National Salary Overview
Music Directors and Composers
Median Salary
$69,922
Average (Mean)
$82,076
Employed Nationwide
11,220
VS
Technical Writers earns $16,014 more (22.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$69,922
$85,937
Average (Mean) Salary
$82,076
$90,089
Total Employment
11,220
44,380
States with Higher Pay
4
25
Salary by State: Music Directors and Composers vs Technical Writers
Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Music Directors and Composers pays more in 4 states; Technical Writers pays more in 25.
| State | Music Directors and Composers | Technical Writers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $42,250 | $85,840 | $-43,590 | ||
| California | $93,090 | $104,000 | $-10,910 | ||
| Colorado | $88,460 | $100,610 | $-12,150 | ||
| Connecticut | $77,070 | $101,870 | $-24,800 | ||
| District of Columbia | $84,040 | $117,810 | $-33,770 | ||
| Florida | $57,830 | $86,240 | $-28,410 | ||
| Georgia | $67,100 | $73,070 | $-5,970 | ||
| Illinois | $49,270 | $88,700 | $-39,430 | ||
| Indiana | $77,270 | $75,510 | +$1,760 | ||
| Iowa | $61,740 | $66,520 | $-4,780 | ||
| Maryland | $64,300 | $100,990 | $-36,690 | ||
| Massachusetts | $78,620 | $109,200 | $-30,580 | ||
| Michigan | $59,400 | $85,270 | $-25,870 | ||
| Mississippi | $62,240 | $65,220 | $-2,980 | ||
| Missouri | $61,670 | $80,840 | $-19,170 | ||
| Montana | $51,530 | $75,070 | $-23,540 | ||
| New Jersey | $122,750 | $122,320 | +$430 | ||
| New York | $82,930 | $98,310 | $-15,380 | ||
| North Carolina | $63,380 | $86,320 | $-22,940 | ||
| Ohio | $61,380 | $76,480 | $-15,100 | ||
| Oklahoma | $54,250 | $69,760 | $-15,510 | ||
| Oregon | $60,800 | $84,000 | $-23,200 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,160 | $87,620 | $-26,460 | ||
| Tennessee | $79,640 | $79,550 | +$90 | ||
| Texas | $65,570 | $82,750 | $-17,180 | ||
| Utah | $82,570 | $80,270 | +$2,300 | ||
| Virginia | $59,050 | $93,600 | $-34,550 | ||
| Washington | $75,060 | $104,070 | $-29,010 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,690 | $80,030 | $-1,340 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Music Directors and Composers vs Technical Writers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Music Directors and Composers or Technical Writers?
On average across all states, a Technical Writers earns more than a Music Directors and Composers. The national median salary difference is $16,014 (22.9%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Music Directors and Composers earn more than a Technical Writers?
A Music Directors and Composers earns a higher median salary than a Technical Writers in 4 out of 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Technical Writers pays more in 25 states.
What is the median salary for a Music Directors and Composers vs Technical Writers?
The national median salary for a Music Directors and Composers is $69,922 per year, compared to $85,937 for a Technical Writers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Music Directors and Composers or Technical Writers?
There are more people employed as Technical Writers. BLS reports approximately 11,220 Music Directors and Composers positions and 44,380 Technical Writers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Music Directors and Composers or Technical Writers?
Both Music Directors and Composers and Technical Writers 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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