Median / Average Pay ($)
- $42.45 / hour (BLS.gov)
- $21.56 / hour (ZipRecruiter.com)
- $27.53 / hour (Zippia.com)
- $35.68 / hour (Indeed.com)
Services Provided
- Performance – Playing musical pieces, songs, and mixes for a live audience during events such as weddings, tours, or as supporting band work during individual sessions with other performers.
- Production – Recording and producing music in a studio or controlled setting, using specialized sound equipment, creating beats, mixing tracks, and providing orchestral coordination.
- Compositional Work – Creating custom scores for soloists or ensembles, background music, accompaniments, and songs for media, entertainment (e.g., video games), jingles, theme music, and other purposes.
- Educational – Teaching students about the technical aspects and theories of music, as well as how to play specific instruments through one-on-one tutoring, group lessons, online courses, and workshops.
- Licensing – Allowing the use of existing musical scores, pieces, and performances by other parties or managing these permissions; includes royalties.
- Gear Rentals – Leasing instruments or sound equipment to technicians and other musicians.