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Art Directors vs Music Directors and Composers: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Art Directors

Median Salary
$94,938
Average (Mean)
$104,011
Employed Nationwide
49,580
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%)
Art Directors vs Music Directors and Composers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Art DirectorsArt DirectorsArt Directors: $94,938$94,938Music Directors and ComposersMusic Directors and ComposersMusic Directors and Composers: $69,923$69,923

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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