National Salary Overview
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Median Salary
$81,843
Average (Mean)
$86,563
Employed Nationwide
29,980
VS
Music Directors and Composers
Median Salary
$69,922
Average (Mean)
$82,076
Employed Nationwide
11,220
Commercial and Industrial Designers earns $11,920 more (17.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$81,843
$69,922
Average (Mean) Salary
$86,563
$82,076
Total Employment
29,980
11,220
States with Higher Pay
22
3
Salary by State: Commercial and Industrial Designers vs Music Directors and Composers
Showing 25 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial and Industrial Designers pays more in 22 states; Music Directors and Composers pays more in 3.
| State | Commercial and Industrial Designers | Music Directors and Composers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $63,640 | $42,250 | +$21,390 | ||
| California | $100,770 | $93,090 | +$7,680 | ||
| Colorado | $90,590 | $88,460 | +$2,130 | ||
| Connecticut | $81,300 | $77,070 | +$4,230 | ||
| Florida | $78,720 | $57,830 | +$20,890 | ||
| Georgia | $91,360 | $67,100 | +$24,260 | ||
| Indiana | $88,040 | $77,270 | +$10,770 | ||
| Iowa | $70,420 | $61,740 | +$8,680 | ||
| Maryland | $70,870 | $64,300 | +$6,570 | ||
| Massachusetts | $101,720 | $78,620 | +$23,100 | ||
| Michigan | $102,160 | $59,400 | +$42,760 | ||
| Missouri | $75,440 | $61,670 | +$13,770 | ||
| Montana | $72,990 | $51,530 | +$21,460 | ||
| New Jersey | $90,310 | $122,750 | $-32,440 | ||
| New York | $89,640 | $82,930 | +$6,710 | ||
| North Carolina | $80,620 | $63,380 | +$17,240 | ||
| Ohio | $79,470 | $61,380 | +$18,090 | ||
| Oklahoma | $76,640 | $54,250 | +$22,390 | ||
| Oregon | $76,970 | $60,800 | +$16,170 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $82,610 | $61,160 | +$21,450 | ||
| Tennessee | $71,230 | $79,640 | $-8,410 | ||
| Utah | $62,620 | $82,570 | $-19,950 | ||
| Virginia | $82,230 | $59,050 | +$23,180 | ||
| Washington | $94,280 | $75,060 | +$19,220 | ||
| Wisconsin | $80,590 | $78,690 | +$1,900 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Commercial and Industrial Designers vs Music Directors and Composers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Commercial and Industrial Designers or Music Directors and Composers?
On average across all states, a Commercial and Industrial Designers earns more than a Music Directors and Composers. The national median salary difference is $11,920 (17.0%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Commercial and Industrial Designers earn more than a Music Directors and Composers?
A Commercial and Industrial Designers earns a higher median salary than a Music Directors and Composers in 22 out of 25 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Music Directors and Composers pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Commercial and Industrial Designers vs Music Directors and Composers?
The national median salary for a Commercial and Industrial Designers is $81,843 per year, compared to $69,922 for a Music Directors and Composers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Commercial and Industrial Designers or Music Directors and Composers?
There are more people employed as Commercial and Industrial Designers. BLS reports approximately 29,980 Commercial and Industrial Designers positions and 11,220 Music Directors and Composers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Commercial and Industrial Designers or Music Directors and Composers?
Both Commercial and Industrial Designers 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.
Explore Career Options
Build My Resume Get Certified & Earn More Find Remote & Flexible Jobs Learn a New LanguageCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.