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Music Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design and deliver developmental lesson plans for toddlers through sixth graders * Introduce children to a wide range of music styles, genres, and music-makers. * Build a vocabulary for children to ...

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Executive Chef

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$67K - $93K/yr

At Rock Steady, every guest is taken on a journey, where music, design, and cuisine come together to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. We are currently seeking a detail-oriented, disciplined ...

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Music Design information

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$23

$43

$65

How much do music design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for music design in the United States is $43.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.62 and $50.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is music design?

Music design is the art and process of creating, selecting, and arranging music to enhance experiences in various contexts, such as film, video games, advertising, or retail spaces. Music designers collaborate with directors, producers, and audio teams to craft soundscapes that evoke specific emotions or reinforce brand identity. This role often involves composing original pieces, curating playlists, and integrating sound elements that align with the project’s goals. Music design requires both creative and technical skills, along with a deep understanding of how music influences mood and perception.

How does a Music Designer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Music Designers often work closely with creative teams such as game developers, film directors, sound engineers, and producers to ensure the music complements the overall vision. Collaboration usually involves attending brainstorming sessions, reviewing scripts or storyboards, and integrating feedback from various departments to refine musical themes or soundscapes. Strong communication and adaptability are essential, as project goals and creative directions can evolve rapidly. This cross-functional teamwork helps ensure that the final musical product enhances the emotional and narrative impact of the project.

What is the difference between Music Design vs Sound Designer?

AspectMusic DesignSound Designer
CredentialsMusic production, composition, audio editingSound editing, audio engineering, effects creation
Work EnvironmentMedia, gaming, advertising, filmFilm, video games, theater, multimedia
Industry UsageCreating musical scores and themesCreating sound effects and audio assets

Music Design focuses on composing and producing musical elements for various media, while Sound Design involves creating and editing sound effects and audio components. Both roles often collaborate but serve different purposes in media production.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

In the field of music design, freelance sound designers, music producers, or composers can earn around $3,000 monthly through project-based work, licensing, or online platforms without requiring a formal degree. Success often depends on skills, portfolio quality, and networking, with tools like digital audio workstations (DAWs) being essential. Many of these roles are self-employed or contract-based, offering flexible schedules.

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

To thrive as a Music Designer, you need a strong background in music theory, composition, and audio production, often supported by a degree in music or sound design. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live or Logic Pro, as well as proficiency in sound libraries and synthesis software, is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication help you interpret briefs and work seamlessly with clients and other creatives. These skills ensure the creation of compelling, high-quality music that enhances multimedia projects and meets client objectives.
More about Music Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Design jobs? Cities with the most Music Design job openings:
What states have the most Music Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Music Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Music Design jobs are:
Infographic showing various Music Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,495 per year, or $43 per hour.
Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music

Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music

Strategic Education

Chamblee, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Strategic Education rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 193 rated education and training


Job description

Media Design School at Strayer, a part of Strayer University and Strategic Education, Inc., is a globally recognized provider of creative and technology-focused education. Originally established in New Zealand and now integrated within Strayer's academic portfolio, Media Design School combines industry-driven curriculum with an emphasis on innovation, preparing students for careers in fields such as game development, animation, and digital design. As part of Strayer's broader mission to deliver flexible, career-relevant education and expand access to future-focused learning opportunities, Media Design School leverages global resources, industry partnerships, and a collaborative academic environment.
The Assistant Professor of Game Scoring and Adaptive Music will lead the development and delivery of curriculum focused on adaptive music for interactive media within both the Master of Fine Arts in Screen Scoring & Music Design and the corresponding Online Graduate Certificate program. This role serves as a key liaison to game arts programs at Media Design School, fostering collaboration among faculty and students across disciplines. The position reports directly to the Executive Dean.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Serve as the lead instructor for MFA521 (Screen Scoring III: Adaptive) and MFA524 (Music Design Technology Lab), as well as related courses within the Online Graduate Certificate program
  • Recruit, mentor, and supervise adjunct faculty within the areas of game scoring, adaptive music, and music design technology
  • Conduct ongoing research to ensure coursework and student projects remain aligned with current industry practices and emerging trends
  • Engage in active outreach and relationship-building with game studios and independent game developers
  • Foster and maintain collaborative partnerships with Media Design School and other game design programs
Technical Skills:
  • Advanced proficiency with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) for game music composition, including tools such as Logic Pro, Cubase, Reaper, and Pro Tools
  • Advanced experience utilizing game audio implementation middleware, such as Wwise and FMOD
  • Demonstrated expertise in game development platforms, including Unity and Unreal Engine
Professional Experience:
  • 2-3 years of experience in an on-staff or active freelance capacity with a game development studio (e.g., Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft) or comparable organizations; experience with independent (indie) game developers will also be considered
  • Demonstrated professional experience in the composition of adaptive music for games and interactive media

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree (e.g., B.A., B.F.A., B.Mus., or B.M.) in Music Composition or a related field with a focus on music for screen or interactive media; alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in a related game design discipline will be considered

  • A Master's degree (e.g., M.A. or M.F.A.) in a relevant field is preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree

Other:

  • Must be able to travel occasionally should a business need arise. For most roles travel would not be common. Travel may involve plane, car or metro. In accordance with ADA policies, reasonable accommodations regarding travel limitations can be provided. Travel will be more common for roles such as Account Executives (25 - 50%), senior leaders (10 - 20%) or Capella Core Faculty (5 - 10%).
  • Ability to work onsite in Corporate or Campus location (in a typical office environment) may be required based on role. If so, this would include being mobile within the office, including movement from floor-to-floor using elevators or stairs.
  • If offsite or hybrid role, must have access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
  • Faculty and Federal Work Study roles require access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including computer, privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
  • This role may require lifting, however reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with our ADA policies.
  • Must be able to meet critical thinking and problem solving aspects aligned to job duties, as well as effectively communicating with co-workers.
  • Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant. Accommodations related to schedule may be considered.
  • Able to access information using a computer.
  • Other essential functions and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

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SEI offers a comprehensive package of benefits to employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week. In addition to medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, SEI employees may take advantage of well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, certain paid holidays, tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA), 401(k) retirement benefit, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, tuition assistance as well as entertainment and retail discounts. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.

Careers - Our Benefits, Strategic Education, Inc


SEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture where individuals can grow their careers and contribute fully. We strive to attract talent with broad experiences, skills and perspectives. We welcome applications from all. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the pay range at SEI, we offer a competitive salary. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate may vary depending on multiple factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay equity. Our Talent Acquisition Team is ready to discuss your interest in joining SEI. The expected salary range for this position is below.

$67,700.00 - $101,500.00 - Salary


If you require reasonable accommodations to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at Careers@strategiced.com.


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