Music Directors and Composers salary in Syracuse, NY
Music Directors and Composers in the Syracuse, NY metro area earn a median of $140,230 a year ($67.42 an hour), based on BLS data for 120 workers.
Pay ranges from $49,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $221,140 for the top 10%. That is 90% higher than the national median of $73,710. Pay here is 69% higher than the New York statewide median of $82,930. There are 0.38 music directors and composers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 4.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $128,010, close to the median.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Syracuse, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $49,630 | $23.86 |
| 25th percentile | $60,400 | $29.04 |
| Median | $140,230 | $67.42 |
| 75th percentile | $140,230 | $67.42 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $221,140 | $106.32 |
| Average (mean) | $128,010 | $61.55 |
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 | $11,685.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,842.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,393.46 |
| Weekly | $2,696.73 |
| Hourly | $67.42 |
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 other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $97,970 | 1,520 |
| Rochester, NY | $84,130 | 180 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $61,670 | 100 |
| Binghamton, NY | $40,500 | 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 |
See Music Directors and Composers pay in every state or the New York statewide figures.
Related jobs in Syracuse, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $60,600 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $79,680 | $38.31 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,110 | $30.82 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,630 | $19.05 |
| Graphic Designer | $52,390 | $25.19 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $61,610 | $29.62 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $57,060 | $27.44 |
| Photographer | $49,560 | $23.83 |
| Technical Writer | $84,520 | $40.63 |
| Editor | $69,190 | $33.27 |
| Interior Designer | $54,470 | $26.19 |
| Art Director | $118,560 | $57.00 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $81,650 | $39.26 |
| Floral Designer | $36,900 | $17.74 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Syracuse, NY
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 Syracuse, NY?
The median salary for music directors and composers in the Syracuse, NY metro area is $140,230 a year, or $67.42 an hour. Pay ranges from $49,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $221,140 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Syracuse, NY?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in the Syracuse, NY metro area earn at least $221,140 a year. The top 25% earn $140,230 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Syracuse, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $49,630 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $60,400 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in Syracuse, NY?
About 120 music directors and composers are employed in the Syracuse, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.