### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Musicians and Singers Summary
                        
            
                                    
                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			musicians and singers imageMusicians must practice playing instruments to improve their technique.							
						Quick Facts:     Musicians and Singers2023     Median Pay
            						$39.14     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    No formal educational credentialWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Long-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    173,500Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    1% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    2,100What Musicians and Singers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Musicians and singers play instruments or sing for live audiences and in recording studios.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Musicians and singers often perform in settings such as concert halls, churches, and clubs. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary and include mornings, nights, or weekends.
            
                                                How to Become a Musician or Singer
                                                
                        
Musicians and singers typically do not need formal postsecondary education to enter the occupation. However, those pursuing careers in some genres, such as classical or opera, may choose to earn a bachelor's or higher degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire their skills.
            
                        Pay
                        																																					    														The median hourly wage for musicians and singers was $39.14 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of musicians and singers is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 22,600 openings for musicians and singers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for musicians and singers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of musicians and singers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about musicians and singers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Musicians and Singers Do 
            

			Musicians and singersMusicians in bands may play clubs and bars while they try to build enough fans to get a recording contract or representation by an agent.			
Musicians and singers play instruments or sing for live audiences and in recording studios. They perform a variety of genres, such as classical, jazz, and rock.
Duties
Musicians and singers typically do the following:
Perform music for live audiences and recordings
Audition for positions in orchestras, choirs, bands, and other types of music groups
Practice playing instruments or singing to improve their technique
Rehearse music and parts to prepare for performances
Find and book locations for performances or concerts
Promote their careers by maintaining a website or social media presence or by doing photo shoots and interviewsMusicians play one or more instruments. To make themselves more marketable, many become proficient in multiple musical instruments or styles. Some diversify by both singing and playing instruments.
Musicians play solo or in orchestras, bands, or limited-size groups, such as trios. Those in bands or groups may play at small venues, such as private parties or bars, sometimes building enough of a fan base to get a recording contract or representation by an agent. Musicians who work in orchestras perform in venues with a stage large enough to accommodate all the musicians and their instruments. A few orchestra musicians become section leaders, who may be responsible for assigning parts to other musicians or for leading rehearsals.
Singers perform vocal music in a variety of genres. Some specialize in a particular vocal style, such as opera or jazz. Singers may perform in different languages, such as French or Italian, particularly if they specialize in classical music or opera. In addition to singing, those in opera and musical theater productions must act during their performances.
Musicians who specialize in playing backup for a singer or band leader during recording sessions and live performances are known as session musicians. Singers who provide background vocals to harmonize with or support a lead singer are known as backup singers or backing vocalists.
Sometimes, musicians and singers write their own music to record and perform. For more information about careers in songwriting, see the profile on music directors and composers.
Some musicians and singers give private music lessons to children and adults. Others with a background in music may teach music in elementary, middle, and high schools, which typically requires a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license. For more information, see the profiles on kindergarten and elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and high school teachers.
 Work Environment
			Musicians and singersSome musicians and singers spend time in recording studios.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Musicians and singers held about 173,500 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of musicians and singers were as follows:
        Self-employed workers
                48%Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
                37Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries
                11Educational services; state, local, and private
                3Musicians and singers perform in settings such as concert halls, churches, and clubs. Musicians and singers travel frequently for performances, either locally, nationally, or internationally. When recording music, they may spend time in a studio.
Work Schedules
Musicians and singers often have irregular work schedules. This includes rehearsing and performing during the day or night on weekdays and weekends.
Many musicians and singers find only part-time or intermittent work and may have long periods of unemployment between jobs. The stress of constantly looking for work may require them to accept full-time jobs in other occupations while working part time as a musician or singer.
 How to Become a Musician or Singer

			Musicians and singersThose who work as classical musicians or singers may pursue a degree in a field such as music performance.			
Musicians and singers typically do not need formal postsecondary education to enter the occupation. However, those pursuing careers in some genres, such as classical or opera, may choose to earn a bachelor’s or higher degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire their skills.
Education
Musicians and singers typically need no postsecondary education to enter the occupation. Musicians and singers of some genres, such as classical music and opera, may pursue training that leads to a bachelor’s degree in a field such as music theory or performance. To be accepted into one of these programs, applicants typically are required to submit recordings or to audition in person and sometimes must do both.
Undergraduate music programs teach students about music history and styles. In addition, they teach methods for improving instrumental and vocal techniques and musical expression. Undergraduate voice programs also may include courses in diction. Courses in a foreign language may benefit students who intend to perform in that language. Some business courses, such as marketing, may be helpful for learning about the self-promotion often required for professional musicians and singers.
Some musicians and singers choose to continue their education by pursuing a master’s degree in fine arts or music.
Training
Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to perform music professionally. They typically begin singing or learning to play an instrument at a young age by taking private lessons and school classes. As they advance, they may participate in music camps, festivals, or fellowships.
Advancement
As with other occupations in which people perform, advancement for musicians and singers means becoming better known, finding work more easily, and earning more money for each performance. Successful musicians and singers often rely on agents or managers to find them jobs, negotiate contracts, and develop their careers. Some musicians and singers advance to leading musical groups or becoming section leaders in an orchestra. Others may advance to become music directors and composers.
Important Qualities
***Dedication.*** Auditioning for jobs can be a frustrating process because it may take many different auditions to get hired. Musicians and singers must be determined to continue auditioning after receiving rejections.
***Discipline.*** Talent is not enough for most musicians and singers to find employment in this field. They must practice and rehearse consistently to improve their technique, style, and performance.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Musicians and singers need to work well with a variety of people, such as agents, producers, and conductors. They must be able to build connections and create good working relationships.
***Musical talent.*** Professional musicians or singers must have superior musical abilities.
***Physical stamina.***Musicians and singers who perform on stage or go on tour for weeks or months must be able to endure frequent travel and irregular performance schedules.
***Promotional skills.*** To build a fan base, musicians and singers need to promote their music and performances through local communities, word of mouth, and social media.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Musicians and SingersMedian hourly wages, May 2023Musicians and singers$39.14   Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers$25.65   Total, all occupations$23.11Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median hourly wage for musicians and singers was $39.14 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16.02, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102.98.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median hourly wages for musicians and singers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
                $48.85Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries
                41.39Educational services; state, local, and private
                25.69Musicians and singers often have irregular work schedules. This includes rehearsing and performing during the day or night on weekdays and weekends.
Many musicians and singers find only part-time or intermittent work and may have long periods of unemployment between jobs. The stress of constantly looking for work may require them to accept full-time jobs in other occupations while working part time as a musician or singer.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Musicians and SingersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers6%  Total, all occupations3%  Musicians and singers1%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of musicians and singers is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 22,600 openings for musicians and singers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Interest in live music is expected to support demand across the performing arts. However, the expected decline in public attendance of classical music performances and reduced participation in church activities may slow overall employment growth for musicians and singers.
			

                        Employment projections data for     musicians and singers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Musicians and singers**
			27-2042
			173,500
			175,600
			1
			2,100
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Musicians and singers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of musicians and singers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Actors**
            Actors express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media.
            Some college, no degree
            The annual wage is not available.**Dancers and Choreographers**
            Dancers and choreographers use dance performances to express ideas and stories.
            See How to Become One
            The annual wage is not available.**High School Teachers**
            High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
            Bachelor's degree
            $65,220**Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers**
            Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.
            Bachelor's degree
            $63,670**Middle School Teachers**
            Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades.
            Bachelor's degree
            $64,290**Music Directors and Composers**
            Music directors lead musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.
            Bachelor's degree
            $62,590**Postsecondary Teachers**
            Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
            See How to Become One
            $84,380**Producers and Directors**
            Producers and directors make business and creative decisions about film, television, stage, and other productions.
            Bachelor's degree
            $82,510
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about music careers and compensation, visit
Future of Music Coalition
For more information about music degree programs, visit
National Association of Schools of Music
CareerOneStop
For a career video on musicians and singers, visit
Musicians and Singers

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Musicians and Singers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Musicians and Singers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/musicians-and-singers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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