Highest-paying states for music directors and composers
New Jersey leads at $122,750 a year. Pay is not adjusted for local prices; see each page for the cost-of-living view.
| Place | Median | 25th–75th |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $122,750 | $99,410–$171,070 |
| California | $93,090 | $66,810–$126,430 |
| Colorado | $88,460 | $59,890–$116,670 |
| District of Columbia | $84,040 | $77,740–$131,260 |
| New York | $82,930 | $56,890–$140,230 |
| Utah | $82,570 | $79,050–$82,570 |
| Tennessee | $79,640 | $18,600–$99,900 |
| Wisconsin | $78,690 | $56,850–$105,860 |
| Massachusetts | $78,620 | $63,800–$114,150 |
| Indiana | $77,270 | $51,150–$123,790 |
| Connecticut | $77,070 | $56,180–$119,990 |
| Washington | $75,060 | $61,320–$104,090 |
| Hawaii | $74,570 | $63,230–$92,400 |
| Texas | $65,570 | $51,980–$86,180 |
| Maryland | $64,300 | $51,410–$101,350 |
| North Carolina | $63,380 | $49,610–$82,430 |
| Mississippi | $62,240 | $55,750–$75,870 |
| Iowa | $61,740 | $51,570–$73,080 |
| Missouri | $61,670 | $48,030–$82,030 |
| Ohio | $61,380 | $49,670–$81,360 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,160 | $47,130–$79,440 |
| Oregon | $60,800 | $41,600–$86,880 |
| Michigan | $59,400 | $43,710–$78,260 |
| Virginia | $59,050 | $48,510–$92,150 |
| Florida | $57,830 | $45,710–$75,520 |
| Oklahoma | $54,250 | $44,230–$134,670 |
| Montana | $51,530 | $47,750–$58,220 |
| Alabama | $42,250 | $35,870–$60,080 |
Data period: BLS OEWS May 2025.