2024 wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Music Directors and Composers is a below-average occupation in Chicago, IL-IN-WI, with a median annual salary of $46,730. Music Directors and Composerss in Chicago, IL-IN-WI earn $16,940 less (27%) than the national median of $63,670. There is significant earning potential — top earners make 3.
Music Directors and Composerss in Chicago, IL-IN-WI earn $16,940 less (27%) than the national median of $63,670.
The average salary ($64,600) is notably higher than the median — this means top earners pull the average up. A small number of highly paid Music Directors and Composerss skew the data.
Only 440 Music Directors and Composerss work in Chicago, IL-IN-WI. Consider nearby metro areas for more opportunities.
Cost of Living Consideration
Although Chicago, IL-IN-WI pays below the national average, the cost of living may also be lower. Your purchasing power could be comparable to higher-salary cities. Check local housing costs before deciding.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,100 | $2,508 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,540 | $3,212 |
| Median | $46,730 | $3,894 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,980 | $5,915 |
| 90th Percentile | $108,130 | $9,011 |
| Mean (Average) | $64,600 | $5,383 |
| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $97,980 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $92,930 |
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT | $91,440 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $82,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $78,300 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $78,010 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL | $75,230 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $74,910 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $74,780 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $73,780 |
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $234,440 |
| Surgeons, All Other | $215,680 |
| Pediatricians, General | $198,440 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $182,830 |
| Dentists, General | $175,140 |
| Lawyers | $166,090 |
| Financial Managers | $164,470 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $161,340 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $159,110 |
| Marketing Managers | $158,800 |
Estimate your after-tax income. Compare your real purchasing power across different states and salary levels.
Annual Take-Home
$39,532
Monthly
$3,294
Bi-Weekly
$1,520
Effective Tax Rate
15.4%
* Estimate only. Does not include local taxes, deductions, or credits. Need help with your finances? Consider consulting a certified financial planner or exploring high-yield savings accounts to maximize your take-home pay.
Data verified March 2026 · Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Considering a move for this role? Compare cost of living in Chicago, IL-IN-WIto make an informed decision. Don't forget to factor in moving costs, renters insurance, and state income tax differences when evaluating your total compensation package.