6 Of The Best Careers In Music [2024]

Thinking about a career in music? It's not just about being on stage or in the recording studio—there's a whole symphony of roles that make the music industry sing. Whether you're drawn to the creative side, like songwriting and performing, or you're more interested in the behind-the-scenes action, like production and management, there's a spot for you.

If you're curious about the different paths you can take in this vibrant industry or just starting to explore your options, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into the wide array of careers in music and find the one that's right for you.

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Quickstart Guide To Landing A Career In Music

1. Polish your resume. Start your journey in the music industry by sprucing up your resume. It might be worth looking into professional resume writing services to ensure your skills and experiences hit the right note for potential employers.
2. Search for jobs on ZipRecruiter. Make sure to scout various job posting sites for opportunities in the music field. Platforms like ZipRecruiter offer a variety of listings, from performance gigs to behind-the-scenes roles in production and management. It's an effective way to get a comprehensive view of who's hiring and to position your resume where it can be seen by the right people in the industry.

6 Of The Best Careers In Music

1. Music Teacher

Median National Salary: $54,498/year

Education Required: Bachelor's degree

Job Duties: A music teacher is responsible for instructing students in various aspects of music, including theory, technique, and performance. They use their expertise in music education, pedagogy, and performance to develop students' musical skills, foster a love for music, and guide them in achieving their musical goals.

2. Concert Promoter

Median National Salary: $45,967/year

Education Required: No required education, though many have bachelor's degrees

Job Duties: A concert promoter is responsible for organizing and marketing live music events, including booking artists, securing venues, and promoting ticket sales. They use their expertise in event planning, artist management, and marketing to create successful and engaging concerts, ensuring a positive experience for both the audience and the performers.

3. Audio Engineer

Median National Salary: $84,456/year

Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent

Job Duties: An audio engineer is responsible for operating and maintaining sound equipment, recording and mixing audio, and ensuring high-quality sound production for various media and live events. They use their expertise in sound technology, acoustics, and production techniques to create and capture high-fidelity sound, enhancing the overall audio experience for audiences.

4. Music Therapist

Median National Salary: $54,673/year

Education Required: Bachelor's degree

Job Duties: A music therapist is responsible for using music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. They use their expertise in music, psychology, and therapy techniques to create and implement music-based interventions that support the well-being and rehabilitation of clients.

5. Music Attorney

Median National Salary: $108,160/year

Education Required: Law degree

Job Duties: A music attorney is responsible for providing legal counsel and representation to musicians, music labels, and other music industry professionals. They use their expertise in entertainment law, contract negotiation, and intellectual property rights to advise clients on legal matters such as contract negotiations, copyright issues, and licensing agreements.

6. Musician

Median National Salary: $44,855/year

Education Required: No educational requirements

Job Duties: A musician is responsible for performing music, either as a solo artist or as part of a group, entertaining audiences and conveying emotions through their musical expression. They use their expertise in musical performance, composition, and instrument proficiency to create and share music that resonates with audiences and contributes to the cultural and artistic landscape.

Requirements And Skills To Find A Good-Paying Job In Music

Formal Education and Training

While not always mandatory, formal education in music, such as a degree from a conservatory or university music program, can provide a solid foundation in theory, performance, and the business side of music. For technical roles like sound engineering, specific training and certification may be required.

Musical Talent and Creativity

At the heart of any music career is the raw talent and creativity to create or perform music that resonates with people. This includes proficiency in one or more musical instruments, vocal skills, and the ability to collaborate creatively with others.

Technical Skills

For many roles in the music industry, technical skills are a must. This can range from the ability to use music production software for composers and producers, to sound mixing and mastering techniques for audio engineers.

Persistence and Resilience

The music industry is known for its competitiveness and rejection. Persistence, resilience, and the ability to handle criticism constructively are key personal attributes for anyone looking to build a lasting career in music.

Best Places To Find A Career In Music

Online Job Posting Sites

Job boards, like ZipRecruiter, list opportunities from performance gigs to technical and administrative roles in production, management, and education.

For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.

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Social Media and Networking Platforms

Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram have become essential tools for musicians and industry professionals. They not only serve as a portfolio of your work but also connect you with potential collaborators, employers, and industry news. Engaging with these platforms can open doors to opportunities that are not listed on traditional job boards.

Music Conferences and Festivals

Attending music conferences, festivals, and industry events is an invaluable way to network, learn about the industry, and discover job opportunities. These events often include career fairs, workshops, and panels where you can meet industry insiders and learn about openings firsthand.

College and Conservatory Career Services

For those in or graduated from music programs, college and conservatory career services are invaluable resources. They often have connections with alumni and employers in the music industry, providing access to job openings, internships, and networking events specifically tailored to music careers.

Local Music Venues and Schools

Local music venues, schools, and community music programs can be great places to find teaching, performing, and administrative roles. Establishing connections within your local music scene can lead to opportunities for gigs, private teaching, and other music-related employment.

The Bottom Line

Now that we've explored some of the top music career options, you can figure out your next career move.

If you want to simplify your job hunt, ZipRecruiter is the way to go. They've got a bunch of music jobs that could be just what you're looking for. Check out ZipRecruiter today and get closer to landing a job that hits all the right notes in your music career.