If you’re always humming the latest tunes, spending all your spare cash on concerts, and obsessing over new and emerging artists, then a career in the music industry could be just right for you. And although becoming a pop star or musician would be the dream job for many, there are many more avenues you can explore!
From behind the scenes to on the stage, we’ve listed the top 25 jobs in the industry for the ultimate music lovers.
1. Music producer
Average salary: $82,510/year
Many artists these days like to produce and manage their own records, from start to finish, but there are many successful music producers that artists choose to work with for inspiration.
Take the late Sir George Martin, for example, who worked alongside the Beatles, helping them become the most popular rock group in history. If you want to follow in his legendary footsteps, you should focus on obtaining a bachelor’s degree in music technology first.
2. Music journalist
Average salary: $57,500/year
If you want a rewarding career that will combine your love for music and writing, you could consider a path in music journalism. You’ll not only get to attend all the latest gigs as a VIP, but your readers will also rely on your expert opinion on what’s hot and what’s not.
Although this is undoubtedly a competitive profession to enter, you could get your foot in the door at a major newspaper or magazine through an internship program.
3. Songwriter
Average salary: $39.14/hour
Melodies and catchy lyrics don’t write themselves, and while some artists are poetically gifted, others aren’t, so they rely on the expert skills of professional songwriters.
This is where you’ll play a part and write perfect words to accompany the music. You don’t necessarily need a higher education qualification, but a degree in creative writing could be beneficial.
4. Music lawyer
Average salary: $145,760/year
Entertainment attorneys provide legal advice and representation to individual artists and bands. They deal with copyright and contract law, and they arrange deals on behalf of their clients.
The best way to qualify in such a niche area of law is to get experience in the field and secure a training contract with a record label.
5. Music therapist
Average salary: $75,660/year
Music therapists work with patients to manage their pain, stress, and mental or emotional challenges through the power of music. They arrange activities and programs according to their patients’ needs.
Although this job requires an interest in music, you’ll also need a degree in psychology to help you succeed.
6. Concertmaster
Average salary: Variable
Concertmasters are the leaders of the first violin section of an orchestra, and they also often perform as soloists. They work closely with the conductor and have years of classical training as well as a degree from music performance programs.
7. Conductor
Average salary: Variable
If you have excellent management skills as well as an ear for symphonies, a career as a conductor could be ideal for you. As a conductor, you’ll be responsible for managing orchestras, choirs or groups of musicians through visual gestures.
Although it sounds simple, it can be extremely challenging to control over 20 people playing different instruments at the same time.
8. Booking agent
Average salary: $132,810/year
If you’re a people-person and you have the gift of the gab, a career as a booking agent could be ideal for you! You’ll be responsible for arranging the best gigs, appearances and shows for your client.
As an agent, you could manage a handful of celebrities at the same time, ensuring they all have the very best deals.
9. Road manager
Average salary: Variable
A road manager, otherwise known as a tour manager, travels with bands and musicians while touring.
Their primary responsibility is to ensure that everything runs smoothly, which usually requires meticulous planning taking into consideration accommodation arrangements, money handling, media interactions and other necessities like hair and makeup.
10. DJ
Average salary: $20.94/hour
Are you a turntable genius who knows how to mix the top club bangers? If you’re somewhat of a night owl, this music job could be ideal for you! You’ll not only get to have fun while working, but you’ll also create a large and loyal following.
11. Singer
Average salary: $39.14/hour
If you like being the star of the show and have great vocals as well as star quality, then you might want to consider following your dream of becoming the next Ariana Grande.
In today’s digital age, there are many outlets that can help you make a name for yourself and become a singer. For example, you could upload a video on YouTube and hope that a producer spots it or even apply to a talent show such as The Voice.
12. Artist and repertoire coordinator
Average salary: $132,810/year
If you’re that person who discovers bands and singers before they become big, and you have a good ear for fresh talent, then a career as an A&R coordinator could be perfect for you!
You’ll need to have a personable and outgoing personality and a large network of industry leaders. A degree in PR and communications will also be advantageous.
13. Audio engineer
Average salary: $54,160/year
As a sound engineer (also known as an audio or recording engineer), you’ll get to work on the technical side of music, which involves mixing, splicing and editing songs for albums. Although this role isn’t considered the most glamorous in the music business, it’s an essential part of the process that cannot be overlooked.
14. Music event organizer
Average salary: $56,920/year
There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes when arranging a concert or a music festival — from booking the artists to ordering equipment and marketing the gig. But if you’re good at organizing events, and you want free attendance while you’re at it, you could follow a career in concert organization and planning.
15. Music teacher
Average salary: $50,390/year
Not everyone is made for the stage or studio — and that’s okay! If you want to share your gift with others, you can become a teacher either at a music school, college or university.
Whether you specialize in a specific instrument or music in general, it will feel extremely rewarding when you share your knowledge and expertise with others.
16. Background singer
Average salary: $39.14/hour
If you prefer blending into the background and don’t like being the center of attention, you could become a background singer. You’ll perform with solo artists or sing with other musicians in a recording studio or on live television.
17. Radio DJ
Average salary: $20.94/hour
Radio DJs differ from regular DJs, as they typically host a radio show and discuss news and other topics in between songs. If you feel like you have the personality and voice to be on the air, you can consider becoming the next Howard Stern or Nicholas Grimshaw. And if you’re not certain, why not work as an apprentice at your local radio station first?
18. Program director
Average salary: $82,510/year
A program director is essentially responsible for the entire radio show. They decide on the content and tone, and they give clear directions to the radio show’s host. The program director is the person in charge of the station’s schedule and creative flow.
19. Music director
Average salary: $62,590/year
Music directors work closely with program directors to craft the musical playlist for a radio show. They’re also in charge of liaising with artists, listeners and promoters, and monitoring listeners’ engagement by carrying out analytical research.
20. Record label owner
Average salary: Variable
With the right connections, financial backing and knowledge, you could begin your own record label and become an entrepreneur in your own right like many others before you. However, along with ambition, you’ll need a background in business and connections with producers and marketers that will be willing to go with you.
21. Sound technician
Average salary: $54,160/year
Although the roles of sound technicians and sound engineers sound similar, there are differences between the two professions.
Sound (or audio) technicians are tasked with setting up sound and recording equipment, performing routine maintenance, identifying problems and carrying out repairs.
After gaining enough experience, audio technicians often go on to work as sound engineers, who are trained to enhance audio files and achieve the desired artistic outcome.
22. Composer
Average salary: $62,590/year
Although music prodigies like Mozart commonly come to mind when we hear the word “composer”, the term nowadays refers to anyone who writes music, be it classical or belonging to any other genre.
Oftentimes, though, when we use the term “composer”, we are referring to someone who writes film or video game scores or music to be performed by ensembles, as opposed to someone who writes more mainstream pieces.
23. Talent manager
Average salary: $132,810/year
Talent managers have one of the highest-paying music careers. Unlike talent agents, who focus on uncovering and securing work opportunities for music artists, talent managers are responsible for their career development and strategic decision making.
Navigating the music industry can be tough, for both new and established artists, meaning if you choose to pursue this career path and make a name for yourself, your services are going to be in high demand.
24. Tour promoter
Average salary: $69,550/year
Sometimes referred to as talent buyers and concert promoters, these professionals approach artists (or, rather, their agents or managers) aiming to negotiate and sign live performance contracts.
Tour promoters are responsible for obtaining venue bookings and pricing the event, and in some cases may also provide transportation to and from the venue for the artist. To create sold-out shows and become successful in this line of work, in-depth knowledge of the market and target audiences is vital.
25. Public relations specialist
Average salary: $66,750/year
Well-thought-out PR campaigns can play an essential role in the success of artists, regardless of how long they have been making music for. PR specialists can help build a reputable image for their clients, enhancing visibility and reaching wider audiences.
Music PR firms often carry out the following duties: crafting press releases on new album releases and upcoming tours; managing artists’ social media accounts; promoting events such as album launch parties; and managing crises in times of controversy or scrutiny concerning their clients.
Final thoughts
Although it can seem tricky to find a career in music, the truth is that with some effort, genuine passion and the right contacts, you can land one of the jobs on this list and enjoy a rewarding career.
Which role takes your fancy? Join in on the conversation below to let us know!
This article is a partial update of an earlier version originally published on December 18, 2018, and contains contributions by Electra Michaelidou.