11 music careers that pay well — up to US$246,250 per year

In some parts of the world, music careers are frowned upon as many believe that this is one of the many art forms that does not bring in a steady income.

Even with the negative views on the industry, the music world is packed with opportunities if you know where to look.

Sure, not everyone’s destined to be the next Beyoncé or Metro Boomin, but behind every hit song or sold-out concert, there are many professions to help run the show, with paychecks that make people do a double-take. 

Now the question is, is a music career worth pursuing?

Making it in the music industry

Pursuing a career in the music industry is like getting an all-access pass to creativity, innovation, and collaboration, along with a little glitz and glamour. Imagine making a song that others vibe with or seeing your contribution come to life.

Whether you’re drawn to producing beats, managing talent, or playing beside the artists, there’s no shortage of ways to make your mark.

Music connects people from all walks of life, which means you don’t even need to know the language to bop to the beats. 

Take KPOP for example, while the songs are in Korean, millions of people do not understand the language but find joy in listening to its beat. Being in the industry allows you to be a part of something bigger than a regular 9-to-5 office job.

Plus, no two days are the same when your “office” could range from a recording studio to a sold-out concert anywhere in the world. You could say it’s almost magical.

The downsides of the music industry 

Jumping into the music industry can feel like stepping onto a high-speed rollercoaster — you never know where the twists and turns will take you.

It’s an industry known for its highs and lows — one minute, you’re riding a hit; the next, you’re watching it fizzle out. If your artists are not doing well, it could cost you your job. 

Being in this industry can also affect your physical and mental health due to long hours.

Many musicians are working several jobs to stay financially afloat and often without breaks, leading to mental and physical burnout, as found by the Swedish digital platform, Record Union. They concluded that 73% of independent musicians struggle with mental illness.

Then there’s the well-known phrase, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.”

The music industry often seems like a party where everyone already knows everyone, and newcomers worry they’ll be left behind. 

Still, it’s good to remember that everyone has to start somewhere and fearing the phrase will only hold you back from achieving something greater.

Lastly, it’s time to address the elephant in the room: the idea of an unpredictable income isn’t exactly music to most people’s ears, no pun intended. 

However, many music careers offer steady income and even pay well. 

As American author, musician, activist, and entrepreneur Simon S. Tam once wrote in his book, “Music Business Hacks: The Daily Habits of the Self-Made Musician,” “Success in the music industry isn’t something that you wait for or hope for. It’s something that you create, day after day.”

11 music careers that pay well

1. Music publicist

Average annual salary: US$53,593

When musicians find themselves in a pickle, music publicists step in to save the day.

A music publicist is a public relations expert dedicated to working on behalf of a musician or music group. They handle all aspects of publicity, ensuring that concert tours, new releases, and announcements receive favourable media coverage, building a strong public image of the musician. 

This role is more than traditional PR — it’s about selling a story, managing reputations, and staying ahead of the competition in the industry.

While the median annual salary is not as high as others, you can make as much as US$251,878 per year if you’ve been in the industry for years.

To kickstart your career, consider degrees in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.

2. Recording engineer

Average annual salary: US$62,249

Also known as audio or sound engineer, this profession is among the highest-paying music careers.

A recording engineer is responsible for capturing, editing, and mixing sounds during recording sessions, ensuring high-quality audio production. You’ll need to be skilled in adjusting sound levels, removing unwanted noises, and adding effects for the finalised version of songs.

Working in studios or live environments, you’ll work with complex equipment, such as computer software, mixing consoles, microphones, and digital audio workstations. Don’t forget that knowledge of music theory is also a must!

If this career interests you, check out degrees in sound/audio engineering or music production.

3. Booking agent

Average annual salary: US$73,698

As a booking agent, your job is to get the band onstage. 

You’ll work closely with venues, promoters, and event organisers to negotiate contracts and arrange tour schedules to ensure artists perform at the right places, dates, and times to maximise exposure and generate revenue.

You’ll also handle logistics like contract terms, sales, fees, event planning, accommodations, and travel arrangements. Basically, you’ll play a crucial role in helping your musicians connect with their fans, grow their fan base, and build momentum in their careers.

Booking agents will generally have degrees in music management, music business, communications, marketing, or accounting.

4. Tour manager

Average annual salary: US$75,131

Being a tour manager is one of the few music careers that allows you to travel the world with artists, but it’s important to note that this profession comes with core responsibilities.

You’ll be deeply involved in every aspect of the artist’s or band’s life on the road. You are the behind-the-scenes wizard, managing transportation logistics, securing accommodations, coordinating schedules, and overseeing the financial aspects of the tour. 

In addition to logistical management, you’ll liaise between the artist, crew, venue staff, and promoters, ensuring effective communication throughout the tour. This includes negotiating contracts, handling rider requests, and coordinating soundchecks and rehearsals.

If this career speaks to you, opt for degrees in hospitality or tourism management, business management, music management, communication, marketing, or a related field.

5. Music therapist

Average annual salary: US$81,794

This is one of the few music careers that does not directly work with musicians or artists.

A music therapist is a trained healthcare professional who uses music to help individuals with developmental disorders, mental issues, dementia, or undergoing physical rehabilitation.

This career combines musical skills with a deep understanding of psychology and therapeutic techniques to achieve specific therapeutic goals, such as emotional healing, stress reduction, cognitive development, and physical rehabilitation. 

You can work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, mental health centres, and private practices.

A career as a music therapist calls for a degree in music therapy.

6. Acoustic consultant

Average annual salary: US$86,430

This music career may seem unfamiliar because you’ve probably never heard of it — acoustic consultants are specialists who help musicians and sound engineers assess, design, and manage sound environments to optimise acoustics, reduce noise pollution, and enhance audio quality in spaces such as concert halls and recording studios.

In this profession, you’ll learn to use advanced software and measurement tools to analyse sound behaviour and recommend materials or layouts to control vibration, echo, and noise. 

Beyond the music industry, you can work with artists, designers and construction crews to build spaces based on how sound moves through them and to create interactive sculptures and displays.

Pursuing a job as an acoustic consultant requires degrees in maths, physics, engineering, acoustic engineering, or architecture.

7. Composer 

Average annual salary: US$98,055

From classical, jazz, pop, and electronic music, composers are one of the few music careers that writes and arranges music for various purposes, such as films, television shows, video games, commercials, and live performances.

Composters create melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, often using a combination of instruments and digital software to bring their ideas to life. Collaboration with directors, producers, and musicians is common to ensure the music aligns with the overall vision of the song.

Some composers work independently, while others are part of a team within larger production companies or studios such as Capitol Records, DreamWorks, RCA Records, and Republic Records.

Most composers have degrees in composition, sound engineering, music production, or a related field.

8. Film developers

Average annual salary: US$104,310

The name of this profession probably made you go, “Okay, but how is this a music career?”

So, a film developer typically refers to a professional involved in the production and development of music-focused films or documentaries, such as Olivia Rodrigo’s new tour documentary. 

You can also choose the sound effects and help score the movie by picking musical tracks.

As a film developer, you’ll play a part in overseeing the music department and work with composers on musical pieces specifically for the film they’re working on. You’ll be expected to understand which tempos and rhythms support the film.

Some degrees to opt for include film and media scoring, music production, music and sound for film, or a related field.

9. Entertainment attorney

Average annual salary: US$154,412

An entertainment attorney, also known as a music attorney, is a legal professional who specialises in the music industry, providing legal advice and representation to musicians, composers, producers, record labels, and other entities involved in music.

You’ll draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to recording agreements, publishing deals, licensing agreements, management contracts, and even performance agreements. 

Copyright protection is also in your jurisdiction, where you’ll help your clients secure property rights and advise them on copyright registration.

If your clients get into a legal pickle, you will help give them advice and assist in resolving disputes, such as contract breaches, copyright infringement, and other legal issues.

This career calls for degrees in music law or business administration.

10. Music producer 

Average annual salary: US$168,964

If you were to put creativity and technical together, you’d get a music producer. This music career overseas the recording and production of music, helping artists transform ideas and words on a piece of paper into market-ready music.

One of the main roles you’ll have as a music producer is to manage the recording process, which includes arranging music, coordinating studio sessions, setting timelines, and ensuring each part of the track is recorded perfectly. 

Managing budgets and navigating the conflict between stakeholders and artists can be a part of your job scope. You’ll be the jack of all trades in the industry.

Some degrees to help you get started are music production, music theory, audio engineering, or a related field.

11. Artist manager

Average annual salary: US$246,250

Imagine getting paid over two hundred thousand dollars a year while mingling with famous musicians because this music profession does.

As an artist manager, you’ll be overseeing and guiding the career of your artist or band to achieve their gold or even win a Grammy.

Acting as both a business advisor and strategic partner, you’ll handle various aspects of your artist, from contract negotiations to marketing and tour planning. You’ll help secure deals and represent your artist in discussions with labels, booking agents, or publishers. 

You’ll also play a role in planning and executing promotional strategies by working with publicists and social media teams on behalf of your artist.

To help you get started, check out degrees in arts, entertainment, and media management, business management, or music management.