How much does a composer make?
a year · about $35 an hour
A typical composer in the United States makes $73,710 a year, about $35 an hour, about 1.4× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A music director studies scores, chooses pieces, and leads rehearsal, cueing players or singers to shape tempo and balance. A composer sketches tunes with an instrument or computer, revises the score, and may work with musicians in a recording session.
Did you know? Some composers write music for movie or TV scores—and even short advertising jingles; both are part of this US occupation.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $39,880 and $165,760How do you become one?
In the US, start young with an instrument or singing, then study music, composition, or conducting in college; auditions or recordings may be required. Perform in a group before leading one; public-school directors may need a teaching license.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like creating and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the US, pay can vary with experience and training, employer type (such as a performing-arts group, school, or church), and location. Hours matter too: many jobs are part-time, with some evening and weekend work. Music style and a person's success can also affect pay; public-school music directors may need a teaching license.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New Jersey ($122,750), lowest in Alabama ($42,250).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Famous people in this job
Kids' questions
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $39,880 | $73,710 | $165,760 | about 13,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $122,750 | about 210 |
| California | $93,090 | about 3,000 |
| Colorado | $88,460 | about 160 |
| District of Columbia | $84,040 | about 140 |
| New York | $82,930 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/entertainment-and-sports/music-directors-and-composers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-2041.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/print/careers-for-music-lovers.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY