We used the latest data and insights to identify the highest paying music jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
Have you ever wondered what the highest-paying music jobs are?Â
The music industry is a big business. While not everyone gets to work with Beyoncé or Taylor Swift, many people dream of making it big in this industry. But how do you know which jobs will pay the most?Â
Here are some of the highest-paying music careers:
Table of Contents
#10. Concert Promoter
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $26,000 per year
- High Range: $54,000 per year
- Median Pay: $37,406 per year
What do they do?
A concert promoter is responsible for booking, managing, and promoting concerts. They help artists schedule shows and negotiate contracts with venues.Â
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Industry veterans may tell you that you can get into this field without a degree or certification as long as you can solve problems. But a bachelor’s degree in business or marketing can help you land a job. You should also have strong communication skills and a passion for music.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Promoters often work for independent concert halls, music venues, and festivals. You can also find jobs at large companies that specialize in event planning and management.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can get a job as a promoter by networking with other people in the music business. You may also be able to find jobs through online job boards or by contacting music venues directly.
Should you become a concert promoter?
#9. Recording Artist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $17,000 per year
- High Range: $77,500 per year
- Median Pay: $37,954 per year
What do they do?
A recording artist is someone who creates music and records it. Recording artists are often known as singers but include rappers, DJs, producers, and instrumentalists. These artists write songs and perform them during live shows or in the studio.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
According to Zippia, 63% of these music professionals have a bachelor’s degree in music, communication, or entertainment business.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Companies that hire recording artists include record labels, radio stations, music studios, and production companies.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get into this job as a recording artist is by creating your own music and networking with people in the industry. You can also attend a music school or college for training.
What’s it like to be a recording artist?
#8. Music Teacher
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $29,000 per year
- High Range: $71,000 per year
- Median Pay: $44,571 per year
What do they do?
Music teachers teach students how to play musical instruments. They also help their students develop their skills and perform in school plays. Music teachers work with students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults who want to learn how to sing opera or play an instrument.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
You need a bachelor’s degree in music education, which many universities offer. In addition to teaching skills and techniques, you will also learn how to plan lessons and activities for students of different ages.
Who’s hiring for this job?
You can find jobs as music teachers in public and private schools. Some music teachers also work at music stores or community centers, teaching lessons to people of all backgrounds.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can get a degree in music education, which will give you the skills needed to teach children. You may also want to take classes related to music theory and history to better understand how music works. Once you have a degree and experience, you can look for jobs as a music teacher.
How do you become a music teacher?
#7. Audio Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $33,000 per year
- High Range: $88,000 per year
- Median Pay: $53,752 per year
What do they do?
Audio engineers are responsible for the recording and mixing of music. They set up microphones, record instruments, create mixes, and ensure that the recordings sound clear and professional.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Aspiring audio engineers should have a bachelor’s degree in sound engineering, music technology, or recording arts. They also need to understand the technical aspects of audio engineering, such as how microphones and sound equipment work.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Audio engineers can find jobs at recording studios, radio stations, and video production companies. They may also work as freelancers or start their own businesses.
What is the best way to get this job?
To get an entry-level job as an audio engineer, you should take recording arts and engineering classes. You also intern at local studios to better understand what they do.
What’s it like to be an audio engineer?
#6. Music Therapist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $31,500 per year
- High Range: $108,500 per year
- Median Pay: $59,458 per year
What do they do?
Music therapists help people who are dealing with physical, mental, and emotional problems. They use music as a form of therapy by helping patients express themselves through singing or playing instruments.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become a music therapist, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in music therapy or a related field like psychology. You may also need to complete an internship with a registered music therapist before getting your license.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Many hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers hire music therapists. You can also find jobs at schools that offer music therapy programs or through private clinics that specialize in this type of therapy.
What is the best way to get this job?
Once you have your degree, you can get hired as an intern at a hospital or nursing home and work toward getting your license. You may also consider taking courses in music psychology to learn more about the subject before applying for a job.
What’s it like to be a music therapist?
#5. Choreographer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Zippia
- Low Range: $32,000 per year
- High Range: $115,000 per year
- Median Pay: $60,957 per year
What do they do?
A choreographer creates dances for stage productions, music videos, and other performances. They may also help train dancers for productions or provide technical assistance during rehearsals.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Choreographers typically need a bachelor’s degree in dance or a related field, such as theater or music. Many choreographers also earn graduate degrees in dance. They may also have some experience working professionally in dance before becoming choreographers.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Choreographers work with a wide range of organizations. They might work for dance studios, theaters, or other venues that host performances. Some choreographers create dances for movies and television shows. Others are self-employed and create dances for their own productions.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can become a choreographer by starting out as an apprentice or assistant under another choreographer. You may then move up to the assistant director or stage manager of productions if you’re not already involved with these roles.
What’s it like to be a choreographer?
#4. Music Production Supervisor
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $19,500 per year
- High Range: $118,500 per year
- Median Pay: $62,490 per year
What do they do?
Music production supervisors oversee all aspects of a music video or film’s production. They work closely with music directors and other creatives to ensure that the final product meets their artistic vision.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most music production supervisors have a strong background in music and/or film. They also often have experience working as a producer or assistant director for other projects. However, the most common requirement is a bachelor’s degree in film, music, or related fields.
Who’s hiring for this job?
One of the best places to find jobs as a music production supervisor is with major studios or television networks. These companies often need people with experience working on films and videos.Â
If you want to work in this field, it’s important to get some experience before applying for jobs that require a bachelor’s degree.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get this music job is to get experience working in the film and video industry. Many people start out as assistants or interns on projects. Then work their way up the ladder until they are ready for a more senior role.
Should you become a music production supervisor?
#3. Artist Manager
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $44,000 per year
- High Range: $125,000 per year
- Median Pay: $73,616 per year
What do they do?
An artist manager helps artists develop their careers. They work with singers, dancers, actors, and other performers to plan out their careers, create contracts and find opportunities for work. These music professionals also help with marketing and publicity efforts.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Artist managers need a degree in business, marketing, or communications. They also need to have experience working with artists. Finally, a background in public relations will helps these professionals to promote their clients’ work as well as their personal brands.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Companies that hire artist managers include record labels, entertainment agencies, and independent artists. Some artist managers work directly with their clients, while others are employed by a company that provides this service.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get a job as an artist manager is to have experience in the music industry. It can be helpful to start out as an intern or assistant before working your way up to managing artists.
How do you become an artist manager?
#2. Music Attorney
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Comparably
- Low Range: $12,500 per year
- High Range: $199,500 per year
- Median Pay: $77,439 per year
What do they do?
A music attorney is a high-paying job in the music industry. These people specialize in copyright law and contract negotiations.Â
They help songwriters, bands, producers, and record companies protect their intellectual property rights. This means ensuring people don’t steal or use songs without permission and compensation.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Music attorneys must have a bachelor’s degree and a law degree. Then they must pass the bar exam in the state where they want to practice. In addition, music attorneys need excellent writing skills, knowledge of copyright law, and contract negotiation.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Music attorneys work for record companies and music publishers. They also may be self-employed or work for a law firm.
What is the best way to get this job?
Once you have graduated from law school, you can apply for a job as a music attorney. To practice this profession, you must pass your state’s bar exam. You can also work as an assistant to a music attorney or get an internship at a record company or publishing house.
Should you become a music attorney?
#1. Acoustical Consultant
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $56,000 per year
- High Range: $156,000 per year
- Median Pay: $92,539 per year
What do they do?
An acoustical consultant is someone who designs and installs soundproofing materials in buildings. They also design audio systems for music, film, and theater productions. You may be hired as a consultant by architects or other professionals who need help with designing spaces that are quiet enough to use.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most acoustic consultants have a degree in architecture, mechanical or acoustical engineering. They also need to be able to read blueprints and do basic math calculations, such as calculating how much soundproofing material is needed for a room.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Architects, construction companies, and property managers may hire you as an acoustic consultant. You could also work for a company that designs audio systems for music, film, and theater productions.
What is the best way to get this job?
Start by getting a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. You can then look for entry-level positions as an acoustic consultant at a design firm or construction company. You may also be able to find work in other fields related to acoustics, such as audio engineering or recording studio design.
Should you become an acoustical consultant?
Conclusion
Music is an art form that has been around for centuries. The need for musicians has remained consistent over time. In fact, you could say that the demand for people who can play music has been on the rise.
The reason? Well, let’s face it: whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, listening to music is something we all do. It’s not just an activity—it’s a lifestyle choice we make every day.
With more and more ways of getting our hands on music than ever before (streaming services, apps like Spotify), it’s safe to say that we will be listening more often as well.
If you’ve been feeling like your skills aren’t being put to good use, consider one of these high-paying music industry jobs.
