How much do conductors get paid?

Question:

How much do conductors get paid?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: It depends on how well the conductor is known and on how much money the organization that runs the orchestra has.

For example, in classical music, James Levine is the conductor for the Metropolitan Opera, and is hugely highly regarded. Obviously, the Met can pay conductors a nice sum, and Mr. Levine is not confined to just conducting the Met operas: he can make recordings with other orchestras, and give performances with other orchestras.

It would be the same with non-classical conductors: depends on how good they are, how well-known, and how much the company or organization can or will pay.

Very top, elite conductors make a lot of money, one way or another. General, work-horse, everyday conductors don't.