How to become a Composer
Writes new, and rearranges existing, musical compositions such as songs, operas, symphonies and other musical scores for use in live performance, commercials, film, television and digital games.
Main tasks
- Writes new musical compositions in various genres and styles for use in live performance, commercials, films, television and digital games
- Creates new versions of existing compositions by adding or removing musical elements such as instruments, melodies, harmonies or rhythms
- Conducts research and studies different musical styles and techniques
- Selects the appropriate equipment and works with audio engineers to ensure that compositions meet client requirements
- Collaborates with directors, producers, music supervisors, Audio Engineers and musicians to achieve desired musical effect
- May attend rehearsals and performances to provide guidance and make adjustments to compositions
Ways in
- University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- University: Creative Arts & Design degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Music (CUA60520); Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA60620); Certificate III in Music (CUA30920); Certificate II in Music (CUA20620); Certificate IV in Music (CUA40920); Certificate IV in Musical Theatre (CUA40520); Diploma of Music (CUA50820); Diploma of Musical Theatre (CUA50220)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $91,832 a year
- About 10,700 people work in this job group now, and about 11,800 are projected by 2035. (+11%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Composer?
Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Creative Arts & Design degrees; Advanced Diploma of Music; Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media.
How much does a Composer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $91,832 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Composer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 10,700 to about 11,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Composer?
Usually. 64% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Composer?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04