Music Directors and Composers pay in New York-Newark-Jersey City
In New York-Newark-Jersey City (NY), the median pay for music directors and composers is $47.10 an hour ($97,970 a year). About 1,520 people work in this job there.
That is 33% higher than the U.S. median ($73,710). It is 18% higher than the New York median ($82,930).
Pay range for music directors and composers in New York-Newark-Jersey City (NY)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $27.35 | $56,890 |
| 25% of workers | $28.08 | $58,400 |
| Half of workers (median) | $47.10 | $97,970 |
| 75% of workers | $79.69 | $165,760 |
| 90% of workers | $103.59 | $215,470 |
Music Directors and Composers pay in New York metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Syracuse | $140,230 | 120 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City (this page) | $97,970 | 1,520 |
| Rochester | $84,130 | 180 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | $61,670 | 100 |
| Binghamton | $40,500 | 40 |
New York unemployment rate: 4.3% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for music directors and composers
- Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 4 to 6 years (O*NET)
- Experience usually needed to start: Less than 5 years (BLS)
- Job outlook: +1.2% over ten years, little or no change · about 4,200 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in New York-Newark-Jersey City (NY)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Producers and Directors | $108,460 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $100,950 |
| Art Directors | $142,990 |
| Actors | $59,925 |
| Musicians and Singers | $137,883 |
| Film and Video Editors | $104,590 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | $97,510 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $66,110 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.