Music Directors and Composers salary in Tennessee
Music Directors and Composers in Tennessee earn a median of $79,640 a year ($38.29 an hour), based on BLS data for 400 workers.
Pay ranges from $18,520 for the lowest-paid 10% to $117,820 for the top 10%. That is 8% higher than the national median of $73,710. Tennessee ranks 7th of 30 states for music directors and composers pay. There are 0.12 music directors and composers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $70,240, close to the median.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $18,520 | $8.90 |
| 25th percentile | $18,600 | $8.94 |
| Median | $79,640 | $38.29 |
| 75th percentile | $99,900 | $48.03 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $117,820 | $56.65 |
| Average (mean) | $70,240 | $33.77 |
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 | $6,636.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,318.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,063.08 |
| Weekly | $1,531.54 |
| Hourly | $38.29 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $79,640 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Music Directors and Composers salary in cities in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $84,660 | 310 |
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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $37,780 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $73,020 | $35.11 |
| Actor | — | $21.82 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $19.92 |
| Disc Jockeys, Except Radio | — | $21.75 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,500 | $16.59 |
| Graphic Designer | $57,270 | $27.54 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $60,900 | $29.28 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $49,970 | $24.02 |
| Interior Designer | $63,660 | $30.61 |
| Editor | $59,550 | $28.63 |
| Writers and Authors | $58,870 | $28.30 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $48,290 | $23.22 |
| Art Director | $89,860 | $43.20 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for music directors and composers in Tennessee is $79,640 a year, or $38.29 an hour. Pay ranges from $18,520 for the lowest-paid 10% to $117,820 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in Tennessee earn at least $117,820 a year. The top 25% earn $99,900 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $18,520 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $18,600 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in Tennessee?
About 400 music directors and composers are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.