Raksha
The hourly rates charged by freelance music composers on Twine range from $25 to $500, with an average rate of $150 per hour. As a client, you may find that some composers offer flexible hourly rates while others provide project-based pricing — choose the model that aligns with your budget. Freelance music composer hourly rates can range from $25 to $500. This translates to an annual salary of between $52,000-$1,040,000.
Factors That Influence Music Composer Rates
The cost to hire a music composer can vary widely depending on several factors, including the composer’s experience, skill level, location, and the complexity of the project. Here are some cost factors to consider:
1. Experience and Expertise
The level of experience and expertise a composer brings to the table can significantly impact their hourly rates. Seasoned composers with years of industry experience and a notable portfolio often command higher rates compared to those who are just starting.
2. Project Complexity and Scope
The complexity and scope of the project also play a crucial role in determining composer rates. Composing a simple jingle for a local advertisement will likely cost less than creating a full orchestral score for a feature film. More intricate projects require additional time, skill, and resources, thus influencing the hourly rate.
3. Industry Demand and Competition
The level of demand for composers in a particular industry, coupled with the level of competition, can affect hourly rates. In highly competitive markets with high demand for skilled composers, rates may be driven up, whereas in less saturated markets, rates may be more negotiable.
4. Urgency
If your project is urgent, expect rush fees — starting early helps you save money and secure top music composer talent.
Freelance Music Composer Hourly Rates by Project Type
Based on our network of 750,000+ freelancers and thousands of jobs posted through Twine, here’s a more detailed breakdown of freelance music composer’s hourly rates:
Project Complexity | Beginner Composer ($/hour) | Mid-Level Composer (/hour) | Senior Composer ($/hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
Small Project (Simple jingles, short explainer videos) | $25 – $50 | $50 – $75 | $75+ |
Medium Project (Corporate videos, short films, podcasts) | $50 – $75 | $75 – $125 | $125+ |
Large Project (Feature films, AAA video games, major commercials) | $75 – $125 | $125 – $175 | $175+ |
If you’d like any extra help, here are a few other articles we’ve written on the topic:
- Find out what makes a good project brief
- How to write the perfect music composer job description
- Find out the cost of hiring freelancers
- Top websites to find and hire music composers
- Learn about the cost to commission an original music composition
