National Salary Overview
Music Directors and Composers
Median Salary
$69,922
Average (Mean)
$82,076
Employed Nationwide
11,220
VS
Writers and Authors earns $792 more (1.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$69,922
$70,715
Average (Mean) Salary
$82,076
$76,575
Total Employment
11,220
38,650
States with Higher Pay
10
16
Salary by State: Music Directors and Composers vs Writers and Authors
Showing 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. Music Directors and Composers pays more in 10 states; Writers and Authors pays more in 16.
| State | Music Directors and Composers | Writers and Authors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $42,250 | $66,950 | $-24,700 | ||
| California | $93,090 | $86,480 | +$6,610 | ||
| Colorado | $88,460 | $76,830 | +$11,630 | ||
| Connecticut | $77,070 | $98,460 | $-21,390 | ||
| District of Columbia | $84,040 | $129,300 | $-45,260 | ||
| Florida | $57,830 | $68,080 | $-10,250 | ||
| Georgia | $67,100 | $74,710 | $-7,610 | ||
| Illinois | $49,270 | $68,220 | $-18,950 | ||
| Indiana | $77,270 | $75,820 | +$1,450 | ||
| Iowa | $61,740 | $61,010 | +$730 | ||
| Maryland | $64,300 | $104,330 | $-40,030 | ||
| Massachusetts | $78,620 | $85,260 | $-6,640 | ||
| Mississippi | $62,240 | $54,180 | +$8,060 | ||
| Missouri | $61,670 | $58,140 | +$3,530 | ||
| New Jersey | $122,750 | $81,590 | +$41,160 | ||
| North Carolina | $63,380 | $63,660 | $-280 | ||
| Ohio | $61,380 | $65,930 | $-4,550 | ||
| Oklahoma | $54,250 | $58,770 | $-4,520 | ||
| Oregon | $60,800 | $80,540 | $-19,740 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,160 | $77,410 | $-16,250 | ||
| Tennessee | $79,640 | $58,870 | +$20,770 | ||
| Texas | $65,570 | $69,990 | $-4,420 | ||
| Utah | $82,570 | $64,530 | +$18,040 | ||
| Virginia | $59,050 | $85,000 | $-25,950 | ||
| Washington | $75,060 | $85,700 | $-10,640 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,690 | $64,370 | +$14,320 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Music Directors and Composers vs Writers and Authors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Music Directors and Composers or Writers and Authors?
On average across all states, a Writers and Authors earns more than a Music Directors and Composers. The national median salary difference is $792 (1.1%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Music Directors and Composers earn more than a Writers and Authors?
A Music Directors and Composers earns a higher median salary than a Writers and Authors in 10 out of 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Writers and Authors pays more in 16 states.
What is the median salary for a Music Directors and Composers vs Writers and Authors?
The national median salary for a Music Directors and Composers is $69,922 per year, compared to $70,715 for a Writers and Authors, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Music Directors and Composers or Writers and Authors?
There are more people employed as Writers and Authors. BLS reports approximately 11,220 Music Directors and Composers positions and 38,650 Writers and Authors positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Music Directors and Composers or Writers and Authors?
Both Music Directors and Composers and Writers and Authors 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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