As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Music Professor in the United States is $99,901 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Music Professor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Music Professor's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Music Professor's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| College Instructor - Music | 0-0 years | $57,408 |
| College Assistant Professor - Music | 0-0 years | $66,597 |
| College Associate Professor - Music | 0-0 years | $76,661 |
| Music Professor | 0-0 years | $99,840 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Music Professors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 10.6% |
| Special Education | 3.06% |
| Economics | 1.23% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Building Relationships
|
$108,892 |
9%
|
|
Tutoring
|
$106,894 |
7%
|
|
Special Education
|
$105,895 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$105,895 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$103,897 |
4%
|
|
Programming
|
$103,897 |
4%
|
Music Professor salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $103,098. While startup companies pay approximate $88,094.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $88,094 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $92,946 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $99,806 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $103,098 |
For Music Professor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 14% above the average. Conversely, Music Professor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Music Professor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $113,680 | $55.0 | 14% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Music Professors enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Music Professor with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $97,025 and $119,886).
Music Professor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.3% |
| High School | 41.3% |
| Associates | 54.3% |
| Bachelors | 4.3% |
| Masters | 41.3% |
| Doctorate | 54.3% |
Understanding how a Music Professor's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Music Professor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,867 in 2023 to around $53,962 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Music Professor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $55,867 |
| 2024 | $55,153 |
| 2025 | $53,962 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The salary of a Music Professor in the USA typically ranges from a minimum of $83,001 to a maximum of $159,501, with a mid-range salary of $102,301. This reflects the diverse compensation levels based on experience, institution, and location within the academic field.
With a PhD in music, the salary range for a Music Professor is approximately $83,001 to $159,501, with a median salary around $102,301. Factors such as location, years of experience, and number of direct reports can influence your overall compensation.
University professors can indeed make six figures. For instance, a Music Professor's salary ranges from a minimum of $83,001 to a maximum of $159,501, with a mid-salary of $102,301. This indicates that many professors, especially in specialized fields, can earn a substantial income, often exceeding the six-figure mark.
Getting into Juilliard is highly competitive, with a rigorous selection process that evaluates talent, dedication, and potential. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional skill in their chosen discipline. For those considering a career as a Music Professor, salaries typically range from $83,001 to $159,501, reflecting the high level of expertise required in this prestigious field.
Getting into Juilliard is highly competitive, with a rigorous selection process that evaluates talent, skill, and potential. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional musical ability and artistry. While the journey can be challenging, the rewards include access to top-tier education and opportunities in the music field, with salaries for music professors ranging from $83,001 to $159,501.
Yes, a PhD can lead to higher salaries compared to a master's degree. For instance, Music Professors with a PhD can earn a minimum salary of $83,001, a mid-salary of $102,301, and a maximum salary of $159,501. This difference reflects the advanced expertise and qualifications that PhD holders bring to their roles.
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