Musician

What is this job like?		Back to Top

Musicians and singers compose, sing, and play music. They perform solo or as part of a group. They perform in sound studios and on stage. They also perform on television and in movies.

Some musicians go on concert tours, traveling all over the U.S. and the world.

Not all their work is performing for audiences. Musicians and singers also spend a lot of time practicing and rehearsing.

Other music jobs include music directors who lead choirs and other musical groups. Arrangers change the style of music. They might turn a country song into a rock and roll song, for example. Composers create new music.

Most musicians and singers work indoors, but some may perform in outdoor concerts. The lights on stage can be hot. Performers often work at night and on weekends.

Some music is very loud and can cause hearing loss. There can be danger from fans who become excited.

Many musicians, singers, and other music workers can only find part-time work. Some are unemployed between performances. They often work other jobs while waiting for their next performance.

New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville have the most jobs and the most record studios.

How do you get ready?		Back to Top

To be a musician or singer you need musical talent. People who become musicians often learn how to play an instrument at an early age. Some of the most popular instruments are the guitar, piano, and drums. It helps any musician to learn to play more than one instrument.

Many songwriters now write music on computers, so technical skills are handy. Also, skills in song writing or dancing are useful.

To start getting ready for this job, you could join a school band or choir or perform in a school musical. Many community centers and art centers also have bands or choirs. You could also sing or play music with friends. It helps to grab every chance to appear in front of people. You may be able to perform at parties or other events. Musicians and singers have to be able to go on stage in front of lots of people.

How much does this job pay?		Back to Top

Earnings depend on how popular a performer is. But musicians often have to hold down other jobs (called "day jobs") while they're building their careers.

About 40 percent of musicians, singers, and related workers work for themselves. They usually are paid for each performance or recording. Their earnings depend on how many jobs they can get.

Other musicians, singers, and related workers work for organizations for a set amount of pay. The middle half of these musicians earned between $10.81 and $36.55 an hour in 2006. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $7.08. The highest-paid 10 percent made more than $57.37. The most successful musical stars can make much more.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

Musicians, singers, and related workers held about 264,000 jobs in 2006. Many musicians and singers work for orchestras and other music groups, ballet companies, and religious organizations. Some perform in restaurants and nightclubs and at weddings and other special events.

What about the future?		Back to Top

Competition for jobs as a musician or singer is strong. Talent alone is no guarantee of success. These jobs are glamorous and some have very high pay, so many people want them. To have a music career, you need a lot of motivation and good luck. Very few people earn enough money to support themselves as musicians or singers.

The number of jobs for musicians should grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Actors
• Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes
• Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators
• Choreographers
• Dancers
• Directors
• Disc Jockeys
• Librarians (music librarians)
• Precision instrument and equipment repairers (musical instrument repairers and tuners)
• Producers
• Teachers (music teachers)

Where can you find more information?		Back to Top

More BLS information about musicians, singers, and related workers can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find out even more about this job.

Last Modified Date: April 29, 2008