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Music Composition Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

Music Composition information

See Vermont salary details

$32.4K

$61.4K

$129.2K

How much do music composition jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for music composition in Vermont is $61,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is music composition?

Music composition is the process of creating original music by combining melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and other musical elements. Composers write music for various purposes such as performances, films, games, or personal expression, often using notation software or traditional sheet music. The field encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, and composers may work independently or as part of a larger creative team. Developing skills in music theory, instrumentation, and digital audio tools is common for those interested in music composition.

What are the qualifications to get a job in music composition?

The qualifications that you need to start a career in music composition depend on your career goals and your composing skills. You may wish to pursue a degree in music theory, writing, or music performance, especially if you wish to teach at a college level. Composers often need to show their skills through a portfolio of previously-composed work. You can write and record pieces as part of a postsecondary degree program or on your own without any formal training. Most composers are also qualified as musical instrumentalists or performers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a music composer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Music Composer, you need a strong foundation in music theory, composition techniques, and proficiency with at least one instrument, often supported by a degree in music or related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), notation software like Sibelius or Finale, and audio editing tools is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and the ability to accept feedback are essential soft skills for producing unique works and working with clients or ensembles. These skills are crucial for creating professional-quality compositions that meet artistic or commercial needs in the music industry.

What are some common challenges faced by music composers when collaborating with directors or clients on projects?

Music composers often encounter challenges such as interpreting a director's or client's creative vision, adapting to changing feedback, and meeting tight deadlines. Effective communication is key to ensuring the music aligns with the project's emotional tone and narrative. Additionally, composers must balance their artistic expression with the practical needs of the production, often revising pieces several times based on input from collaborators. Building strong professional relationships and staying adaptable are essential for success in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Music Composition vs Music Arrangement?

AspectMusic CompositionMusic Arrangement
DefinitionCreating original music and melodies from scratch.Adapting existing music for different instruments or ensembles.
Required SkillsCreative songwriting, melody development, harmony.Reharmonization, orchestration, adapting scores.
Work EnvironmentStudios, composers' offices, freelance projects.Studio, rehearsal spaces, live performance settings.
Common UsageFilm scores, video games, original songs.Cover arrangements, orchestral adaptations, band arrangements.

Music composition involves creating original music, while music arrangement focuses on adapting existing compositions for different instruments or ensembles. Both roles require musical creativity, but composition emphasizes original creation, whereas arrangement emphasizes adaptation and orchestration.

How much do music composers get paid?

Music composers' salaries vary widely based on experience, project type, and industry. Entry-level composers may earn around $30,000 to $50,000 annually, while experienced professionals working on major films, TV, or advertising can earn six-figure incomes or more. Many composers supplement income through freelance work, licensing, and royalties, and proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs) is often essential.

Is there a demand for music composers?

The demand for music composers varies across industries such as film, television, video games, and advertising, where original music is often required. While competition can be high, skilled composers with proficiency in digital audio workstations and a strong portfolio have opportunities in both freelance and studio settings, especially as media production continues to grow.

What jobs can I get as a music composition graduate?

Music composition graduates can pursue careers as composers for film, television, video games, or advertising, creating original scores and soundtracks. They may also work as music arrangers, orchestrators, music directors, or in roles involving music production, sound design, and music licensing. Strong skills in music theory, digital audio workstations, and collaboration are essential in these fields.

What are popular job titles related to Music Composition jobs in Vermont?

For Music Composition jobs in Vermont, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Music Composition jobs in Vermont look for?

The top searched job categories for Music Composition jobs in Vermont are:

Infographic showing various Music Composition job openings in Vermont as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,383 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Research Biosafety Officer

The University of Vermont

Burlington, VT • On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Administer oversight of research biosafety programs involving potentially hazardous biological materials, recombinant DNA, and high-containment agents.

  • Assess and review protocols related to biosafety, including handling biological materials and infectious pathogens at Biosafety Level 3.

  • Communicate complex regulatory requirements to scientists and lay audiences through public speaking and technical writing.


University Of Vermont rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Biosafety Officer
Posting Summary
The University of Vermont is seeking a dedicated and forward-thinking individual to enhance our institutional biosafety program. This role is ideal for a mid-career professional with a solid foundation in biosafety practices, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment, who is ready to take on broader responsibilities and drive strategic improvements in biosafety culture and operations. UVM values both established skills, and the quest for more knowledge; time tested practices, and innovative solutions. Share your distinctive strengths to empower scientific research that is a public good - shaping healthy societies and a healthy environment.
The University of Vermont is a top 100 public university in the United States. Holding an R1 research designation, it is home to over 1,200 full-time faculty scholars, ranging from biomedical research to musical composition. Our faculty, staff and students engage daily in the pursuit of meaningful and impactful research, scholarship, and creative work.
The Research Protections Office has been delegated authority and responsibility by the Vice President for Research to administer oversight of research-specific biosafety, including research involving potentially hazardous biological materials, recombinant or synthetic DNA , agents requiring high-containment (A/ BSL -3 and/or Select Agents), and use of biological agents in research animals. UVM has approximately 1,200 labs within the College of Medicine as well as a 3,000 square foot high-containment facility dedicated to BSL -3 and A/ BSL -3 research.
Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or related relevant science.
  • Eight or more years of relevant experience of which four or more years to include direct experience involving assessing and/or handling biological material or infectious pathogens, including Biosafety Level 3, and Institutional Biosafety Committee Protocol Review, preferably in an academic research environment. A master's degree in a relevant field may be substituted for 2 years of experience.

Minimum Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Strong proficiency in public speaking and technical writing. Must be comfortable speaking to large audiences and explaining complex regulatory requirements to both scientists and lay people.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to compose reports, correspondence, and summaries in a comprehensive and organized manner.
  • Advanced ability to understand and apply all relevant federal, state, and university regulations policies, and federal guidance documents.
  • Master level knowledge of office productivity software, and internet research, a quick learner of new specialty application software; especially for protocol submission workflow management.
  • Capacity to efficiently and effectively handle multiple demands and competing priorities.
  • Demonstrated self-discipline and independent judgement.
  • Strong understanding of skills and tasks to provide superior customer service to facilitate research.

While not currently registered as a Federal Select Agent Program, it is reasonably anticipated that UVM will seek registration in the future. Therefore, the successful candidate must be qualified in all aspects to assume the duties and fundamental responsibilities of a FSAP Responsible Official.
Desirable Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or molecular genetics.
  • Direct or substantial collateral experience with the Federal Select Agent Program.
  • Registered Biosafety Professional ( RBP ) and/or Certified Biosafety Professional ( CBSP ) preferred.

Anticipated Pay Range
$87,000 - 95,000
Other Information
Special Conditions of Employment
  • Employment with UVM requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with university policies.
  • This position can be required to submit to, pass, and maintain a Security Risk Assessment conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice for persons with access to any Select Agents.
  • This position can be required to submit to, pass and maintain an ongoing Suitability Assessment as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice for persons with access to any Select Agents.
  • This position can be required to submit and receive approval for access to select biological agents and toxins by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC )/Department of Health and Human Services ( DHHS ).
  • Achieve and maintain medical clearance and training required to work in a high-containment lab and to wear personal protective equipment including a powered air purifying respirator ( PAPR ).
  • On-call status to respond to incidents involving biological materials, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Communication with an identified and designated alternate for coverage of BSO duties, in anticipation of planned time off.
  • Valid driver's license; acceptable driving record.

Special Conditions
A probationary period may be required, Occasional evening and/or weekends required (if non-exempt position, may result in overtime), Travel to and from worksites required, This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with an option to split time between campus and elsewhere, in accordance with the university telecommuting policy, Background Check required for this position

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