12 Jobs in the Music Industry

Despite the competitiveness of a music career, this field can lead to many rewarding opportunities. Not only do you get to develop your craft, but you also have the opportunity to share your passion and creative point of view with the world. Knowing the music jobs available makes it easier to determine exactly what you want to do with your future career. In this article, we explain the benefits of a music career and list 12 music jobs that pay over $30,000 per year.

Related: How To Get Into the Music Industry

What are the benefits of a music career?

Whether you create success and fame, a career in music can present you with many benefits. Knowing these benefits can make it easier for you to determine whether you want to pursue your passion professionally. Here are some of the benefits of pursuing a career in music:

• Alternative lifestyle: Many music jobs offer a schedule much different compared to the typical 9-to-5 career. Musicians often lead exciting lifestyles and have the opportunity to manage their own schedule which can lead to greater flexibility and job satisfaction.

• Collaborative creativity: A music career allows you to work alongside other creatives with a similar passion. This helps you create a connection with other musicians and gives you an opportunity to create something with others in your industry.

• Job variety: Musicians have a lot of variety when it comes to job opportunities. While you can always perform, you can also teach or serve as a mentor or promoter for a musician.

Related: Jobs for Music Lovers: 15 Jobs Where You Can Make, Work With and Listen To Music

12 music jobs

If you're interested in a music career, you have many paths to choose from. To find a worthwhile job opportunity in this field, determine your skills, experience and passion. Consider these 12 music careers that earn over $30,000 per year:

1. Music minister

National average salary: $30,090 per year

Primary duties: A music minister is a director of music in a place of worship such as a church or synagogue. They train the choir, plan the songs and the use of instruments for each performance, and they conduct the singers and other musicians. Music ministers also create a performance schedule for the musicians.

2. Booking agent

National average salary: $30,534 per year

Primary duties: Booking agents find jobs for a variety of entertainment professionals such as actors, authors, musicians, models and film directors. They scout talent, coordinate their appearances and performances, find potential gigs and negotiate contracts on their client's behalf.

3. Sound engineer

National average salary: $33,444 per year

Primary duties: Sound engineers handle the technical aspect of performance. They produce a live or recorded performance by mixing, reproducing and adjusting various sound sources.

Related: 21 Jobs in the Music Technology Industry (With Salaries)

4. Conductor

National average salary: $34,380 per year

Primary duties: Conductors direct an orchestra or choir's performance. They help unify performers, set the pace and tempo and shape the sound of the performance.

5. Music director

National average salary: $34,536 per year

Primary duties: Music directors oversee the aspects of a musical performance, program, production or organization. Some of their duties include coordinating fundraisers, developing budgets, transcribing musical compositions, auditioning musicians and conducting music rehearsals.

6. Singer

National average salary: $39,728 per year

Primary duties: Singers vocalize musical sounds with the right tone and pitch using their own voice. While some singer sing solo, others sing as part of a group. Singers sing in different styles such as pop, jazz or country.

7. Road manager

National average salary: $39,838 per year

Primary duties: Road managers works with small- or medium-sized bands. They make hotel and venue arrangements, ensure the fulfillment of media obligations and support the rest of the road crew.

8. Musician

National average salary: $47,620 per year

Primary duties: Musicians play various musical instruments for a profession. They may perform solo or as part of a group, band or orchestra. Musicians perform for recordings or for a live audience, audition for different music gigs or groups, practice their instruments, rehearse for their performances and book gigs.

9. Music teacher

National average salary: $55,016 per year

Primary duties: Music teachers plan and prepare music lesson plans for their students. They assign music-related homework, test their student's knowledge, prepare them for exams and work with them on music events.

10. Pianist

National average salary: $55,827 per year

Primary duties: Pianists play the piano for a living. They practice their piano-playing skills, play at their performances, teach piano lessons and compose their own music.

Related: 7 Careers in Classical Music (With Job Duties and Salaries)

11. Audio engineer

National average salary: $59,488 per year

Primary duties: Audio engineers produce a recording or a live performance by adjusting the sound through various audio effects. They use and maintain various machinery and equipment. Audio engineers also ensure the sound quality, set the volume level and work alongside producers and performers.

12. Production supervisor

National average salary: $62,184 per year

Primary duties: Production supervisors oversee a company's production staff. They manage the production and the staff, ensuring a smooth process while maintaining employee safety. Production supervisors also troubleshoot problems, delegate relevant tasks to team members and identify areas where they can help improve efficiency.

Related: Learn About Being a Production Supervisor

Tips for starting a career in music

To start your music career, it's important to set the right foundation. Knowing how to make the most of your career and how to stay passionate can help you find success in the industry. Here are some tips to help you pursue a career in music:

• Know your goals. Have a good understanding of what you want to do regarding music and how you want to get there. Doing this ensures you're consistently pursuing your music goals. Keep in mind that your goals and aspirations may differ from someone else's.
  

• Have a way to make a living. Since many musicians don't make a steady income with music for a while, make sure you have a source of income to rely on in the meantime. Having a backup plan can help you survive financially and even motivate you to work as hard as you can to make music your full-time job.
  

• Keep making music. As the musical climate continues to change, it's important to continue perfecting your craft. Continue practicing to help you improve your musical skills and present you with more opportunities.

Related: 15 Jobs for Music Lovers (With Salaries)