Music Directors and Composers salary in Salem, OR
Music Directors and Composers in the Salem, OR metro area earn a median of $56,730 a year ($27.27 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $40,340 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,500 for the top 10%. That is 23% lower than the national median of $73,710. Pay here is 7% lower than the Oregon statewide median of $60,800. The average (mean) salary is $64,990, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Salem, OR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,340 | $19.40 |
| 25th percentile | $40,350 | $19.40 |
| Median | $56,730 | $27.27 |
| 75th percentile | $86,880 | $41.77 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $104,500 | $50.24 |
| Average (mean) | $64,990 | $31.25 |
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 | $4,727.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,363.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,181.92 |
| Weekly | $1,090.96 |
| Hourly | $27.27 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $56,730 salary, see how much house you can afford in Oregon 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $66,800 | 160 |
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 Oregon statewide figures.
Related jobs in Salem, OR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $44,400 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $98,900 | $47.55 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $87,740 | $42.18 |
| Graphic Designer | $65,720 | $31.59 |
| Editor | $80,650 | $38.77 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $80,960 | $38.92 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,750 | $21.04 |
| Floral Designer | $45,120 | $21.69 |
| Interior Designer | $64,750 | $31.13 |
| Technical Writer | $84,000 | $40.38 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $64,790 | $31.15 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Salem, OR
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 Salem, OR?
The median salary for music directors and composers in the Salem, OR metro area is $56,730 a year, or $27.27 an hour. Pay ranges from $40,340 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,500 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Salem, OR?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in the Salem, OR metro area earn at least $104,500 a year. The top 25% earn $86,880 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Salem, OR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $40,340 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $40,350 or less.