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Music Scoring Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Collier County Public Schools

Teacher Music

Naples, FL · On-site

A passing score on the Florida Music Exam or a HOUSSE plan preferred. Position Location: Lely Elementary Calendar: 196A Salary: Instructional FTE: 0.60 Teacher, Music Minimum Requirements (Education ...

Cleveland County Schools

Music Teacher

Shelby, NC · On-site

OR passing PRAXIS II scores in Music Content and Instruction. * Related courses include: Music, Chorus, Band, Instrumental Music, Music Education, Piano, Opera * Eligibility for the residency license ...

Cleveland County Schools

Music Teacher

Shelby, NC · On-site

OR passing PRAXIS II scores in Music Content and Instruction. * Related courses include: Music, Chorus, Band, Instrumental Music, Music Education, Piano, Opera * Eligibility for the residency license ...

Warner Bros. Discovery

Music Coordinator

Burbank, CA · On-site

Assists in obtaining schedules, assets, episodic scores, and materials from music supervisors, music editors, composers, and production/post teams. * Supports reconciliation of cue-related ...

Berklee

Screen Scoring Department Assistant

Boston, MA · On-site

$17.51/hr

Current student at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee. * Enrolled at least ... A thorough understanding of Film Scoring curricula through 6th semester courses is also required.

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Music Scoring information

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$19K

$50.6K

$118K

How much do music scoring jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for music scoring in the United States is $50,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does John Williams get paid to score a movie?

John Williams, a renowned film composer, has reportedly earned millions of dollars per project, with some estimates suggesting he received around $2 million for scoring a major film. Payment for film scoring varies widely based on experience, project size, and studio budget, with top composers earning from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars per film. Many film composers also earn royalties and residuals from the film's success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Music Scoring, and why are they important?

To thrive in Music Scoring, you need a strong background in music theory, composition, orchestration, and proficiency in reading and writing music, often supported by a degree in music or film scoring. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), notation software like Sibelius or Finale, and sound libraries is essential. Creativity, collaboration, and the ability to interpret a director's vision are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills ensure that you can effectively create compelling scores that enhance storytelling and meet the technical and artistic demands of film, TV, or media projects.

What is the highest paid job in music?

In music scoring, top-paying roles include film and television composers, especially those working on major productions or with established reputations. These professionals often earn six-figure salaries, particularly when they have extensive experience, industry connections, and access to high-profile projects. Success in this field typically requires advanced skills in composition, orchestration, and familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs).

What are some common challenges faced by music scoring professionals when working with film directors or producers?

Music scoring professionals often encounter challenges such as aligning their creative vision with that of the film director or producer. Communication is key, as directors may have specific emotional tones or pacing in mind that require adaptability from the composer. Time constraints and last-minute changes to the film edit can also make it necessary to revise or rework musical cues quickly. Successful music scorers proactively collaborate with the production team, remain open to feedback, and manage tight deadlines while maintaining the integrity of their compositions.

How much money do film scorers make?

Film scorers' earnings vary widely based on experience, project scope, and industry reputation. On average, they can earn from $30,000 to over $100,000 annually, with top professionals earning significantly more for high-profile projects. Many work freelance, which can affect income stability and requires strong networking and portfolio development.

What is the difference between Music Scoring vs Music Composition?

AspectMusic ScoringMusic Composition
CredentialsMusic degree, software proficiency, industry experienceMusic degree, creative portfolio, music theory knowledge
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, video game studios, post-productionComposing in studios, personal studios, or freelance settings
Industry UsageUsed in film, TV, gaming to create synchronized musicUsed across all music genres for creating original music

Music Scoring involves creating music specifically to accompany visual media, focusing on synchronization and mood. Music Composition is a broader term that encompasses creating original music for various purposes, including standalone pieces. While both roles require musical expertise, scoring emphasizes aligning music with visual content, whereas composition centers on creating original melodies and arrangements.

How do you get into making film scores?

To pursue a career in music scoring, aspiring professionals typically develop strong composition skills, gain experience with digital audio workstations (DAWs), and create a portfolio of original work. Networking with filmmakers and industry professionals, as well as understanding film narrative and timing, can help secure opportunities in scoring for film and media projects.

What is music scoring?

Music scoring is the process of creating original music to accompany visual media, such as films, television shows, video games, and commercials. It involves composing music that enhances the emotional tone, supports the narrative, and helps convey the intended mood of the scenes. Music scorers work closely with directors and producers to ensure the music fits the timing and style of the project. This field requires a strong understanding of music theory, composition, and often proficiency in music production software.
More about Music Scoring jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Scoring jobs? Cities with the most Music Scoring job openings:
What states have the most Music Scoring jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Scoring jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Music Scoring jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Music Scoring jobs are:
Music Scoring jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Scoring job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,596 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music, Media Design School

Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music, Media Design School

Strategic Education

Chamblee, GA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Strategic Education rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 198 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
  • Lead instruction 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 specializing in game scoring, adaptive music, and music design technology
  • Conduct ongoing research to ensure curriculum and student projects remain aligned with current industry standards, practices, and emerging trends
  • Build and maintain relationships with game studios and independent developers to support program relevance and student opportunities
  • Foster collaborative partnerships with Media Design School and other game design programs
Technical Skills
  • Advanced proficiency in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) for game music composition (e.g., Logic Pro, Cubase, Reaper, Pro Tools)
  • Advanced experience with game audio implementation middleware, including Wwise and FMOD
  • Demonstrated expertise with game development platforms such as Unity and Unreal Engine
Professional Experience
  • 2-3 years of professional experience in a full-time or active freelance capacity with a game development studio (e.g., Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft) or comparable organization; experience with independent (indie) developers will also be considered
  • Proven experience composing adaptive music for games and interactive media
Education
  • Bachelor's degree (e.g., B.A., B.F.A., B.M., or B.Mus.) in Music Composition or a related field with a focus on screen or interactive media, or a Bachelor's degree in a related game design discipline
  • Master's degree (e.g., M.A. or M.F.A.) in a relevant field 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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