Music Directors and Composers salary in California
Music Directors and Composers in California earn a median of $93,090 a year ($44.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,510 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $175,670 for the top 10%. That is 26% higher than the national median of $73,710. California ranks 2nd of 30 states for music directors and composers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.14 music directors and composers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.7× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $108,530, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,600 | $23.37 |
| 25th percentile | $66,810 | $32.12 |
| Median | $93,090 | $44.76 |
| 75th percentile | $126,430 | $60.79 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $175,670 | $84.46 |
| Average (mean) | $108,530 | $52.18 |
Half of music directors and composers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,757.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,878.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,580.38 |
| Weekly | $1,790.19 |
| Hourly | $44.76 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $93,090 salary, see how much house you can afford in California at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Music Directors and Composers salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $112,950 | 320 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $94,700 | 110 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $93,090 | 1,280 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $74,270 | 170 |
| Fresno, CA | $46,960 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for music directors and composers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $122,750 |
| California | $93,090 |
| Colorado | $88,460 |
| District of Columbia | $84,040 |
| New York | $82,930 |
| Utah | $82,570 |
| Tennessee | $79,640 |
| Wisconsin | $78,690 |
| Massachusetts | $78,620 |
| Indiana | $77,270 |
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Producers and Directors | $129,790 | $62.40 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,660 | — |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $43.83 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $18.82 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $44,530 | — |
| Dancer | — | $21.79 |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $79,040 | — |
| Choreographer | $75,000 | $36.06 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $85,030 | $40.88 |
| Graphic Designer | $75,130 | $36.12 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $47,010 | $22.60 |
| Editor | $98,030 | $47.13 |
| Art Director | $137,780 | $66.24 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $102,630 | $49.34 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-2041. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a music directors and composers make in California?
The median salary for music directors and composers in California is $93,090 a year, or $44.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $175,670 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in California?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in California earn at least $175,670 a year. The top 25% earn $126,430 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,600 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $66,810 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in California?
About 2,510 music directors and composers are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.