When ranked by base pay for musicians, the Minnesota Orchestra would move from 8th to 18th among other U.S. orchestras if the current contract proposal is adopted.
1. Chicago Symphony Orchestra$144,040
2. Los Angeles Philharmonic$143,260
3. San Francisco Symphony$141,700
4. New York Philharmonic$134,940
5. Boston Symphony$132,028
6. National Symphony$126,984
7. Cleveland Orchestra$120,120
8. Minnesota Orchestra$111,566
9. Philadelphia Orchestra$108,750
10. Pittsburgh Symphony$100,110
11. Cincinnati Symphony$96,730
12. Dallas Symphony$90,814
13. Houston Symphony$82,160
14. Atlanta$81,640
15. St. Louis Symphony$80,680 (43-week season)
16. Detroit Symphony$79,000 (40-week season)
17. Indianapolis Symphony$78,000
18. Baltimore Symphony$65,000
19. Utah Symphony$59,000
20. San Diego Symphony$57,708 (42-week season)
Notes: Salary figures are for base pay; principals and veteran musicians earn more. Several orchestras on the list are in the midst of labor talks that could change their ranking. All salaries based on 52-week season unless noted.
Source: International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians.
