Music Directors and Composers salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Music Directors and Composers in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area earn a median of $58,570 a year ($28.16 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,040 for the lowest-paid 10% to $91,800 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $73,710. Pay here is 8% lower than the North Carolina statewide median of $63,380. There are 0.05 music directors and composers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.58). The average (mean) salary is $75,690, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Raleigh-Cary, NC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,040 | $18.77 |
| 25th percentile | $55,360 | $26.62 |
| Median | $58,570 | $28.16 |
| 75th percentile | $71,220 | $34.24 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $91,800 | $44.13 |
| Average (mean) | $75,690 | $36.39 |
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 | $4,880.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,440.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,252.69 |
| Weekly | $1,126.35 |
| Hourly | $28.16 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $58,570 salary, see how much house you can afford in North Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Music Directors and Composers salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $67,590 | 40 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $55,130 | 100 |
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 North Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Raleigh-Cary, NC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $42,180 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $67,460 | $32.43 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $29,710 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,790 | $33.07 |
| Graphic Designer | $61,700 | $29.67 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,150 | $17.86 |
| Technical Writer | $93,580 | $44.99 |
| Interior Designer | $64,480 | $31.00 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,100 | $33.22 |
| Editor | $76,360 | $36.71 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $46,770 | $22.49 |
| Photographer | $41,130 | $19.78 |
| Art Director | $103,990 | $50.00 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $51,270 | $24.65 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Raleigh-Cary, NC
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 Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median salary for music directors and composers in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area is $58,570 a year, or $28.16 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,040 for the lowest-paid 10% to $91,800 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area earn at least $91,800 a year. The top 25% earn $71,220 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,040 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $55,360 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
About 40 music directors and composers are employed in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area, not counting the self-employed.