20 Music Careers To Explore in 2025

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

A woman is seen in a recording studio wearing headphones in front of a microphone in this example of music careers — Cottonbro Studio via Pexels

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

A man stands with his arms outstretched in front of another man with a keyboard. — ANTONI SHKRABA production via Pexels

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

A man in a tuxedo is seen with his hands up conducting an orchestra in this example of music careers. — Cottonbro Studio via Pexels

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

Several members of a music band are shown singing or playing instruments in this example of music careers. — RDNE Stock project via Pexels

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

A man stands in a crowded venue controlling music as a
DJ in this example of music careers. — Gaby Tenda via Pexels

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

A woman sits at a white grand piano in this example of music careers. — Do the Lan via Pexels

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

A man in a military uniform is playing a trumpet. — Kres Thomas via Pexels

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

A man is seen writing on a notepad with a guitar in the background — Tima Miroshnichenko via Pexels

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

A computer monitor shows various music monitoring programs in this example of music careers — Ron Lach via Pexels

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

A man is seen re-stringing an instrument while a woman looks on. — Boris Pavlikovsky via Pexels

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

A hand is seen transcribing musical notes in this example of music careers. — Tima Miroshnichenko via Pexels

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

A man sits in front of several architectural drawings in this example of music careers. — Ron Lach via Pexels

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

A person's hands are seen adjusting a microphone. — This Is Engineering via Pexels

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

A man is seen taking a photograph from behind of a stage with musicians on it in this example of music careers. — Yasin Aydın via Pexels

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

A man in a suit extends his arm out for a handshake. — RDNE Stock project via Pexels

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

Two figures are in the background wearing headphones. A woman with a headset with a microphone is in the forefront in this example of music careers. — Mikhail Nilov via Pexels

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

A man stands in front of a large wall covered in music concert posters. — Walid Ahmed via Pexels

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

A woman is standing in front of a fancy desk in a fancy office. — August de Richelieu via Pexels

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

A teacher is kneeling on the floor surrounded by young students holding bells. — Ksenia Chernaya via Pexels

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

A man sits cross legged on the floor while three people sit on a couch or in a chair with a guitar beside them. — Tima Miroshnichenko via Pexels

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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Plus, check out Creative Ways To Use Music in Your K-6 Classroom.

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