What Does it Take to Be a Music Director or Composer?
Occupation Description Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs. Includes arrangers, composers, choral directors, and orchestrators.
Featured schools near , edit
Types of Music Director or Composer Jobs
- Composer
- Music Adapter
- Songwriter
- Choirmaster
- Music Pastor
Music Director or Composer Employment Estimates
There were about 74,800 jobs for Music Director or Composer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,300 new jobs for Music Director or Composer by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,700 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Music Director or Composer are Colorado, Utah, and North Carolina. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Kansas, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Music Directors and Composers Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Music Director or Composer ranges between $21,640 and $112,820.

Music Directors and Composers who work in Minnesota, Georgia, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Music Directors and Composers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $75,050 |
Arizona | $57,810 |
California | $64,600 |
Colorado | $50,800 |
Connecticut | $77,550 |
District of Columbia | $77,220 |
Florida | $72,420 |
Georgia | $73,470 |
Hawaii | $51,230 |
Illinois | $40,220 |
Indiana | $66,460 |
Iowa | $52,430 |
Kansas | $55,290 |
Kentucky | $49,610 |
Louisiana | $53,600 |
Maryland | $58,570 |
Massachusetts | $56,200 |
Michigan | $51,180 |
Minnesota | $88,570 |
Mississippi | $53,000 |
Missouri | $60,590 |
Montana | $29,100 |
Nebraska | $46,650 |
New Jersey | $73,320 |
New Mexico | $48,440 |
New York | $66,120 |
North Carolina | $48,920 |
Ohio | $44,920 |
Oklahoma | $38,530 |
Oregon | $46,000 |
Pennsylvania | $46,010 |
Rhode Island | $64,200 |
South Carolina | $53,700 |
Texas | $61,210 |
Utah | $57,780 |
Vermont | $56,130 |
Washington | $71,980 |
Wisconsin | $71,350 |
Who Employs Music Directors and Composers?

Music Directors and Composers work in the following industries:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |