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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Music Directors and Composers

Median Salary
62,590
Job Outlook
+2%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

What sectors do they work in?

Private not for profit

43%

Self-employed

39%

Private for profit

12%

State and local government

5%

Federal Government

0%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of music directors and composers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 5,100 openings for music directors and composers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$34,420

10%

$62,590

Median

$97,260

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    28%

  • Bachelor's degree

    24%

  • Doctoral degree

    20%

  • Associate's degree

    7%

  • Some college

    6%

  • Less than high school

    5%

  • High school

    3%

  • Post baccalaureate

    2%

  • Post-master's certificate

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Musical Theatre
  • Music Performance, General
  • Music, Other
  • Religious/Sacred Music
  • Voice and Opera
  • Music Technology
  • Music Theory and Composition
  • Music Management
  • Worship Ministry
  • Musicology and Ethnomusicology
  • Conducting
  • Sound Arts

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Fine Arts
  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Administrative

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Artistic

You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.