Designer$67,190
- Graphic Designer$62,960
- Photographer$44,660
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Art Director | $114,850 |
| Technical Writer | $90,390 |
| Editor | $77,920 |
| Writer and Author | $76,910 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $74,750 |
| Music Director and Composer | $73,710 |
| Interior Designer | $67,190 |
| Graphic Designer | $62,960 |
| Photographer | $44,660 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within music director and composer
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Music Director and Composer appears on
Questions
Music Director and Composer: frequently asked questions
How much do Music Directors and Composers make?
Music Directors and Composers earn a median of $73,710 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 45% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $35.44/hr. The middle half earn between $53,110 and $104,090. The top 10% earn $165,760 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Music Director and Composer?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Music Directors and Composers, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as medium preparation. Employers typically expect less than 5 years of related work experience first. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 28.2% hold master's degree.
Is Music Director and Composer a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 1.2% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 4,200 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Music Director and Composer do?
Music directors, also called conductors, lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions. A core O*NET task: apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Office suite software, Presentation software.
Which states pay Music Directors and Composers the most?
The highest state medians for Music Directors and Composers are New Jersey ($122,750), California ($93,090), Colorado ($88,460) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Music Director and Composer?
O*NET scores Music Directors and Composers highest on the Artistic, Enterprising and Social interest areas, so the work mixes creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ENFP personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.