As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Music Professor in the United States is $99,701 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:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
AI-Powered HR
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 | $57,451 |
| College Assistant Professor - Music | 0-0 years | $66,597 |
| College Associate Professor - Music | 0-0 years | $76,593 |
| Music Professor | 0-0 years | $99,668 |
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
|
$108,674 |
9%
|
|
Tutoring
|
$106,680 |
7%
|
|
Special Education
|
$105,683 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$105,683 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$103,689 |
4%
|
|
Programming
|
$103,689 |
4%
|
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 January 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
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Music Professor and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Music Professor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
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.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
