How Much Do Music Directors and Composers Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Music Directors and Composers in California earns $93,090 per year and takes home $69,891 ($5,824/month) — a keep-rate of 75.1%, with 2,510 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $7,757.50 |
| Federal income tax | $970.81 |
| Social Security | $480.97 |
| Medicare | $112.48 |
| California state income tax | $368.98 |
| You keep | $5,824.26 |
How much do Music Directors and Composers make in California?
The median Music Directors and Composers in California earns $93,090 per year (BLS May 2025), about $44.76 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$93,090 gross in California keeps $69,891 after federal income tax ($11,650), FICA ($7,121) and state income tax ($4,428) — $5,824 per month, a 75.1% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Music Directors and Composers?
The California median is $19,380 above the national median of $73,710.
Which state pays Music Directors and Composers the most?
New Jersey has the highest median gross for Music Directors and Composers at $122,750 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Music Directors and Composers salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage