National Salary Overview
Music Directors and Composers
Median Salary
$69,922
Average (Mean)
$82,076
Employed Nationwide
11,220
VS
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Median Salary
$78,840
Average (Mean)
$84,643
Employed Nationwide
16,290
Special Effects Artists and Animators earns $8,918 more (12.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$69,922
$78,840
Average (Mean) Salary
$82,076
$84,643
Total Employment
11,220
16,290
States with Higher Pay
3
19
Salary by State: Music Directors and Composers vs Special Effects Artists and Animators
Showing 22 states where both occupations have BLS data. Music Directors and Composers pays more in 3 states; Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 19.
| State | Music Directors and Composers | Special Effects Artists and Animators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $93,090 | $130,540 | $-37,450 | ||
| Colorado | $88,460 | $91,290 | $-2,830 | ||
| Florida | $57,830 | $85,870 | $-28,040 | ||
| Georgia | $67,100 | $81,390 | $-14,290 | ||
| Illinois | $49,270 | $81,180 | $-31,910 | ||
| Indiana | $77,270 | $75,250 | +$2,020 | ||
| Iowa | $61,740 | $47,530 | +$14,210 | ||
| Maryland | $64,300 | $85,830 | $-21,530 | ||
| Massachusetts | $78,620 | $80,640 | $-2,020 | ||
| Michigan | $59,400 | $86,630 | $-27,230 | ||
| Missouri | $61,670 | $65,470 | $-3,800 | ||
| New York | $82,930 | $96,770 | $-13,840 | ||
| North Carolina | $63,380 | $88,350 | $-24,970 | ||
| Ohio | $61,380 | $67,000 | $-5,620 | ||
| Oklahoma | $54,250 | $66,980 | $-12,730 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,160 | $71,760 | $-10,600 | ||
| Tennessee | $79,640 | $83,080 | $-3,440 | ||
| Texas | $65,570 | $78,930 | $-13,360 | ||
| Utah | $82,570 | $88,210 | $-5,640 | ||
| Virginia | $59,050 | $81,510 | $-22,460 | ||
| Washington | $75,060 | $133,480 | $-58,420 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,690 | $64,890 | +$13,800 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Music Directors and Composers vs Special Effects Artists and Animators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Music Directors and Composers or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
On average across all states, a Special Effects Artists and Animators earns more than a Music Directors and Composers. The national median salary difference is $8,918 (12.8%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Music Directors and Composers earn more than a Special Effects Artists and Animators?
A Music Directors and Composers earns a higher median salary than a Special Effects Artists and Animators in 3 out of 22 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 19 states.
What is the median salary for a Music Directors and Composers vs Special Effects Artists and Animators?
The national median salary for a Music Directors and Composers is $69,922 per year, compared to $78,840 for a Special Effects Artists and Animators, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Music Directors and Composers or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
There are more people employed as Special Effects Artists and Animators. BLS reports approximately 11,220 Music Directors and Composers positions and 16,290 Special Effects Artists and Animators positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Music Directors and Composers or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
Both Music Directors and Composers and Special Effects Artists and Animators 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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