Music Directors and Composers salary in Massachusetts
Music Directors and Composers in Massachusetts earn a median of $78,620 a year ($37.80 an hour), based on BLS data for 340 workers.
Pay ranges from $51,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $150,380 for the top 10%. That is 7% higher than the national median of $73,710. Massachusetts ranks 9th of 30 states for music directors and composers pay. There are 0.09 music directors and composers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $93,170, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Massachusetts
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $51,120 | $24.58 |
| 25th percentile | $63,800 | $30.67 |
| Median | $78,620 | $37.80 |
| 75th percentile | $114,150 | $54.88 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $150,380 | $72.30 |
| Average (mean) | $93,170 | $44.79 |
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 | $6,551.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,275.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,023.85 |
| Weekly | $1,511.92 |
| Hourly | $37.80 |
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 Massachusetts
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $78,760 | 260 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $64,250 | 150 |
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 Massachusetts
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $55,130 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $80,970 | $38.93 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $38.92 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $48,400 | — |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $16.61 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $79,660 | $38.30 |
| Graphic Designer | $76,710 | $36.88 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,290 | $20.81 |
| Editor | $83,170 | $39.99 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $72,750 | $34.98 |
| Art Director | $149,320 | $71.79 |
| Technical Writer | $109,200 | $52.50 |
| Interior Designer | $80,110 | $38.52 |
| Writers and Authors | $85,260 | $40.99 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts?
The median salary for music directors and composers in Massachusetts is $78,620 a year, or $37.80 an hour. Pay ranges from $51,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $150,380 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Massachusetts?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in Massachusetts earn at least $150,380 a year. The top 25% earn $114,150 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Massachusetts?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $51,120 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $63,800 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in Massachusetts?
About 340 music directors and composers are employed in Massachusetts, not counting the self-employed.