Music Directors and Composers salary in Wisconsin
Music Directors and Composers in Wisconsin earn a median of $78,690 a year ($37.83 an hour), based on BLS data for 200 workers.
Pay ranges from $43,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $177,040 for the top 10%. That is 7% higher than the national median of $73,710. Wisconsin ranks 8th of 30 states for music directors and composers pay. There are 0.07 music directors and composers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $90,360, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for music directors and composers in Wisconsin
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $43,630 | $20.98 |
| 25th percentile | $56,850 | $27.33 |
| Median | $78,690 | $37.83 |
| 75th percentile | $105,860 | $50.90 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $177,040 | $85.12 |
| Average (mean) | $90,360 | $43.44 |
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 | $6,557.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,278.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,026.54 |
| Weekly | $1,513.27 |
| Hourly | $37.83 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $78,690 salary, see how much house you can afford in Wisconsin at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Music Directors and Composers salary in cities in Wisconsin
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Madison, WI | $79,870 | 70 |
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 Wisconsin
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $44,800 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $66,390 | $31.92 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $36.61 |
| Disc Jockeys, Except Radio | — | $27.69 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $57,000 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $67,240 | $32.33 |
| Graphic Designer | $59,900 | $28.80 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,510 | $19.00 |
| Editor | $64,270 | $30.90 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $63,390 | $30.48 |
| Interior Designer | $62,740 | $30.17 |
| Floral Designer | $35,010 | $16.83 |
| Technical Writer | $80,030 | $38.48 |
| Photographer | $42,060 | $20.22 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin?
The median salary for music directors and composers in Wisconsin is $78,690 a year, or $37.83 an hour. Pay ranges from $43,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $177,040 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid music directors and composers make in Wisconsin?
The top 10% of music directors and composers in Wisconsin earn at least $177,040 a year. The top 25% earn $105,860 or more.
What is the starting pay for music directors and composers in Wisconsin?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $43,630 a year, and a quarter of music directors and composers earn $56,850 or less.
How many music directors and composers work in Wisconsin?
About 200 music directors and composers are employed in Wisconsin, not counting the self-employed.