Music Directors and Composers salary in Colorado
Music Directors and Composers in Colorado earn a median of $88,460 a year ($42.53 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $49,170 for the lowest-paid 10% to $158,760 for the top 10%. That is 20% higher than the national median of $73,710. Colorado ranks 3rd of 30 states for music directors and composers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.06 music directors and composers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.69). The average (mean) salary is $92,810, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Colorado
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $49,170 | $23.64 |
| 25th percentile | $59,890 | $28.79 |
| Median | $88,460 | $42.53 |
| 75th percentile | $116,670 | $56.09 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $158,760 | $76.33 |
| Average (mean) | $92,810 | $44.62 |
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 | $7,371.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,685.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,402.31 |
| Weekly | $1,701.15 |
| Hourly | $42.53 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $88,460 salary, see how much house you can afford in Colorado at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Music Directors and Composers salary in cities in Colorado
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO | $104,690 | 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 Colorado
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,110 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $78,060 | $37.53 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $44,230 | — |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $46.27 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $25.33 |
| Disc Jockeys, Except Radio | — | $20.91 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $80,680 | $38.79 |
| Graphic Designer | $66,330 | $31.89 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,230 | $20.78 |
| Interior Designer | $78,390 | $37.69 |
| Editor | $77,870 | $37.44 |
| Technical Writer | $100,610 | $48.37 |
| Writers and Authors | $76,830 | $36.94 |
| Photographer | $47,070 | $22.63 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Colorado
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 Colorado?
The median salary for music directors and composers in Colorado is $88,460 a year, or $42.53 an hour. Pay ranges from $49,170 for the lowest-paid 10% to $158,760 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Colorado?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in Colorado earn at least $158,760 a year. The top 25% earn $116,670 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Colorado?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $49,170 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $59,890 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in Colorado?
About 160 music directors and composers are employed in Colorado, not counting the self-employed.