How long does the training take?

Typically about four years for the degree, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do music directors and composers make?

The US median is $73,710 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree for this work?

Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.

Where can you train for this work?

668 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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Music directors and composers: pay, training and the programs that lead there

Arts, design, media & film · SOC 27-2041

$73,710US median pay, 2025

+1.2%Projected growth, 2025–35

4,200Openings per year

Degree + experienceUsual way in

How you get in

Not an entry-level job: it usually takes a degree plus years of related work.

Bachelor's degree
Less than 5 years of experience in a related job
Work in: music directors and composers

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Music Performance, General	CIP 50.0903	365
Music Theory and Composition	CIP 50.0904	146
Music Technology	CIP 50.0913	111
Musical Theatre	CIP 50.0509	109
Music Management	CIP 50.1003	109
Music, Other	CIP 50.0999	93
Voice and Opera	CIP 50.0908	87
Religious/Sacred Music	CIP 39.0501	86
Conducting	CIP 50.0906	53
Musicology and Ethnomusicology	CIP 50.0905	32
Worship Ministry	CIP 39.0502	17
Sound Arts	CIP 50.0917	6

See the 668 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does the training take?: Typically about four years for the degree, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do music directors and composers make?: The US median is $73,710 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree for this work?: Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.
Where can you train for this work?: 668 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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