Music Directors and Composers Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for music directors and composers in the United States was $35.44, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $19.17 |
| 25th | $25.53 |
| Median | $35.44 |
| 75th | $50.04 |
| 90th | $79.69 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do music directors and composers make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $35.44; the mean hourly wage is $43.50.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for music directors and composers?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $19.17 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for music directors and composers?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $79.69 per hour.