Musical Theatre: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Musical Theatre graduates vary by role and location. Producers and Directors earn a median of $83,480 annually, while Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $80,190. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Jersey average $103,480 compared to $48,383 in South Dakota. Approximately 345,130 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 120 accredited institutions offer Musical Theatre degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) (129 graduates), Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) (61 graduates), and Berklee College of Music (57 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 175 in 2010 to 1,157 in 2023-24. This represents a 561% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Producers and Directors, Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, and Music Directors and Composers. Related occupations employ approximately 345,130 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.