• Average Annual Salary: $30,000 – $70,000+

Music journalists are the storytellers who document and critique the ever-evolving landscape of music, from album reviews and artist profiles to industry news and cultural commentary. They research, interview, and write articles for newspapers, magazines, websites, or broadcast media, offering insights and perspectives that inform and engage audiences.

While formal education in journalism, communications, or music criticism can provide valuable skills and knowledge, many music journalists also gain practical experience through internships, freelance assignments, or contributions to music blogs and websites. Developing a distinctive voice, cultivating industry contacts, and staying abreast of music trends and developments are essential for success in this competitive and rapidly evolving field.

• Average Annual Salary: $40,000 – $80,000

Music teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of musicians. Beyond imparting technical skills, they foster a deep appreciation for music and inspire students to express themselves creatively. Whether in schools, music academies, or via private lessons, music teachers tailor their instruction to accommodate students’ diverse learning styles and musical interests.

A bachelor’s degree in music education or a related field is typically required for most roles, though tutoring may not be included in that. Successful music teachers possess patience, empathy, and strong communication skills. Many educators continue their professional development through workshops, conferences, and advanced degrees to stay abreast of pedagogical trends and teaching methodologies.

• Average Annual Salary: $40,000 – $70,000

Music therapists harness the healing power of music to address physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges in diverse populations. Working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or private practice, they use music interventions to promote relaxation, improve communication, and enhance overall well-being.

Becoming a music therapist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in music therapy, followed by supervised clinical training and certification in some states. Beyond formal qualifications, the best music therapists possess empathy, creativity, and a genuine passion for helping others through music. Continuing education and professional development are vital for staying current with therapeutic techniques and best practices in the field, so be prepared to go to school for many years if this is the career for you.

• Average Annual Salary: $40,000 – $100,000+

Music retail store owners are the entrepreneurs who curate and sell musical instruments, equipment, and accessories to musicians and enthusiasts. They manage all aspects of store operations, from inventory management and sales to customer service and marketing.

Formal education in business or retail management can provide valuable skills and insights, many store owners also possess a passion for music and hands-on experience as musicians or enthusiasts. Schooling isn’t necessary in many instances, but an understanding of programs, accounting, and more is vital. Building a loyal customer base, staying updated on industry trends, and providing exceptional service and product knowledge are essential for success in this competitive and customer-centric business.

• Average Annual Salary: $40,000 – $100,000+

Audio engineers are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, responsible for capturing, mixing, and mastering the sounds that shape our favorite songs, films, and podcasts. They operate recording equipment, manipulate sound effects, and ensure optimal audio quality throughout the production process. What exactly an audio engineer does can vary widely from person to person and career to career. One may be fine-tuning the sounds on a TV program, while another may be winning a Grammy for mixing a superstar’s album.

Formal training in audio engineering or music production can provide technical expertise, many audio engineers also learn through hands-on experience, internships, or apprenticeships in recording studios or live sound venues. Actual experience is much more important than a college degree in this field. Staying on top of advancements in audio technology and mastering a variety of recording techniques are essential for success in this dynamic and evolving field. Knowledge, and continued learning, are key, but formal education may not be for this role.

• Average Annual Salary: $40,000 – $100,000+

Composers are the masterminds behind the music that enriches our lives, crafting original compositions for films, video games, commercials, and concert performances. They blend melody, harmony, and rhythm to evoke emotions, tell stories, and enhance visual narratives. Some do so in less-flashy roles, such as for advertisements, while others win major entertainment awards for their compositions.

An understanding of music composition or theory can provide valuable skills and techniques, many of the top composers also possess innate creativity, a deep understanding of musical genres, and a keen ear for orchestration. Most of the biggest names in this field do go to school to become composers, but like so many careers in music, it’s not usually required.

Building a diverse portfolio, networking with directors and producers, and collaborating with performers and ensembles can open doors to exciting opportunities in the world of composition. Proving you have the talent is more important than a piece of paper, but some opportunities might only be open to those with a four-year degree.

• Average Annual Salary: Varies Widely

Songwriters are the wordsmiths who breathe life into melodies, crafting lyrics that resonate with audiences across genres and cultures. Whether penning chart-topping hits or heartfelt ballads for movies and TV, they harness the power of language and melody to capture emotions, tell stories, and spark connections.

There are many colleges that offer degrees in songwriting, but like so many other careers that focus on the creative side of music, they’re not always the way to go. Many top songwriters don’t have any college education, but they’re determination and talent got them to the top. Most songwriters also draw inspiration from personal experiences, cultural influences, and the world around them. Developing a strong network of collaborators, pitching songs to artists and publishers, and leveraging digital platforms and streaming services can help aspiring songwriters break into the competitive music industry.

• Average Annual Salary: $45,000 – $100,000+

Concert promoters are the architects behind memorable live music experiences, orchestrating everything from venue selection and artist booking to marketing and ticket sales. They collaborate closely with musicians, agents, and venue owners to curate lineups that resonate with audiences and maximize ticket sales.

An education in event management or business can be beneficial, but many concert promoters gain experience through internships, apprenticeships, or hands-on involvement in the music industry. Quite a few people who do this for a living never studied it anywhere, they simply felt the need to plan events and learned how to do it on the fly.

• Average Annual Salary: $50,000 – $120,000+

Music directors are the conductors who lead orchestras, choirs, bands, or ensembles, shaping performances through their artistic vision and interpretive skills. They select repertoire, rehearse musicians, and ensure that every performance meets the highest standards of musical excellence.

A more formal education in conducting or music education is common among music directors, and in many instances, open roles may require that type of training. Many also possess extensive experience as performers or educators, with some effectively working two careers simultaneously. Creating a strong reputation through successful performances, collaborations, and educational outreach initiatives can lead to opportunities as a music director in orchestras, opera companies, theaters, or educational institutions, which are few and far between and which can be very difficult to come by.

• Average Annual Salary: $50,000 – $150,000+

Agents and managers serve as the backbone of the music industry, advocating for artists, negotiating deals, and guiding their careers to new heights. They handle bookings, promotions, and business affairs, ensuring that artists receive fair compensation and opportunities to showcase their talents.

This is one career that usually doesn’t require a college degree, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to break into. Many agents and managers have backgrounds in business, marketing, or music management, along with a deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics and trends. Some did go to college for those fields of study, but plenty of the top agents started with nothing and rose to the top based on their innate intelligence and willingness to do what others would not.

Claiming powerful and meaningful relationships with artists, labels, and industry professionals, as well as staying abreast of market developments, are a must for success in this competitive and fast-paced field.

• Average Annual Salary: $50,000 – $150,000+

Music producers are the creatives behind the sounds of songs and albums, collaborating closely with artists to bring their musical visions to life. They oversee every aspect of the production process, from arranging and recording to mixing and mastering, ensuring that each track meets the highest standards of quality and artistic integrity. They can do everything from making beats to teaching singers exactly how to extract a specific feeling or sound from their performances.

While there’s usually no fixed educational path to becoming a music producer, many professionals pursue degrees or certifications in music production, audio engineering, or related fields. Sometimes, this degree can help, but it doesn’t do much good if you’re not also one of the best, most creative, and hardest-working in the business.

• Average Annual Salary: $60,000 – $120,000+

Acoustic sound design consultants specialize in optimizing the auditory experience of various spaces, from concert halls and recording studios to auditoriums and public venues. They employ scientific principles and cutting-edge technologies to enhance sound clarity, balance, and immersion, ensuring that every listener enjoys an optimal sonic experience.

A college education in acoustics, physics, or engineering is an absolute must if you want to go into this field. It’s very scientific in nature, and the career is simply impossible to do without a deep and nuanced understanding of everything from architecture to how sound waves work and so much more.

• Average Annual Salary: $70,000 – $200,000+

Record label executives are the leaders who shape the direction and sound of record labels, discover and develop talent, and drive the success of artists and albums. They oversee A&R (artist and repertoire), marketing, distribution, and business operations, navigating the complexities of the music industry to maximize profitability and artistic impact.

Like some other highly-desired roles in the music industry, this one doesn’t come with a roadmap that everyone can follow. Some people who wind up with one of these titles do so because they went to a four-year college and earned a degree in music business or something similar, but not everyone. There are plenty of examples of successes in this role who started as musicians, managers, or who simply launched their own record labels and grew from there.

• Average Annual Salary: $80,000 – $200,000+

Music lawyers serve as advocates and advisors for artists, songwriters, record labels, and other stakeholders within the music industry. They navigate complex legal issues such as contract negotiations, copyright protection, and intellectual property disputes, safeguarding their clients’ rights and financial interests.

A law degree is essential for becoming a music lawyer, and a specialization in entertainment law or intellectual property law can provide the expertise in this niche field that will lead to a rewarding career. Sometimes, a four-year degree can be enough, but in many instances, two degrees will be needed, as is the case with many attorneys. Those who work with musicians may enjoy some of the perks, but it’s not an easy gig, and it can take a long time to get to a solid opportunity that lasts.

• Average Annual Salary: Varies Widely

Singers are the most famous people in the music industry–and in the world, in many cases. They captivate audiences with their emotive voices and captivating performances. Whether performing on stage, in the studio, or on-screen, they breathe life into lyrics and melodies, connecting listeners on a deeply emotional level.

While many people will picture a chart-topper when they think of a singer, that’s not the only path for someone who wants to use their voice for their career. There are many more opportunities for those who can sing backup for someone else on tour or in the studio. The majority of singers who make a living with their talents aren’t superstars, but rather working artists.

Formal training in vocal technique and performance can provide a foundation, and it can take years for even those who start on solid ground to learn how to use their instrument–and protect it. Many successful singers also possess innate talent, charisma, and a unique artistic voice.

While the allure of superstardom in the music industry may be enticing, it’s essential to recognize the harsh realities that accompany such lofty ambitions. The highest-paid individuals in music, such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, or Jay-Z, enjoy unprecedented fame, fortune, and influence, but their success is the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and strategic planning. Behind the glitz and glamor of their careers lie countless hours of rehearsals, performances, and promotional efforts, as well as the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and commercial success.

It’s also crucial to acknowledge that superstar success in the music industry is exceedingly rare and often unpredictable. While talent and charisma play significant roles in achieving fame and fortune, so too does timing, luck, and the vagaries of public taste. For every chart-topping sensation or Grammy-winning artist, there are countless talented musicians and industry professionals who toil in obscurity, their contributions unrecognized or underappreciated.

While aspiring musicians and industry professionals may draw inspiration from the achievements of superstars, it’s essential to approach their careers with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. Success in the music industry often requires a combination of talent, perseverance, and strategic planning, as well as a willingness to adapt to changing trends and market dynamics. By focusing on continuous growth, development, and self-improvement, aspiring music professionals can carve out meaningful and rewarding careers, whether on stage, behind the scenes, or at the helm of the industry’s most influential institutions.