The career path for a graduate with a Master’s in Music Education can vary from public schools and private schools, postsecondary schools, choir or ensemble directors to private instruction. Salary ranges vary depending not only on region, but also on the chosen area of instruction.
The salary range for different positions can vary:
| Position | Median Advertised Salary* |
|---|---|
| Music Director | $54,000 |
| Choir Directors | $60,000 |
| Music Teachers – Secondary School | $63,200 |
| Music Therapists | $63,000 |
*Source: Lightcast
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wages, indicates the median annual wage for postsecondary art, drama and music teachers is $77,280 per year. Regionally, the report shows that with a few exceptions, the highest annual wage for postsecondary music teachers occurs in the northeast and California, with annual mean wages reaching $132,490 per year. Areas of the Midwest and Northwest generally have lower salaries than the rest of the nation.
This report also indicates that the highest saturation of employment opportunities is available in the states of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Illinois. These states have annual mean wages of $77,720 to $105,420. For postsecondary music education professors, the BLS reports median wages of $69,010 per year.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the postsecondary teaching job outlook to be “good to excellent” until at least 2033 for teachers in general in both primary and secondary schools. In general, the BLS predicts that teaching professionals can expect a 8% job growth rate, outpacing other professions and industries in the same time frame, well above the less than 1% growth expected across all occupations in the same time frame.
As more and more adults turn to musical instruction to reignite their passion and creativity, private instruction rates will continue to rise. With recent studies showing playing an instrument or singing can significantly reduce stress; adults are choosing to take private lessons. Private musical instructors — depending on background, instrument and location — have a median advertised salary of $73,100, according to labor analytics platform Lightcast.
Whether master’s in music education graduates want to pursue teaching music to children, adults, or seniors, these reports indicate that there are a wide variety of positions and salaries that could be available. With the predicted increase in job growth for teachers nationally and with the increasing opportunities for private instruction, job opportunities in music should continue to rise over the next decade.
The University of Florida’s Online Master of Music in Music Education program is designed with the evolution of music education in mind. In addition to covering a broad array of music genres, the program’s curriculum explores advanced concepts in music education psychology, instructional design, and technology in the music classroom. The faculty include instructors from a diverse range of professional backgrounds— from professional musicians to internationally recognized music education researchers and authors.
To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Music in Music Education and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
Benefit from the UF’s heritage of academic excellence and complete a 100% online program offered by a NASM- and CAEP-accredited university.
