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Entry Level Music Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The right person for this role will have an eye for photographic composition. Understanding the ... music, local cuisine, and family-friendly activities like the Tennessee Aquarium. Just two hours ...

Entry Level Music Composition information

See salary details

$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do entry level music composition jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level music composition in the United States is $57,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Music Composition vs Entry Level Music Production?

AspectEntry Level Music CompositionEntry Level Music Production
CredentialsMusic degree or equivalent, basic music theoryMusic or audio engineering degree, software proficiency
Work EnvironmentComposing in studios, home setups, or educational settingsStudio, post-production, or live event settings
Industry UsageUsed by composers, film, and game industriesUsed by producers, recording studios, and media companies
Search IntentCompare entry-level roles in music creationCompare entry-level roles in music recording and editing

Entry Level Music Composition focuses on creating original music and melodies, often requiring music theory knowledge and composition skills. Entry Level Music Production involves recording, editing, and mixing audio, emphasizing technical skills and software proficiency. Both roles are essential in the music industry but serve different functions in the music creation process.

More about Entry Level Music Composition jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Music Composition jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Music Composition job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Composition jobs? The most popular types of Music Composition jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Music Composition jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Music Composition jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Music Composition jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Music Composition jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Music Composition job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Music Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Audio and Music

Music Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Audio and Music

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL

$5K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

In addition to its regular, full-time faculty, Columbia College Chicago hires scholars, creative professionals, and other industry-experienced Adjunct Faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis. These positions are not available every semester and are contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding.

To be qualified to teach at the college, candidates must possess a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach, with a terminal degree in the relevant discipline as the preferred credential. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In occasional cases, demonstrated currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree. 

The School of Audio and Music offers graduate level coursework in its Music Composition for the Screen MFA, as well as undergraduate coursework in disciplines including Audio Arts; Music Performance and Songwriting; Music Production; Music Composition for Media; Music Technology; and Sound Design for Media and Stage.

Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Further materials, such as official transcripts sent from the degree-granting institution, may be requested at a later date.

Entry level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information. 

Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college's mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty. 

We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information, please visit: colum.edu/academic-access-and-excellence.

Additional information

  • Position subject to a background screening.
  • This is a union position.
  • This position is overtime ineligible.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

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