Music Directors and Composers salary in Alabama
Music Directors and Composers in Alabama earn a median of $42,250 a year ($20.31 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,700 for the top 10%. That is 43% lower than the national median of $73,710. Alabama ranks 30th of 30 states for music directors and composers pay. There are 0.03 music directors and composers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.42). The average (mean) salary is $51,980, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Alabama
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,850 | $13.39 |
| 25th percentile | $35,870 | $17.25 |
| Median | $42,250 | $20.31 |
| 75th percentile | $60,080 | $28.89 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,700 | $30.15 |
| Average (mean) | $51,980 | $24.99 |
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 | $3,520.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,760.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,625 |
| Weekly | $812.50 |
| Hourly | $20.31 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $42,250 salary, see how much house you can afford in Alabama at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
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 Alabama
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Producers and Directors | $63,340 | $30.45 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $23.79 |
| Actor | — | $24.71 |
| Choreographer | $38,990 | $18.74 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,840 | $20.60 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,710 | $29.67 |
| Graphic Designer | $51,070 | $24.55 |
| Technical Writer | $85,840 | $41.27 |
| Interior Designer | $61,050 | $29.35 |
| Editor | $63,330 | $30.45 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $43,440 | $20.88 |
| Photographer | $36,130 | $17.37 |
| Floral Designer | $34,430 | $16.55 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $67,340 | $32.37 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Alabama
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 Alabama?
The median salary for music directors and composers in Alabama is $42,250 a year, or $20.31 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,700 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Alabama?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in Alabama earn at least $62,700 a year. The top 25% earn $60,080 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Alabama?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,850 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $35,870 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in Alabama?
About 70 music directors and composers are employed in Alabama, not counting the self-employed.