National Salary Overview
Music Directors and Composers
Median Salary
$69,922
Average (Mean)
$82,076
Employed Nationwide
11,220
VS
Producers and Directors earns $794 more (1.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$69,922
$70,717
Average (Mean) Salary
$82,076
$82,845
Total Employment
11,220
142,630
States with Higher Pay
9
21
Salary by State: Music Directors and Composers vs Producers and Directors
Showing 30 states where both occupations have BLS data. Music Directors and Composers pays more in 9 states; Producers and Directors pays more in 21.
| State | Music Directors and Composers | Producers and Directors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $42,250 | $63,340 | $-21,090 | ||
| California | $93,090 | $129,790 | $-36,700 | ||
| Colorado | $88,460 | $78,060 | +$10,400 | ||
| Connecticut | $77,070 | $88,260 | $-11,190 | ||
| District of Columbia | $84,040 | $104,270 | $-20,230 | ||
| Florida | $57,830 | $79,920 | $-22,090 | ||
| Georgia | $67,100 | $79,950 | $-12,850 | ||
| Hawaii | $74,570 | $66,190 | +$8,380 | ||
| Illinois | $49,270 | $81,080 | $-31,810 | ||
| Indiana | $77,270 | $59,870 | +$17,400 | ||
| Iowa | $61,740 | $58,550 | +$3,190 | ||
| Maryland | $64,300 | $79,350 | $-15,050 | ||
| Massachusetts | $78,620 | $80,970 | $-2,350 | ||
| Michigan | $59,400 | $65,720 | $-6,320 | ||
| Mississippi | $62,240 | $48,100 | +$14,140 | ||
| Missouri | $61,670 | $66,460 | $-4,790 | ||
| Montana | $51,530 | $52,580 | $-1,050 | ||
| New Jersey | $122,750 | $119,840 | +$2,910 | ||
| New York | $82,930 | $107,550 | $-24,620 | ||
| North Carolina | $63,380 | $63,700 | $-320 | ||
| Ohio | $61,380 | $69,350 | $-7,970 | ||
| Oklahoma | $54,250 | $61,600 | $-7,350 | ||
| Oregon | $60,800 | $87,460 | $-26,660 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,160 | $75,460 | $-14,300 | ||
| Tennessee | $79,640 | $73,020 | +$6,620 | ||
| Texas | $65,570 | $71,710 | $-6,140 | ||
| Utah | $82,570 | $76,350 | +$6,220 | ||
| Virginia | $59,050 | $65,900 | $-6,850 | ||
| Washington | $75,060 | $81,550 | $-6,490 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,690 | $66,390 | +$12,300 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Music Directors and Composers vs Producers and Directors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Music Directors and Composers or Producers and Directors?
On average across all states, a Producers and Directors earns more than a Music Directors and Composers. The national median salary difference is $794 (1.1%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Music Directors and Composers earn more than a Producers and Directors?
A Music Directors and Composers earns a higher median salary than a Producers and Directors in 9 out of 30 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Producers and Directors pays more in 21 states.
What is the median salary for a Music Directors and Composers vs Producers and Directors?
The national median salary for a Music Directors and Composers is $69,922 per year, compared to $70,717 for a Producers and Directors, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Music Directors and Composers or Producers and Directors?
There are more people employed as Producers and Directors. BLS reports approximately 11,220 Music Directors and Composers positions and 142,630 Producers and Directors positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Music Directors and Composers or Producers and Directors?
Both Music Directors and Composers and Producers and Directors 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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