Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Developing original ideas, approaches, designs, or solutions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Music directors and composers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, although education requirements vary. Some workers may not need formal education, while others may benefit from having a graduate degree. Most positions require related work experience. PayThe median annual wage for music directors and composers was $73,710 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of music directors and composers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 4,200 openings for music directors and composers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for music directors and composers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of music directors and composers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about music directors and composers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for music directors and composers was $73,710 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of music directors and composers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 4,200 openings for music directors and composers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for music directors and composers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of music directors and composers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about music directors and composers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of music directors and composers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 4,200 openings for music directors and composers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for music directors and composers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of music directors and composers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about music directors and composers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Music directors lead musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange music in a variety of musical styles.
Work Environment
Music directors and composers may work in churches, concert halls, recording studios, or offices. Some workers travel to performances. Part-time work is common. Work schedules may vary and can include evenings and weekends.
How to Become a Music Director or Composer
Music directors and composers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, although education requirements vary. Some workers may not need formal education, while others may benefit from having a graduate degree. Most positions require related work experience.
Pay
The median annual wage for music directors and composers was $73,710 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of music directors and composers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 4,200 openings for music directors and composers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for music directors and composers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of music directors and composers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about music directors and composers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Music directors and composers may work in churches, concert halls, recording studios, or offices. Some workers travel to performances. Part-time work is common. Work schedules may vary and can include evenings and weekends.
How to Become a Music Director or Composer
Music directors and composers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, although education requirements vary. Some workers may not need formal education, while others may benefit from having a graduate degree. Most positions require related work experience.
Pay
The median annual wage for music directors and composers was $73,710 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of music directors and composers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 4,200 openings for music directors and composers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for music directors and composers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of music directors and composers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about music directors and composers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for music directors and composers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of music directors and composers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about music directors and composers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about music directors and composers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.