RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Music Directors and Composers salary in St. Louis, Missouri

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the St. Louis metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$58,640
Mean annual$64,910
Range (10th to 90th)$45,140 to $108,330
St. Louis, Missouri employment50
State vs national+0.3% vs national

Salary distribution

Where St. Louis music directors and composers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$45,14025TH$46,000MEDIAN$58,64075TH$62,96090TH$108,330

The middle 50% of workers earn between $46,000 and $62,960, with a median of $58,640.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    5 years or more

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Fine Arts

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Hearing Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.3 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    3.9 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.8 / 5
  • Information Ordering

    Ability

    3.8 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    3.8 / 5
  • Fluency of Ideas

    Ability

    3.8 / 5
  • Originality

    Ability

    3.8 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.

  2. 02

    Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.

  3. 03

    Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.

  4. 04

    Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.

  5. 05

    Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.

  6. 06

    Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.

  7. 07

    Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.

  8. 08

    Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Music Directors and Composers

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Music Directors and Composers in St. Louis, Missouri?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Music Directors and Composers in the St. Louis metropolitan area is $58,640.
Does St. Louis pay more than the Missouri state average for Music Directors and Composers?
The St. Louis metro median is 0.0% versus the Missouri state median of $58,640.
How does St. Louis compare to the national median for Music Directors and Composers?
The St. Louis metro median is +0.3% versus the BLS national figure of $58,471.
What is the salary range for Music Directors and Composers in St. Louis?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $45,140 and the 90th-percentile at $108,330 for the St. Louis metro area.
What education is required for Music Directors and Composers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the St. Louis CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.