Salary distribution
Where North Carolina music directors and composers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $49,490 and $77,750, with a median of $61,780.
Music Directors and Composers pay by experience level in North Carolina
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in North Carolina over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Fine Arts
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Hearing Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 3.8 / 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
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
- 02
Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- 03
Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
- 04
Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
- 05
Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
- 06
Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
- 07
Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.
- 08
Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
-0.2%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Slower than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in North Carolina
Metro-level salary data for music directors and composers in major North Carolina metropolitan areas.
- Charlotte$64,040
Compare Music Directors and Composers pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Music Directors and Composers in North Carolina?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Music Directors and Composers in North Carolina is $61,780.
- How does North Carolina compare to the national median for Music Directors and Composers?
- The North Carolina median is +5.7% versus the BLS national figure of $58,471.
- What is the salary range for Music Directors and Composers in North Carolina?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $37,610 and the 90th-percentile at $90,470, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Music Directors and Composers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment declining by -0.2% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates 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.