Which Orchestras Pay Musicians the Best?

By Maxim Slobodchikov · Art by Arina Shabanova · November 27th, 2025
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An analysis of orchestra salaries adjusted for cost of living across major U.S. cities

You're a world-class musician looking for a new gig.

Turns out, symphony orchestras across America pay wildly different salaries. Why?

Cost of living is one reason, but it doesn't tell the full story. Budgets are heavily shaped by donations and grants.

When adjusted for local cost of living, cities with strong cultural funding rise to the top of the salary leaderboard.

So which American cities value human artistry more?

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