Music Directors and Composers Salary in California
Music Directors and Composers in California earn a median annual wage of $93,090 —26.3% above the national median of $73,710. That ranks CA #2 of 30 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is 1.71× as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for music directors and composers
All 30 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $122,750 | $59.02 | 210 | 0.62 |
| 2 | California | $93,090 | $44.76 | 2,510 | 1.71 |
| 3 | Colorado | $88,460 | $42.53 | 160 | 0.69 |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $84,040 | $40.41 | 140 | 2.50 |
| 5 | New York | $82,930 | $39.87 | 2,370 | 3.03 |
| 6 | Utah | $82,570 | $39.70 | 150 | 1.06 |
| 7 | Tennessee | $79,640 | $38.29 | 400 | 1.49 |
| 8 | Wisconsin | $78,690 | $37.83 | 200 | 0.86 |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $78,620 | $37.80 | 340 | 1.16 |
| 10 | Indiana | $77,270 | $37.15 | 200 | 0.78 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialists | $85,030 | $74,750 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,660 | $47,320 |
| Graphic Designers | $75,130 | $62,960 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $47,010 | $39,390 |
| Producers and Directors | $129,790 | $90,360 |
| Editors | $98,030 | $77,920 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do music directors and composers make in California?
The median annual wage for music directors and composers in California is $93,090, or $44.76 per hour. That is 26.3% above the national median of $73,710.
What is the entry-level music directors and composers salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $48,600 per year ($23.37/hour). The 25th percentile is $66,810.
How many people work as music directors and composers in California?
About 2,510 people work in this occupation in California, or 0.1 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for music directors and composers?
California ranks #2 of 30 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.71x as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Which state pays music directors and composers the most?
New Jersey has the highest median wage at $122,750 per year, followed by California ($93,090) and Colorado ($88,460).