Music Directors and Composers salary in Ohio
Music Directors and Composers in Ohio earn a median of $61,380 a year ($29.51 an hour), based on BLS data for 440 workers.
Pay ranges from $40,350 for the lowest-paid 10% to $121,270 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $73,710. Ohio ranks 21st 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 $73,880, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Ohio
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,350 | $19.40 |
| 25th percentile | $49,670 | $23.88 |
| Median | $61,380 | $29.51 |
| 75th percentile | $81,360 | $39.12 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $121,270 | $58.31 |
| Average (mean) | $73,880 | $35.52 |
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 | $5,115 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,557.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,360.77 |
| Weekly | $1,180.38 |
| Hourly | $29.51 |
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 Ohio
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH | $74,370 | 100 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $63,850 | 30 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $63,290 | 70 |
| Columbus, OH | $58,490 | 60 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Ohio
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,530 | — |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $33.36 |
| Producers and Directors | $69,350 | $33.34 |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $39,040 | — |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $55,040 | — |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $17.97 |
| Actor | — | $13.51 |
| Choreographer | $66,910 | $32.17 |
| Graphic Designer | $60,080 | $28.88 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,850 | $18.20 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,840 | $31.18 |
| Interior Designer | $61,410 | $29.52 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $61,230 | $29.44 |
| Editor | $72,160 | $34.69 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Ohio
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 Ohio?
The median salary for music directors and composers in Ohio is $61,380 a year, or $29.51 an hour. Pay ranges from $40,350 for the lowest-paid 10% to $121,270 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Ohio?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in Ohio earn at least $121,270 a year. The top 25% earn $81,360 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Ohio?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $40,350 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $49,670 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in Ohio?
About 440 music directors and composers are employed in Ohio, not counting the self-employed.