National Salary Overview
VS
Music Directors and Composers
Median Salary
$69,922
Average (Mean)
$82,076
Employed Nationwide
11,220
Art Directors earns $25,015 more (35.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$94,938
$69,922
Average (Mean) Salary
$104,011
$82,076
Total Employment
49,580
11,220
States with Higher Pay
28
1
Salary by State: Art Directors vs Music Directors and Composers
Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Art Directors pays more in 28 states; Music Directors and Composers pays more in 1.
| State | Art Directors | Music Directors and Composers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,220 | $42,250 | +$34,970 | ||
| California | $137,780 | $93,090 | +$44,690 | ||
| Colorado | $99,990 | $88,460 | +$11,530 | ||
| Connecticut | $71,900 | $77,070 | $-5,170 | ||
| Florida | $99,660 | $57,830 | +$41,830 | ||
| Georgia | $110,430 | $67,100 | +$43,330 | ||
| Hawaii | $89,300 | $74,570 | +$14,730 | ||
| Illinois | $103,550 | $49,270 | +$54,280 | ||
| Indiana | $105,690 | $77,270 | +$28,420 | ||
| Iowa | $80,940 | $61,740 | +$19,200 | ||
| Maryland | $98,400 | $64,300 | +$34,100 | ||
| Massachusetts | $149,320 | $78,620 | +$70,700 | ||
| Michigan | $86,660 | $59,400 | +$27,260 | ||
| Mississippi | $66,020 | $62,240 | +$3,780 | ||
| Missouri | $100,940 | $61,670 | +$39,270 | ||
| Montana | $73,850 | $51,530 | +$22,320 | ||
| New Jersey | $129,200 | $122,750 | +$6,450 | ||
| New York | $137,320 | $82,930 | +$54,390 | ||
| North Carolina | $90,000 | $63,380 | +$26,620 | ||
| Ohio | $94,390 | $61,380 | +$33,010 | ||
| Oklahoma | $80,680 | $54,250 | +$26,430 | ||
| Oregon | $133,840 | $60,800 | +$73,040 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $97,450 | $61,160 | +$36,290 | ||
| Tennessee | $89,860 | $79,640 | +$10,220 | ||
| Texas | $88,270 | $65,570 | +$22,700 | ||
| Utah | $106,500 | $82,570 | +$23,930 | ||
| Virginia | $101,150 | $59,050 | +$42,100 | ||
| Washington | $121,170 | $75,060 | +$46,110 | ||
| Wisconsin | $81,130 | $78,690 | +$2,440 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Art Directors vs Music Directors and Composers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Art Directors or Music Directors and Composers?
On average across all states, a Art Directors earns more than a Music Directors and Composers. The national median salary difference is $25,015 (35.8%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Art Directors earn more than a Music Directors and Composers?
A Art Directors earns a higher median salary than a Music Directors and Composers in 28 out of 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Music Directors and Composers pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Art Directors vs Music Directors and Composers?
The national median salary for a Art Directors is $94,938 per year, compared to $69,922 for a Music Directors and Composers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Art Directors or Music Directors and Composers?
There are more people employed as Art Directors. BLS reports approximately 49,580 Art Directors positions and 11,220 Music Directors and Composers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Art Directors or Music Directors and Composers?
Both Art Directors and Music Directors and Composers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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