Profession
Composer
I create music that stays in your memory.
As a composer, you create original music, whether it is a melody for a song, a score for a film or video game, a jingle for a commercial, or a piece for an orchestra. You turn ideas and emotions into sound, deciding which instruments play, how a theme develops, and how the music makes people feel. Day to day you might sketch ideas at a piano or keyboard, build arrangements in music production software, meet with directors or clients to understand what they need, and revise your work until it fits perfectly. The job blends bursts of pure creativity with long stretches of careful, technical craft, and often means working alone with tight deadlines.
Average salary
$2,500 – $18,000
Education
4 years
Employability
60%
🎥 See what it's really like
Day at Work: Film Composer
A film composer describes how he works with directors and builds a score.
How Does a Composer Create Film Music?
A university course clip showing the creative process behind film music.
Composer Chat: Can You Make a Living as a Composer?
A working composer answers the money question honestly.
Seu negócio aqui
SponsoredAlcance estudantes e jovens profissionais explorando carreiras. Entre em contato e saiba como anunciar.
❓ Frequently asked questions
How much does a Composer professional earn?▾
Salary ranges from $2,500 – $18,000 per month, depending on specialization, region, and experience. Professionals in major cities tend to earn above the national average.
🧭
Is Composer right for you?
Talk to Wendy, our AI career counselor — it's free.
Ask Wendy →