A music career is usually not chosen as it is an easy path to financial success and more paths for passion. Few people will make it as the next big pop star, but there are still plenty of other opportunities that require musical skills. Luckily there are many paying jobs in the music industry.
To frame this list, we looked at the average salary and requirements needed to succeed in many different music-related fields, from cover bands to music lawyers. Some of the jobs listed here can be performed by someone very skilled in certain instruments and other areas. Others require an apprentice or advanced degree.
We will look at high school students and future careers, ensuring that your love for music will lead to a successful career.
*Note: Most payroll information is from Endquient.com and Ziprecruiter.com, and represents the average annual or hourly wage for each job in the US in March 2025.
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Performance music career
Cottonbro Studio via Pexel
1. Session Musician
Sometimes called a session musician, this job is also known as a backing musician or studio musician. These people are often hired for a one-off specific project and are not part of a formal band. Session musicians may be hired to play certain instruments and provide backing vocals.
Average Salary: $52,774 Education/Training: Music Talent, Formal or Self-Taught Music Education Antoni Shkraba Production
2. Bandleader
Bandleaders have many responsibilities, including the choice of setlists and arrangements, as well as key rehearsals and performances. They may also be responsible for managing the business side of things.
Average Salary: $57,114 Education/Training: Music Talent, Formal or Self-Taught Music Education Cotton Bro Studio Pexel
3. Conductor
The music conductor is responsible for directing the choir or orchestra in both rehearsals and performances. They must consistently set the tempo of the music and unify the musicians while controlling the interpretation of the work.
Average Salary: $49,395 Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in Music, Master’s degree in Conductor, Music Theory, or Composition RDNE Equity Project via PEXELS
4. Cover band musician
With a lot of demand for covers and tribute bands, deciding to go this route is a surefire way to get a gig. You can play at concerts, weddings and many other features.
Average Salary: $40,000 Education/Training: Music Talent, Formal or Self-Taught Music Education Gaby Tenda
5. DJ
Disc jockeys, also known as DJs, often entertain the audience by playing music recorded with a variety of features. They also interact with the audience, including announcing bridal parties at their weddings.
Average Salary: Hourly Fees for Education/Training from $50 to $500: Music Talent, Formal or Self-Taught Music Education Makes LAN via Pexel
6. Accompanist
Accompanists are the perfect job for anyone with a piano background, but they may also need a vocalist.
Average Salary: $40,000 Education/Training: Music Talent, Formal or Self-Taught Music Education KRES Thomas via Pexels
7. Military Musician
The military employs musicians who play a variety of roles while serving in the military. These include performances in marching bands, jazz bands and more. These musicians may also perform at events such as parades and funerals.
Average Salary: $53,000 Education/Training: Music Talent, Formal or Self-Taught Music Education Tima Miroshnichenko
8. Jingle Writer
Why not you, as someone has to write all the catchy jingles you’ve heard in the commercials? Jingle Writer specializes in composing simple music, which is used for advertising across a variety of forms of media.
Average Salary: $35 per hour Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in music or powerful knowledge of composition and various music genres
Music careers in production and engineering
Ronlach via Pexel
9. Sound Engineer
Sound or audio engineers have the ability to master a variety of audio equipment and software used to create music and sounds for various media such as music and film. These help ensure the quality of the sound produced through equalization and dynamic processing.
Average Salary: $75,000 Education/Training: Bachelor’s Degree in Audio Engineering or Music Technology via Boris Pavlikovsky
10. Instrument Engineer
Instrument engineers usually specialize in certain types of instruments, such as strings and brass. They can do a lot of things, such as repairs and restoring instruments. They can also provide advice on long-term care of the instrument.
Average Salary: $30 per hour Education/Training: Expert in Understanding and Functioning the Instrument Tima Miro Shunikenko via PEXELS
11. Copy list
Copylists play an important role in the music field by creating final sheet music that can be distributed to members of musical ensemble. They are responsible for proofreading and organizing the music used in studio sessions or live performances.
Average Salary: $40,000 Education/Training: Through Pexel via Ron Lach, who is extremely skilled in the field of music writing and composition
12. Studio designer
Studio designers are practical in designing and building entire studios or entire functional spaces, such as separate booths and control rooms. It requires extensive knowledge of sound, architecture, audio recording, and more.
Average Salary: $115,000 Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in Production, Recording, Architecture, or Acoustic Science is Engineering via PEXELS
13. Assistant Engineer
Assistant engineers will assist lead engineers in the way they need to. Their duties include mic adjustments, minor fixes to equipment, mobile devices, and anything they actually need. It is a highly sought-after entry-level position and can be seen as an apprentice.
Average Salary: $60,000 Education/Training: Bachelor’s Degree in Audio Engineering/Music Production Yasin Aydın
14. Music Photographer
Amazing photography skills require not only capturing bands and other musicians, but also a keen understanding of lighting and shooting in dynamic environments. You can also build a portfolio and work on a network to book jobs.
Average Salary: $44,000 Education/Training: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Photography, but not required
Music career in business
RDNE Stock Project via PEXELS
15. Reservation Agent
Reservation agents will definitely want to have a network to establish a roster of musicians and music acts. Once we have a client, we will work with talent buyers, concert promoters, festival directors and more.
Average Salary: $40,000 Education/Training: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, or Public Relations via Pexel Mikhail Nilov
16. Business Manager
A business management company or business manager handles various aspects of the financial and negotiation needs of musical acts.
Average Salary: $80,000 Education/Training: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management
17. Concert Promoter
The concert promoter is responsible for organizing and planning live events by working with the venue to book talent. They are also responsible for promoting the conduct.
Average Salary: $45,000 Education/Training: Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Management, Communication and Marketing
18. Entertainment Lawyer
Musicians hire entertainment lawyers to help with legal contracts. They also negotiate various contracts and producer contracts.
Average Salary: $120,000 Education/Training: Graduate Law Degree
Music education career
Ksenia Chernaya via Pexel
19. Music teacher (from K to 12th grade)
Kindergarten to 12th grade music teachers teach students about various aspects of music. They usually teach in school settings, but may also work in community centers and music academies.
Average Salary: $54,000 Education/Training: In addition to a bachelor’s degree in music education, as well as a certificate/licensing requirement for state Tima Milos Nichenko via PEXELS
20. Music Therapist
Music therapists are certain types of counselors who work with individuals to support mental health challenges by singing, playing instruments and listening to music.
Average Salary: $27 per hour Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy and Required Fieldwork
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