The median annual wage for music directors and composers was $49,820 in May 2015.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,070, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,150.
In May 2015, the median annual wages for music directors and composers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Performing arts companies
$54,580
Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private
52,290
Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
39,460
Rehearsals and recording sessions are commonly held during business hours, but performances take place most often on nights and weekends. Because music writing is done primarily independently, composers may be able to set their own schedules.
Music Directors and Composers
Median annual wages, May 2015
Music directors and composers
$49,820
Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers
$40,030
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics