Music Directors and Composers salary in Michigan
Music Directors and Composers in Michigan earn a median of $59,400 a year ($28.56 an hour), based on BLS data for 310 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,700 for the lowest-paid 10% to $125,090 for the top 10%. That is 19% lower than the national median of $73,710. Michigan ranks 24th of 30 states for music directors and composers pay. There are 0.07 music directors and composers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $68,810, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Michigan
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,700 | $17.64 |
| 25th percentile | $43,710 | $21.01 |
| Median | $59,400 | $28.56 |
| 75th percentile | $78,260 | $37.63 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $125,090 | $60.14 |
| Average (mean) | $68,810 | $33.08 |
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 | $4,950 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,475 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,284.62 |
| Weekly | $1,142.31 |
| Hourly | $28.56 |
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 Michigan
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $65,190 | 60 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $52,900 | 120 |
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 Michigan
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,050 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $65,720 | $31.60 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $36.63 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $34,560 | — |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $12.64 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $65,300 | $31.39 |
| Graphic Designer | $57,350 | $27.57 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $36,710 | $17.65 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $102,160 | $49.12 |
| Interior Designer | $59,340 | $28.53 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $58,300 | $28.03 |
| Editor | $63,090 | $30.33 |
| Floral Designer | $35,890 | $17.25 |
| Art Director | $86,660 | $41.66 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Michigan
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 Michigan?
The median salary for music directors and composers in Michigan is $59,400 a year, or $28.56 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,700 for the lowest-paid 10% to $125,090 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Michigan?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in Michigan earn at least $125,090 a year. The top 25% earn $78,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Michigan?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,700 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $43,710 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in Michigan?
About 310 music directors and composers are employed in Michigan, not counting the self-employed.