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Musical Composer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lionsgate

Assistant, Theatrical Music

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

Curate and organize composer reels * Organize and catalog project budgets past & present * Assist ... Organize and catalog music submissions and audio files for easy access * Support communication ...

WWE

Senior Editor

Stamford, CT

Edit in Avid Media Composer within Interplay environments, adhering to established project ... Work with music supervisors and creative leads to source and sync stock music libraries that ...

TKO Group Holdings, Inc.

Senior Editor

Stamford, CT · On-site

Edit in Avid Media Composer within Interplay environments, adhering to established project ... Work with music supervisors and creative leads to source and sync stock music libraries that ...

Highgate Hotels

House Attendant

Honolulu, HI

Beloved by her people, she was a music composer, an author and an ardent supporter of her culture. Her spirit is infused into the resort, which shares the same privileged location as her beachside ...

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

House Attendant

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Beloved by her people, she was a music composer, an author and an ardent supporter of her culture. Her spirit is infused into the resort, which shares the same privileged location as her beachside ...

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Musical Composer information

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$12

$26

$68

How much do musical composer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for musical composer in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a musical composer make?

The average salary for a musical composer varies widely based on experience, project scope, and industry, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $100,000 annually. Successful composers working in film, television, or popular music can earn significantly more, especially with royalties and licensing deals. Many composers also work freelance, which can affect income stability and earning potential.

What work does a music composer do?

A music composer creates original music for various media such as films, television, video games, and concerts. They write, arrange, and produce musical pieces, often using digital audio workstations and notation software, and may collaborate with directors or clients to meet specific project needs.

What is the difference between Musical Composer vs Sound Designer?

AspectMusical ComposerSound Designer
CredentialsMusic degree, composition certificationsAudio engineering, sound design certifications
Work EnvironmentMusic studios, film sets, theatersPost-production studios, gaming, film
Industry UsageFilm, TV, theater, video gamesFilm, video games, advertising
Primary FocusCreating original music and melodiesCreating and manipulating sound effects

While both roles involve working with audio, a Musical Composer primarily creates original music for various media, focusing on melodies and harmonies. A Sound Designer, on the other hand, specializes in crafting sound effects and audio textures to enhance visual media. Both roles require technical skills and industry knowledge but serve different creative purposes within the audio production process.

What jobs can you get as a songwriter?

As a songwriter, you can work in various roles such as writing songs for artists, composing music for films, television, or commercials, and creating music for video games. Songwriters often collaborate with producers, perform in live settings, or license their work for commercial use, requiring skills in music theory, lyric writing, and familiarity with digital audio workstations.

How does a musical composer typically collaborate with performers and other creatives during a project?

As a musical composer, you’ll often work closely with performers, conductors, and sometimes directors or producers, especially when creating music for concerts, film, or theater. Collaboration usually involves sharing drafts, receiving feedback, and making adjustments to ensure the music fits the intended mood and technical capabilities of the performers. Regular communication and flexibility are important, as you may need to revise your compositions based on rehearsals or creative input from others. This collaborative process helps bring your musical vision to life while meeting the needs of the broader creative team.

How to find work as a music composer?

To find work as a music composer, build a strong portfolio of your compositions, network with industry professionals, and promote your work through online platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, or social media. Gaining experience through collaborations, internships, or freelance projects can also help establish your reputation and attract clients or employment opportunities.

What are musical composers?

Musical composers are individuals who create and write original music. They craft melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and structures for various types of compositions, such as songs, symphonies, film scores, or video game soundtracks. Composers may write music for orchestras, bands, solo instruments, choirs, or digital production. Their work involves a deep understanding of music theory and often collaboration with performers, conductors, and producers to bring their compositions to life.

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

To thrive as a Musical Composer, you need a deep understanding of music theory, composition techniques, and proficiency in at least one instrument, often supported by formal music education. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), notation software like Sibelius or Finale, and recording equipment is typically required. Creativity, strong collaboration skills, and the ability to accept feedback help composers excel in diverse musical projects. These skills and qualities enable composers to produce original, high-quality music that meets the artistic and technical needs of clients, performers, or audiences.
More about Musical Composer jobs
What states have the most Musical Composer jobs? States with the most job openings for Musical Composer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Musical Composer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Musical Composer jobs are:
Musical Composer jobs near you
Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in Music Composition

Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in Music Composition

University of Maryland Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Teach all composition introductory courses, Instrumentation, private lessons for music composition majors, senior projects for composition majors, and other courses based on expertise and interest.

  • Provide oversight of ancillary curricular experiences for composition majors, including studio classes, reading sessions, and professional performances of student works.

  • Arrange technical assistance for composer performances, coordinate collaborations with student ensembles and soloists, attend auditions, and recruit for the composition major.

Job description

Description
The Department of Music at UMBC seeks a well-qualified Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor (Full-time) in Music Composition, to begin August 17, 2026. This position is for one year with a possibility of a one year extension. This position will be responsible for all composition introductory courses (MUSC 311 and 312), Instrumentation (MUSC 224), private lessons for music composition majors, senior projects for composition majors (senior recital), and other courses based on the candidate's expertise and interest (the equivalent of 8 total courses per academic year). This individual will provide oversight of ancillary curricular experiences for the composition majors, including studio classes, reading sessions and professional performances of student works; will arrange technical assistance for composer performances and coordinate collaborations with student ensembles and soloists; attend auditions and recruit for the composition major. Applicants who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion by way of teaching, performing, publishing, or volunteer experiences are urged to submit an application.
Located in the heart of the culturally rich Baltimore-Washington corridor, the Department of Music is a growing, diverse, and supportive community enrolling 160 undergraduate majors. Housed in the University's striking new Performing Arts and Humanities Building, the music wing includes a 350-seat performance space with superior acoustics, 9-foot Steinway grand pianos, and fully equipped recording and keyboard labs. All tenure-track faculty maintain robust careers in performance, conducting, or composing on the regional and national level, with many having a research focus in contemporary art-music and some with creative activities that include music as a vehicle for civic engagement and social justice. In addition to its undergraduate degrees, the Department offers a post-baccalaureate Certificate in American Contemporary Music. See https://music.umbc.edu/ for more details.
UMBC, an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, is especially proud of the diversity of its student body and we seek to attract an equally diverse applicant pool for this position. We have a strong commitment to increasing faculty diversity and are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who are members of groups that historically have been underrepresented in the professoriate. We encourage applications from women, minority group members, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Qualifications
A master's degree or higher in music is required, along with evidence of teaching experience at the college level and administrative experience.
Application Instructions
The complete application package must include: a letter of interest including a detailed statement of qualifications and teaching philosophy, a current CV, dated links to scores and recordings (audio or video; no midi, please) for 3 works, a separate statement with examples addressing the capacity to respond in pedagogically productive ways to the learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds, and three reference contacts. Additional materials may be requested later. Those with experience employing culturally responsive approaches or integrating musical, social-emotional, or social justice learning goals are encouraged to highlight that in their materials.
For best consideration, please submit all application materials through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/186951) by June 8, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For questions, please contact Dr. Lisa Cella, Chair, Department of Music: cella@umbc.edu.

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