* Job type: A professor at a research university will earn considerably more than a K-12 music teacher. Even within higher education, salaries differ greatly between institutions (large public universities vs. small private colleges).
* Location: Cost of living plays a significant role. Salaries in major metropolitan areas or states with higher teacher pay tend to be higher.
* Years of experience: Like most professions, salary increases with experience.
* Specific responsibilities: Within higher education, administrative roles or leadership positions will command higher salaries.
Possible Salary Ranges (Very Broad Estimates):
* K-12 Music Teacher: This is likely the lowest earning potential with a PhD in Music Ed. While a PhD might not be strictly required, it could enhance job prospects, especially in specialized positions. Salaries would be comparable to other experienced K-12 teachers in the area. Expect to look at state and district-specific salary schedules.
* Higher Education (Lecturer/Adjunct): These positions often pay hourly and can be quite variable, sometimes below a living wage.
* Higher Education (Assistant Professor): This is where the salary starts to become more substantial, but still varies widely between institutions and locations. Expect a range from the low $50,000s to well over $100,000 annually.
* Higher Education (Associate/Full Professor): With tenure and seniority, salaries can significantly increase, reaching $80,000-$150,000+ per year or more at top institutions. This is the highest earning potential.
* Administrative Roles (Department Head, Dean): Salaries for these positions would typically be in the six-figure range, dependent on institution size and prestige.
In short: There's no single answer. You need to research specific job postings and salary data for the types of positions you're interested in and the geographic locations you're considering. Sites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and Payscale can provide some helpful information, but keep in mind that these are just averages and may not be entirely accurate. University websites often list salary ranges for faculty positions.