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What Will I Earn if I Graduate from College
with a Music Business Degree?

Learn what your earning options are when you graduate from college with a music business degree.

money on sheet music

A passion for music may be a starting point for a successful career in the music business, but the proper business training the knowledge of how the industry actually works are its foundation.

A business degree in music—or certificate from accredited colleges with music business degrees—ensures that you have a solid foundation in the field, whether your employment goal is artist management, marketing and publicity, or music distribution.

Keep in mind that competition for jobs in the music business can be fierce; nevertheless, the industry continues to grow, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some regions may offer a more vibrant music business job market, while others might offer higher salaries or better job perks. In addition, the pay structure for different music industry jobs can vary widely. But you'll be better prepared to tackle the challenges of the music business if you graduate from college with a music business degree.

 

For instance, artist managers may make a salary, but often they are paid a pre-arranged percentage of the musician's income, either instead of—or in addition to—the salary. Music agents, such as booking agents, receive a percentage of the fee a musician is paid for a particular gig, whether a live show or recorded performance. Music promoters earn money on ticket sales for shows they promote. Music PR companies usually make a flat fee for a particular publicity campaign, and possibly bonuses depending on the success of the campaign. A record label, very simply, makes money by selling records, but individual employees might earn an hourly wage or an annual salary, with the amount dependent on the size of the company and the nature of the job.

Regardless of your desired career in the music business, it is critical to be thoroughly familiar with the terms of your contract so that you know the amount of your salary and the conditions by which you earn your income.

 

Music Business Salaries by Years Experience, Specialty and Employer Type

Bachelor's Degree–Year's Experience Median Salary
1 – 4 Years $34,449
5 – 9 Years $40,548
10 – 19 Years $52,200
20 Years or More $68,500
Bachelor's Degree–Employer Type Median Salary
Company $37,730
Non-Profit Organization  $33,074 
Self-Employed $27,500
Private Practice/Firm $41,200
 
Overall Music Industry Salaries by Job Type Median Salary
Administrative Assistant $30,865
Retail Store Manager $39,908
Executive Assistant  $38,042 
Marketing Manager $43,162

Overall Music Industry Salaries by Employer Type

Median Salary
Company $49,221
Non-Profit Organization $38,344
Self-Employed $39,678
Franchise $42,500
 
Music Industry Salaries by U.S. City Median Salary
New York $53,248
Los Angeles  $54,712 
Nashville  $45,253 
Chicago  $39,050 
San Francisco $71,834 
Seattle $69,622
Austin $36,575

Source: PayScale.com, 2009

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