1

Film Score Composer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Film Score Composer information

See salary details

$34.5K

$104K

$158.5K

How much do film score composer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for film score composer in the United States is $103,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $130,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the typical workflow for a Film Score Composer during a film project?

A Film Score Composer generally begins by meeting with the director and creative team to understand the film's vision, mood, and musical needs. After spotting sessions to identify where music will be placed, the composer develops musical themes, writes and arranges the score, and produces demos for review. This process is highly collaborative and often involves revisions based on feedback from the filmmakers, followed by recording sessions with musicians or programming virtual instruments. Composers must manage tight deadlines and coordinate with sound engineers, editors, and other post-production staff. Each film is unique, so adaptability and strong communication are essential throughout the workflow.

What does a Film Score Composer do?

A Film Score Composer creates original music to enhance the emotional impact of a film. They work closely with directors and producers to develop a score that complements the story, mood, and pacing. The process involves composing, arranging, orchestrating, and sometimes recording the music with live musicians or digital instruments. Their work helps to reinforce emotions, build tension, and create a memorable cinematic experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Film Score Composer position, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Film Score Composer, you need a deep understanding of music theory, composition, orchestration, and proficiency in multiple musical styles, usually supported by formal music education or equivalent experience. Mastery of digital audio workstations (DAWs), notation software, and sample libraries is essential, and familiarity with audio engineering or certification in music production can be advantageous. Excellent communication, creativity, and time management skills help you collaborate effectively with directors and production teams under tight deadlines. These abilities are crucial to delivering emotionally resonant scores that enhance the storytelling of films while meeting project requirements.

More about Film Score Composer jobs
What cities are hiring for Film Score Composer jobs? Cities with the most Film Score Composer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Film Score Composer jobs? The most popular types of Film Score Composer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Film Score Composer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 22% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,995 per year, or $50 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Practice in Media Scoring & Production

Assistant Professor of Practice in Media Scoring & Production

The University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


University Of Miami rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees:
If you are a current Staff, Faculty or Temporary employee at the University of Miami, please click here to log in to Workday to use the internal application process. To learn how to apply for a faculty or staff position, please review this tip sheet.
The University of Miami Frost School of Music is accepting applications for a Full-Time Assistant Professor of Professional Practice (non-tenure track) position for its Media Scoring and Production program beginning with the 2026-27 academic year.
The successful candidate will have a strong record of accomplishment and demonstrated expertise in contemporary/popular music production, recording and songwriting. Candidate will have significant experience and track record with modern production/studio techniques, a variety of DAW's, writing/collaborating across genres, as well as live performance. The successful candidate will also have a strong and significant record of accomplishment and entrepreneurial activity in popular music, as well as curricular development. The compensation is competitive.
Principal duties include running both on campus and online graduate programs, teaching and/or administering courses related to contemporary/popular music production, and all program-related curricular and logistical matters. The successful candidate will also participate in auditions, juries, recruiting activities, service activities and academic committees.
Qualifications:
Educational Background:
  • A Master's Degree (or higher) in music/media scoring, production, or related field, is required.

Professional Experience:
  • Substantial national and/or international credits as a producer, songwriter, or composer within the popular music industry.
  • Demonstrated expertise in contemporary/popular music production, with a proven track record in Latin American popular music and media.
  • Demonstrated expertise in composing and producing music for various media, including film, television, and interactive platforms.
  • Experience with live performance and sound engineering.

Technical Proficiency:
  • Extensive experience in music technology, including advanced skills in professional DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live.
  • Proficiency in creating music and sound design for interactive media, including video games, VR/AR experiences, and other emerging platforms.
  • Experience building courseware in a Learning Management System (LMS) such as Canvas and Blackboard.

Teaching and Mentorship:
  • Significant experience teaching graduate, undergraduate, and non-traditional students at the collegiate level, both in-person and online.
  • Demonstrated success in curricular development, implementation, and student mentorship, particularly in guiding students through real-world, industry-facing projects.

Applications should be submitted online only for primary consideration. However, the search will continue until such a time as the position is filled. Please submit a cover letter that addresses the essential experiences and qualifications stated or implied above, a curriculum vitae, three references, and a document that includes direct web links to samples of your work. (No hard copy CD's, DVDs or other media will be accepted, and video files cannot be uploaded to our site!) Upload all materials under the "Upload CV" link on our site. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications on or before April 24, 2026 will receive full consideration. Please contact Christine Vignolio at cxv340@miami.edu with any questions or concerns.
The University of Miami is a private, independent, comprehensive university with an enrollment of approximately 15,650 students from all fifty states and over 114 countries. The main campus is located in Coral Gables, a residential suburb of Miami.
The Frost School of Music has an enrollment of approximately 750 majors in 31 programs leading toward B.A., B.M., B.S., M.M., M.A., M.S., D.M.A., and Ph.D. degrees. These programs are served by approximately 71 full-time and 45 part-time faculty members, and over 130 graduate teaching assistants.
The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.
Job Status:
Full time
Employee Type:
Faculty

What University Of Miami employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Miami logo

About University of Miami

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Miami, located in the beautiful Coral Gables, Florida, is a comprehensive, private research institution in the United States. Operating within the higher education industry, the institution offers a multitude of degree programs spanning over 180 majors and program through its 12 colleges. The University was founded in 1925 with the mission to disseminate knowledge, transform lives, and change the world - a mission it has held faithfully to this day. Notably, the University of Miami has gained global recognition for its commitment to research and innovation, with over $324 million in research and sponsored project funding awarded annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Coral Gables, FL, US

Year founded

1925