Music Directors and Composers salary in Pennsylvania
Music Directors and Composers in Pennsylvania earn a median of $61,160 a year ($29.41 an hour), based on BLS data for 580 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,540 for the lowest-paid 10% to $109,380 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $73,710. Pennsylvania ranks 22nd of 30 states for music directors and composers pay. There are 0.10 music directors and composers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $74,570, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Pennsylvania
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,540 | $17.57 |
| 25th percentile | $47,130 | $22.66 |
| Median | $61,160 | $29.41 |
| 75th percentile | $79,440 | $38.19 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $109,380 | $52.59 |
| Average (mean) | $74,570 | $35.85 |
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 | $5,096.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,548.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,352.31 |
| Weekly | $1,176.15 |
| Hourly | $29.41 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $61,160 salary, see how much house you can afford in Pennsylvania at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Music Directors and Composers salary in cities in Pennsylvania
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $73,610 | 40 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $71,800 | 40 |
| Lancaster, PA | $71,100 | 40 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $61,160 | 250 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $57,650 | 90 |
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 Pennsylvania
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,730 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $75,460 | $36.28 |
| Actor | — | $22.15 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $23.47 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $44,200 | — |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $57,100 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $57,460 | $27.62 |
| Graphic Designer | $60,730 | $29.20 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,740 | $18.14 |
| Editor | $63,460 | $30.51 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $56,890 | $27.35 |
| Photographer | $40,520 | $19.48 |
| Floral Designer | $35,920 | $17.27 |
| Interior Designer | $62,400 | $30.00 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania?
The median salary for music directors and composers in Pennsylvania is $61,160 a year, or $29.41 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,540 for the lowest-paid 10% to $109,380 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Pennsylvania?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in Pennsylvania earn at least $109,380 a year. The top 25% earn $79,440 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,540 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $47,130 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in Pennsylvania?
About 580 music directors and composers are employed in Pennsylvania, not counting the self-employed.