Composers and Arrangers

Employment of music directors and composers is projected to grow by 3 percent from 2014 to 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor predicts, or more slowly than the average for all careers. Although there are no reliable statistics on the number of people who make their living solely from composing and/or arranging, the general consensus is that very few people can sustain themselves through composing and arranging alone. The field is highly competitive and crowded with highly talented people trying to have their music published and played. There are only a limited number of commissions, grants, and awards available at any time, and the availability of these is often subjected to changes in the economy. On the other hand, many films continue to be made each year, particularly as cable television companies, Amazon, and Netflix produce more original programs.