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Also known as: Music Composer, Film Scorer, Songwriter, Orchestrator
You settle into your acoustically treated home studio in Burbank, California, the morning light filtering through the blinds. Your first task is always coffee and checking project emails, then reviewing yesterday's progress on the indie film score. You boot up your powerful custom PC, launching Logic Pro X. The main theme, still in its nascent stage, appears on screen. Today, you're tackling the film's opening sequence, starting with a simple piano sketch to establish the emotional core.
The job outlook for composers is stable through 2035, meaning there will likely be consistent opportunities. Many composers start in junior roles, developing their skills before taking on more complex projects. With experience, you can advance to positions such as Senior Composer or Music Director, leading larger musical productions and teams.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$50,000 - $120,000 per year
Estimated for US-wide average
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Music Theory and Composition
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Music Technology
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Music, General
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Music Performance, General
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Jazz/Jazz Studies
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Sound Arts
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years