Music Directors and Composers salary in Iowa
Music Directors and Composers in Iowa earn a median of $61,740 a year ($29.68 an hour), based on BLS data for 120 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,360 for the top 10%. That is 16% lower than the national median of $73,710. Iowa ranks 19th of 30 states for music directors and composers pay. There are 0.08 music directors and composers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $66,750, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Iowa
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,500 | $13.70 |
| 25th percentile | $51,570 | $24.79 |
| Median | $61,740 | $29.68 |
| 75th percentile | $73,080 | $35.14 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,360 | $48.25 |
| Average (mean) | $66,750 | $32.09 |
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 | $5,145 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,572.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,374.62 |
| Weekly | $1,187.31 |
| Hourly | $29.68 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Music Directors and Composers salary in cities in Iowa
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $61,740 | 70 |
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 Iowa
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,350 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $58,550 | $28.15 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $35.65 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $43,040 | — |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $10.00 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,970 | $30.27 |
| Graphic Designer | $50,310 | $24.19 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,680 | $19.08 |
| Editor | $57,200 | $27.50 |
| Technical Writer | $66,520 | $31.98 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $43,540 | $20.93 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $48,150 | $23.15 |
| Interior Designer | $58,040 | $27.90 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $70,420 | $33.85 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Iowa
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 Iowa?
The median salary for music directors and composers in Iowa is $61,740 a year, or $29.68 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,360 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Iowa?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in Iowa earn at least $100,360 a year. The top 25% earn $73,080 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Iowa?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,500 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $51,570 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in Iowa?
About 120 music directors and composers are employed in Iowa, not counting the self-employed.