The music industry is vast, with opportunities that go far beyond performing or producing music. If you’ve ever wondered, “What jobs can I do in the music industry?” here’s a comprehensive guide to 50 vital roles that keep the industry running, from behind-the-scenes positions to creative careers. Each job plays a significant part in shaping the music landscape, and this list explores them, detailing roles and average salaries.
1. Music Producer
Music producers shape the sound of songs, albums, or projects by overseeing the recording process and guiding artists through performances. Their role involves more than just making beats; they manage the overall production, including arrangements, instrumentation, and style. Producers collaborate with engineers and other professionals to ensure the music meets industry standards and aligns with the artistic vision. They also handle budgeting, scheduling, and coordination with record labels to ensure a polished, cohesive final product. An example of a producer doing this perfectly is Sarz.
- Average Salary: $70,000/year
2. Audio Engineer
Audio engineers manage the technical aspects of recording, mixing, and mastering music tracks, playing a crucial role in shaping the final sound of a recording. They operate and maintain audio equipment, set up recording sessions, and capture sound with precision. During the mixing phase, they balance various audio elements—such as vocals, instruments, and effects—ensuring clarity and cohesion in the track. In the mastering phase, audio engineers refine the final mix to enhance overall sound quality, consistency, and volume, preparing it for distribution across various platforms. Their expertise ensures that the music meets industry standards and delivers the best possible listening experience.
- Average Salary: $50,000/year
3. Recording Artist
Recording artists perform music as a solo act or as part of a group, often the face of the music industry.
- Average Salary: Varies (average $50,000/year depending on success)
4. Session Musician
Session musicians are hired to play instruments during recordings or live performances for artists.
- Average Salary: $45,000/year
5. Songwriter
Songwriters create lyrics and melodies, playing a crucial role in crafting compelling and memorable music. They often collaborate with artists to develop and refine songs, working closely to capture the artist’s vision and emotions. Songwriters might draft initial ideas, write full lyrics, and compose melodies that resonate with listeners. Their work involves understanding trends, experimenting with different musical styles, and continually honing their craft. By blending creativity with technical skill, songwriters help bring an artist’s vision to life, contributing to the creation of hit songs that connect with audiences.
- Average Salary: $52,000/year
6. A&R Representative
A&R reps scout talent and help develop artists’ careers, acting as a bridge between the label and the artist.
- Average Salary: $60,000/year
7. Music Publicist
A music publicist manages media relations and publicity campaigns for artists, getting them featured in blogs, interviews, and media outlets. To excel at music PR, you need to work with experts like UR-PR, which helps artists secure strategic press placements.
- Average Salary: $50,000/year
8. Music Manager
A music manager oversees an artist’s career by handling business deals, negotiations, and strategic planning. They work on securing opportunities, managing schedules, and guiding long-term career growth to ensure the artist’s success and development in the music industry.
- Average Salary: $62,000/year
9. Tour Manager
Tour managers handle all logistics for an artist’s live tour, from booking to transportation and venues.
- Average Salary: $55,000/year
10. Booking Agent
Booking agents secure performances for artists by negotiating contracts with venues or promoters.
- Average Salary: $50,000/year
11. Music Marketing Specialist
Music marketing specialists develop strategies to promote an artist’s brand, grow their audience, and increase sales. For personalized and effective music promotion, consider UR-PR, a trusted DIY tool to boost your career.
- Average Salary: $48,000/year
12. Social Media Manager
A social media manager designs and implements strategies to enhance an artist’s presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. They craft engaging content, analyze performance metrics, and interact with fans to boost visibility and grow the artist’s online following.
- Average Salary: $45,000/year
13. Music Video Director
Music video directors oversee the creation of music videos, collaborating with artists to visually interpret their songs. They manage all aspects of production, including concept development, shot coordination, and editing, ensuring that the final video enhances the song’s impact and artistic vision.
- Average Salary: $70,000/year
14. Label Executive
Label executives manage record labels, overseeing artist development, production, and marketing.
- Average Salary: $110,000/year
15. Music Licensing Specialist
Music licensing specialists secure rights for music to be used in TV shows, films, commercials, and more.
- Average Salary: $56,000/year
16. Concert Promoter
Concert promoters organize live performances, ensuring the event is a success and maximizes exposure for the artists.
- Average Salary: $58,000/year
17. Live Sound Engineer
Live sound engineers handle sound quality during live performances, ensuring everything from the instruments to vocals is perfectly balanced.
- Average Salary: $50,000/year
18. Music Publisher
Music publishers work to distribute, license, and promote songwriters’ and composers’ work.
- Average Salary: $70,000/year
19. Music Supervisor
Music supervisors select and license music for media projects like films, television shows, and advertisements.
- Average Salary: $67,000/year
20. Music Therapist
Music therapists use music to help improve patients’ physical, emotional, or mental health.
- Average Salary: $48,000/year
21. Music Educator
Music educators teach music in schools or private settings, guiding students in developing their musical skills and knowledge. They provide instruction on instruments, vocal techniques, and music theory, fostering creativity and helping students build a strong foundation for their future in music.
- Average Salary: $55,000/year
22. Vocal Coach
Vocal coaches work with singers to improve their technique, breathing, and performance ability.
- Average Salary: $50,000/year
23. DJ
DJs mix and play music at events, clubs, or on the radio, crafting an engaging atmosphere that energizes audiences. For musicians or record labels, DJs provide value by promoting new tracks, influencing trends, and expanding reach through high-profile performances and radio exposure, helping to build buzz and attract fans.
- Average Salary: $45,000/year
24. Radio Program Director
Program directors control the content and music played on radio stations, shaping the station’s brand.
- Average Salary: $65,000/year
25. Music Journalist
Music journalists cover the latest in music news, artists, and industry trends, contributing to prestigious blogs, magazines, or online outlets. They also conduct in-depth interviews with musicians and industry stakeholders, providing valuable insights and fostering a deeper connection between artists and their audience.
- Average Salary: $40,000/year
26. Record Label Scout
Record label scouts discover emerging talent and recommend them to record labels for signing. They attend live performances, listen to demos, and analyze market trends to find promising artists who can bring fresh, engaging content to the label’s roster.
- Average Salary: $50,000/year
27. Digital Streaming Manager
A Digital Streaming Manager focuses on optimizing and managing an artist’s presence on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. They create and implement strategies to boost streams and visibility, work to get music featured in popular playlists, and monitor streaming data to refine marketing efforts. Additionally, they run promotional campaigns to drive traffic to the artist’s profiles and engage with fans through platform features, responding to feedback to enhance the artist’s presence and performance on these platforms.
- Average Salary: $55,000/year
28. Tour Crew Member
Tour crew members handle logistics, stage setups, lighting, and sound for live performances, ensuring smooth operations during concerts.
- Average Salary: $40,000/year
29. Music Blogger
Music bloggers cover trends, reviews, and artist interviews, using both written content and video to engage audiences. They document live performances, create video interviews, and produce multimedia reviews, offering fans a dynamic way to discover and connect with new music and artists.
- Average Salary: $35,000/year
30. Entertainment Lawyer
Entertainment lawyers represent artists, negotiating contracts, protecting their intellectual property, and resolving disputes.
- Average Salary: $120,000/year
31. Music Data Analyst
Music data analysts track and analyze music consumption trends, helping labels and artists refine their strategies.
- Average Salary: $60,000/year
32. Artist Liaison
Artist liaisons assist musicians by coordinating between artists, venues, and management teams, ensuring all parties are aligned during performances or events.
- Average Salary: $45,000/year
33. Mastering Engineer
Mastering engineers finalize recordings by optimizing sound levels and enhancing audio quality, making the music ready for distribution.
- Average Salary: $65,000/year
34. Lighting Technician
Lighting technicians design and operate the lighting for live shows, creating a visual experience that complements the performance.
- Average Salary: $40,000/year
35. Radio Host
Radio hosts present music, interview artists, and engage with listeners during radio shows, promoting new music.
- Average Salary: $45,000/year
36. Album Cover Designer
Album cover designers create visual artwork for album covers, defining an artist’s image and branding. They design compelling visuals that capture the essence of the music and resonate with the artist’s identity. These artworks are used as a visual identity on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, enhancing the album’s appeal and contributing to its marketing strategy.
- Average Salary: $44,000/year
37. Event Coordinator
Event coordinators organize music-related events such as festivals, album launch parties, or promotional shows.
- Average Salary: $50,000/year
38. Sound Designer
Sound designers create sound effects for music, TV, movies, or video games, playing a key role in audio production.
- Average Salary: $60,000/year
39. Music Gear Technician
Music gear technicians set up and maintain instruments, amps, microphones, and other gear used by artists in live performances or recordings.
- Average Salary: $40,000/year
40. Voiceover Artist
Voiceover artists provide narration or vocal performances for commercials, movies, and other media. Some also work in music-related projects.
- Average Salary: $45,000/year
41. Copyright Administrator
Copyright administrators protect the intellectual property rights of musicians, ensuring that artists are properly compensated for their work.
- Average Salary: $55,000/year
42. Music Director
Music directors lead music ensembles such as choirs, orchestras, or bands, guiding rehearsals and live performances.
- Average Salary: $60,000/year
43. Dancer/Choreographer
Choreographers design dance routines for music videos, stage performances, and live concerts, enhancing the visual presentation of an artist’s work. They also create dance challenges for social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram Reels, which can go viral and significantly boost the song’s visibility and engagement. Their work ensures that the choreography complements the music, amplifies the artist’s performance, and connects with audiences both on and off the stage.
- Average Salary: $55,000/year
44. Music Distributor
A Music Distributor is responsible for delivering an artist’s music to various digital and physical distribution channels, including major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, and Audiomack. They ensure that music is properly uploaded, formatted, and made available for purchase or streaming across these platforms. Distributors also handle administrative tasks such as tracking sales, managing royalties, and providing performance reports to artists and labels.
- Average Salary: $40,000/year
45. Music Retailer
Music retailers sell musical instruments, sound equipment, and other music-related gear to consumers.
- Average Salary: $37,000/year
46. Festival Planner
Festival planners coordinate large-scale music festivals, handling logistics, booking artists, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- Average Salary: $55,000/year
47. Instrument Maker
Instrument makers design and craft musical instruments by hand, creating high-quality instruments for professionals.
- Average Salary: $45,000/year
48. Music Archivist
Music archivists organize and preserve music collections, including sheet music, recordings, and memorabilia.
- Average Salary: $50,000/year
49. Record Store Owner
Record store owners run independent music shops, selling physical music formats such as vinyl, CDs, and cassettes.
- Average Salary: Varies (depending on business success)
50. Crowdfunding Specialist
Crowdfunding specialists help artists raise money for projects by managing and promoting campaigns on platforms like Kickstarter or Patreon.
- Average Salary: $45,000/year
The music industry offers a wide array of career options beyond performing. Whether you’re interested in the technical side as an audio engineer or prefer managing artists’ careers, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for expert help in music promotion, UR-PR provides essential tools for artists to thrive in this competitive industry.
