Music Directors and Composers in California
Thinking about a career as a Music Directors and Composers in California? Here’s what the data says. 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.
What do Music Directors and Composers Make in California?
For a music directors and composers working in California, the typical annual salary is $74,760 per year (or roughly $35.94/hour).Pay can range from $41,790 at the 10th percentile to $179,160 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,790 | $20.09 |
| 25th percentile | $54,920 | $26.40 |
| Median (50th) | $74,760 | $35.94 |
| 75th percentile | $119,260 | $57.34 |
| 90th percentile | $179,160 | $86.13 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in California compared to the national average — is 1.67, meaning that music directors and composers are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, music directors and composers earn a median of $66,915 per year ($32.17/hour), above the California median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 170,107 music directors and composers nationwide. In California alone, about 2,410 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 150 music directors and composers.
Top California Metros for Music Directors and Composers
These are the California metros with the most music directors and composers in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 1,160 | $71,420 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 480 | $92,930 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 170 | $64,200 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 100 | $73,780 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 50 | $74,780 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 50 | $60,640 |
| Fresno, CA | 40 | $44,720 |
Top States for Music Directors and Composers Employment
View the states that employ the most music directors and composers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 2,410 |
| New York | 1,610 |
| Florida | 670 |
| Texas | 650 |
| Tennessee | 640 |
| Illinois | 540 |
| Oregon | 470 |
| Pennsylvania | 450 |
| Washington | 390 |
| Ohio | 380 |
| New Jersey | 380 |
| Virginia | 340 |
| Michigan | 260 |
| Massachusetts | 260 |
| Indiana | 250 |
| North Carolina | 200 |
| Iowa | 170 |
| Rhode Island | 160 |
| Wisconsin | 150 |
| Connecticut | 150 |
Highest-Paying States for Music Directors and Composers
These states pay the most for music directors and composers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $91,810 |
| New York | $80,230 |
| Utah | $78,010 |
| Washington | $77,840 |
| Hawaii | $77,440 |
| California | $74,760 |
| Wisconsin | $73,580 |
| Massachusetts | $72,760 |
| Indiana | $71,640 |
| Colorado | $69,160 |
Skills
Key music directors and composers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for music directors and composers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
- Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
- Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
- Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
- 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.
- Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
- Audition and select performers for musical presentations.
- Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
- Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.
- Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
Work Activities
- Thinking Creatively
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Scheduling Work and Activities
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Working with Computers
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Music
- Arts & Media Management
- Drama & Theater Arts
- Sacred Music
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to music directors and composers include:
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
- Art Directors
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
- Actors
Also Known As
Arranger, Artistic Director, Band Director, Band Leader, Band Master, Children's Choir Director, Choir Director, Choir Leader, Choirmaster, Choral Activities Director, Choral Director, Chorus Master, Composer, Conceptor, Conductor.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 27-2041.00
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