Music careers are usually chosen less because they are an easy road to financial success and more because of passion. While few will make it as the next big pop star, there are still plenty of other opportunities that require music skills. Fortunately, there are plenty of well-paying jobs in the music industry.
To assemble this list, we looked at average salaries and the requirements necessary to succeed in many different music-related fields, from cover bands to music attorneys. Some of the jobs listed here can be performed by someone who is self-taught but highly skilled in a specific instrument or other area. Others require apprenticeships or advanced degrees.
Share this list with high school students as they consider their future careers, and assure them that their love of music can translate into a successful career.
*Note: Most salary information is from Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter.com and represents the average annual or hourly salary for each job in March 2025 in the United States.
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Music Careers in Performance
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1. Session Musician
While sometimes referred to as a session musician, this job can also be called a backing musician or studio musician. These people are often hired for one-time, specific projects and are not part of a formal band. Session musicians may be hired to play a specific instrument or provide backing vocals.
Average Salary: $52,774
Education/Training: Musical talent, formal or self-taught music education
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2. Band Leader
A band leader has many responsibilities, including choosing set lists and arrangements and leading rehearsals and performances. They may also be responsible for managing the business side of things as well.
Average Salary: $57,114
Education/Training: Musical talent, formal or self-taught music education
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3. Conductor
A music conductor is responsible for directing choirs or orchestras during both rehearsals and performances. They must unify the musicians while consistently setting the tempo of the music and controlling the interpretation of the piece.
Average Salary: $49,395
Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in music, master’s degree in conducting, music theory, or composition
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4. Cover Band Musician
There is a lot of demand for cover or tribute bands, so deciding to go this route is a sure way to get the gig. You can perform at concerts, weddings, and many other functions.
Average Salary: $40,000
Education/Training: Musical talent, formal or self-taught music education
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5. DJ
A disc jockey, also known as a DJ, often entertains for audiences by playing recorded music at various functions. They also interact with the audience, including announcing the bridal party at weddings.
Average Salary: Hourly rate of $50 to $500
Education/Training: Musical talent, formal or self-taught music education
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6. Accompanist
An accompanist is a perfect job for someone with a background in piano playing, though there may be a need for vocalists as well.
Average Salary: $40,000
Education/Training: Musical talent, formal or self-taught music education
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7. Military Musician
The armed forces employ musicians who perform a variety of roles while serving in the military. These can include performing in marching bands, jazz bands, and the like. These musicians may also perform at events such as parades and funerals.
Average Salary: $53,000
Education/Training: Musical talent, formal or self-taught music education
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8. Jingle Writer
Someone has to write all those catchy jingles you hear on commercials so why not you? Jingle writers specialize in composing brief musical pieces that are used in advertising across different forms of media.
Average Salary: $35 per hour
Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in music or a strong knowledge of composition and/or various musical genres
Music Careers in Production and Engineering
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9. Sound Engineer
A sound or audio engineer has a mastery of various audio equipment and software that they use to help produce music and sound for different media such as music and film. They help to ensure the quality of the sound produced through equalization and dynamics processing.
Average Salary: $75,000
Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in audio engineering or music technology
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10. Instrument Technician
A musical instrument technician usually specializes in a certain type of instrument such as string or brass. They can do a number of things including making repairs and restoring instruments. They can also offer advice about long-term care of the instrument.
Average Salary: $30 per hour
Education/Training: Skilled in understanding and function of instrument
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11. Copyist
A copyist plays a vital role in the music field by creating finalized sheet music that can be distributed to members of a musical ensemble. They are responsible for proofreading and organizing music that will be used either in a studio session or a live performance.
Average Salary: $40,000
Education/Training: Highly skilled in the area of musical notation and composition
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12. Studio Designer
A studio designer is hands-on in designing and building either whole studios or separate functional spaces like isolation booths and control rooms. They need extensive knowledge of acoustics, architecture, audio recording, and the like.
Average Salary: $115,000
Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in production, recording, architecture, or acoustical science
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13. Assistant Engineer
An assistant engineer assists the lead engineer in whatever way necessary. Their duties may include adjusting microphones, making minor fixes to instruments, moving equipment, and really anything that needs doing. It is a highly sought-after entry-level position that can be seen more as an apprenticeship.
Average Salary: $60,000
Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in audio engineering/music production
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14. Music Photographer
Phenomenal photography skills are necessary to capture bands and other musicians, as well as a keen understanding of lighting and shooting in a dynamic environment. You’ll also want to build a portfolio and work on your networking in order to book jobs.
Average Salary: $44,000
Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in photography, though it’s not mandatory
Music Careers in Business
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15. Booking Agent
A booking agent will definitely want to network to establish a roster of musicians and musical acts. Once you have clients, you will work with talent buyers, concert promoters, festival directors, and others on booking jobs.
Average Salary: $40,000
Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or public relations
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16. Business Manager
A business management firm or business manager handles various aspects of a musical act’s financial and negotiation needs.
Average Salary: $80,000
Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in business management
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17. Concert Promoter
A concert promoter is responsible for organizing and planning live events by working with venues to book talent. They are also responsible for promoting the acts.
Average Salary: $45,000
Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in business management, communications, marketing
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18. Entertainment Attorney
Musicians hire entertainment attorneys to assist them with legal agreements. They also negotiate various contracts and producer agreements.
Average Salary: $120,000
Education/Training: Graduate law degree
Careers in Music Education
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19. Music Teacher (Pre-K through Grade 12)
A music teacher for preschool through 12th grade teaches students about different aspects of music. While they usually teach in a school setting, they may also work in community centers or music academies.
Average Salary: $54,000
Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in music education plus any certificate/licensing requirement for your state
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20. Music Therapist
A music therapist is a specific type of counselor that works with individuals to assist with mental health challenges through singing, playing instruments, and listening to music.
Average Salary: $27 per hour
Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in music therapy as well as required fieldwork
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