Music Directors and Composers salary in Columbus, OH
Music Directors and Composers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn a median of $58,490 a year ($28.12 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,050 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $73,710. Pay here is 5% lower than the Ohio statewide median of $61,380. There are 0.05 music directors and composers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.64). The average (mean) salary is $69,030, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Columbus, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,990 | $23.55 |
| 25th percentile | $50,060 | $24.07 |
| Median | $58,490 | $28.12 |
| 75th percentile | $71,250 | $34.26 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,050 | $48.10 |
| Average (mean) | $69,030 | $33.19 |
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 | $4,874.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,437.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,249.62 |
| Weekly | $1,124.81 |
| Hourly | $28.12 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $58,490 salary, see how much house you can afford in Ohio at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Music Directors and Composers salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH | $74,370 | 100 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $63,850 | 30 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $63,290 | 70 |
| Akron, OH | $51,530 | 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 |
See Music Directors and Composers pay in every state or the Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbus, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,490 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $76,930 | $36.99 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $29.37 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $58,240 | — |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $16.55 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $73,280 | $35.23 |
| Graphic Designer | $64,000 | $30.77 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,370 | $19.41 |
| Interior Designer | $62,180 | $29.89 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $55,380 | $26.62 |
| Editor | $77,810 | $37.41 |
| Floral Designer | $39,260 | $18.88 |
| Photographer | $41,390 | $19.90 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,320 | $24.19 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, OH
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 Columbus, OH?
The median salary for music directors and composers in the Columbus, OH metro area is $58,490 a year, or $28.12 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,050 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Columbus, OH?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn at least $100,050 a year. The top 25% earn $71,250 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Columbus, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,990 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $50,060 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in Columbus, OH?
About 60 music directors and composers are employed in the Columbus, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.