Tennessee Median
$79,640
per year
Hourly Rate
$38.29
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+8% vs US median
US median $73,710
State Rank
#7 of 30
400 employed here
How much do Music Directors and Composers make in Tennessee?
Music Directors and Composers in Tennessee take home a median of $79,640 annually — roughly $38.29 an hour — which runs 8% above the national median of $73,710.
Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $18,520 while the top 10% make $117,820 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $18,600 and $99,900 a year.
Music Directors and Composers salary range in Tennessee
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $18,520 | $8.90 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $18,600 | $8.94 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $79,640 | $38.29 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $99,900 | $48.03 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $117,820 | $56.64 |
|
How Tennessee compares
Tennessee ranks 7th out of 30 states and territories for Music Directors and Composers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Music Directors and Composers salary in other states
New Jersey $122,750California $93,090Colorado $88,460District of Columbia $84,040New York $82,930Utah $82,570Wisconsin $78,690Massachusetts $78,620Indiana $77,270Connecticut $77,070Washington $75,060Hawaii $74,570Georgia $67,100Texas $65,570Maryland $64,300North Carolina $63,380Mississippi $62,240Iowa $61,740Missouri $61,670Ohio $61,380Pennsylvania $61,160Oregon $60,800Michigan $59,400Virginia $59,050Florida $57,830Oklahoma $54,250Montana $51,530Illinois $49,270Alabama $42,250
Working as Music Directors and Composers in Tennessee
Nationally, about 13,000 people work as Music Directors and Composers in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.
Considering a move? Compare Tennessee pay ($79,640) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Music Directors and Composers make in Tennessee?
The median Music Directors and Composers salary in Tennessee is $79,640 per year, or about $38.29 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $18,520 at the entry level to $117,820 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Music Directors and Composers about 8% more than the national median of $73,710. Tennessee ranks 7th out of 30 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Music Directors and Composers?
Yes on pay — Tennessee pays above the national median for this occupation, at $79,640 a year. About 400 Music Directors and Composers are employed in Tennessee. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Music Directors and Composers salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.