Music Directors and Composers salary in Illinois
Music Directors and Composers in Illinois earn a median of $49,270 a year ($23.69 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $31,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,000 for the top 10%. That is 33% lower than the national median of $73,710. Illinois ranks 29th of 30 states for music directors and composers pay. The average (mean) salary is $60,360, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Illinois
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,930 | $15.35 |
| 25th percentile | $37,470 | $18.02 |
| Median | $49,270 | $23.69 |
| 75th percentile | $65,520 | $31.50 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $104,000 | $50.00 |
| Average (mean) | $60,360 | $29.02 |
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 | $4,105.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,052.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,895 |
| Weekly | $947.50 |
| Hourly | $23.69 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $49,270 salary, see how much house you can afford in Illinois at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Music Directors and Composers salary in cities in Illinois
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $61,670 | 40 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $50,530 | n/a |
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 Illinois
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,120 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $81,080 | $38.98 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $53.12 |
| Actor | — | $15.00 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $49,070 | — |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $19.69 |
| Choreographer | $34,560 | $16.61 |
| Disc Jockeys, Except Radio | — | $22.87 |
| Graphic Designer | $62,560 | $30.08 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $76,380 | $36.72 |
| Editor | $76,060 | $36.57 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,270 | $19.36 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $60,740 | $29.20 |
| Art Director | $103,550 | $49.79 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Illinois
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 Illinois?
The median salary for music directors and composers in Illinois is $49,270 a year, or $23.69 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,000 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Illinois?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in Illinois earn at least $104,000 a year. The top 25% earn $65,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Illinois?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,930 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $37,470 or less.