12 High Paying Careers in The Music Industry You Probably Didn’t Know About (plus salaries) 

Behind every iconic song and talented artist stands a dedicated team of professionals whose expertise contribute to the symphony of sounds we love. Oftentimes, these unsung heroes are not limited to performing, producing or teaching music, but their impact is undoubtedly significant in shaping the landscape of the music industry. Though they do not bask in the spotlight, their bank accounts certainly reflect their value in unique areas of the music industry. Let’s shine a spotlight on these hidden gems and their impressive salary range.

Acoustical Consultants

Next time you slip into serene silence with your earplugs in, take a moment to appreciate the acoustical cx consultants who made it possible. These experts design and optimize spaces to minimize echo, reverberation, and unwanted noise, creating an environment for beautiful melodies. Their work behind the scenes ensures that recording studios, concert halls, and even quiet rooms have optimal acoustics, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of sound.                                 

Annual Salary range: $56,000- $156,000.

Forensic Musicologists

This may seem surprising but it definitely is a fascinating career in the music industry to many. This practice combines musicology and law. Forensic Musicologists, explore their knowledge of music history and skills in music theory to analyze music recordings and musical scores, providing expert testimonies as regards cases with claims of copyright infringement. They are often hired as consultants or expert witnesses in courts, resolving music-related disputes which makes them unique and valuable assets in the music industry.                

Annual Salary Range: $54,000- $94,000

Music Therapist

YES! YES ! YES! Imagine harnessing the power of music to heal, help and transform lives. These compassionate superheroes are the professionals who make this magic happen. Through a deep understanding of clients' needs, they craft personalized music-based interventions to boost communication, develop motor skills, express emotions and manage stress. Music therapists explore music toolkits like songwriting, repetitive listening to music and playing instruments to foster well-being and improve the quality of lives. True life-changers, if I might add.  A music therapist’s clientele includes incredible individuals living with disabilities, mental health challenges, neurological conditions and physical challenges.                             

Annual Salary Range: $30,880 - $77,970.

A&R (Artist and  Repertoire) Coordinator 

Ever wonder how new talents burst onto the scene? It’s always thanks to an A&R coordinator, the ultimate talent scout. They are like talent detectives who discover and nurture emerging artists to stardom. Usually acting as liaisons, A&R coordinators unite labels and artists while overseeing the creative and logistical aspects of their music development. These music maestros play a vital role in shaping music careers and driving label success through identifying market trends, guiding artistic direction and facilitating artists-label communication.                                   

Annual Salary Range - $65,000 - $75,000

Music Librarian 

We would love to describe these hidden gems as the ultimate music sleuths and keepers of the musical treasure trove. Without them, musical treasures would remain hidden. Though often unseen, their relevance in preserving and organizing musical scores ensures accessibility at all times. A music librarian is a skilled professional who aids musicians, artists, researchers, and conductors in finding the perfect music piece for their craft. They aid in the preservation of music heritage, making it possible for timeless music to be created and enjoyed. These music maestros work in various settings, including orchestras, opera companies, schools, and libraries, making music scores available for those who need them.                                

Annual Salary Range : $65,193

Music Software Developer

A world where creativity and innovation unite in perfect harmony. With a passion for music and coding expertise, music software developers thrive in this space, bringing game-changing ideas to life. These tech-gurus are responsible for building software that enhances music creation, creating apps like GarageBand and also apps for virtual instruments used mostly by DJS, music learning apps for all levels, as well as music streaming giants like Spotify and Apple Music. These tech visionaries are revolutionizing the music industry making music creation, learning and enjoyment accessible for all.         Annual Salary Range: $111,845

Streaming Consultants

Well, let’s spill the tea on how artists top the charts … It’s not just talent, it’s also the streaming consultants. These underground heroes possess some serious superpowers in offering expert guidance on streaming platforms, chart-boosting strategies, visibility hacks and audience engagements. They are the real MVPs and have the secret sauce in helping artists and labels ride the streaming wave to success.

Annual Salary Range: $125,000 - $180,000

Music Attorney

Also considered as the guardians of music law, these experts navigate the music industry’s complex landscape by providing crucial guidance on contract negotiations (recording, publishing and producer agreements), copyright protection, intellectual property management (trademark and licensing) and also in defending clients against contract disputes or copyright infringement. They are solely responsible for safeguarding artists’ and music companies’ interests, ensuring their rights and creative work are protected.

Annual Salary Range -  $77,449 - $144,230. 

Film - Score Composer

These are the soundtrack sorcerers! Those cool-to-match soundtracks that make your heart skip during your favourite movie scene are the handiwork of a creative professional who brings music magic to the cinematic industry. By collaborating with film directors and producers, a film-score composer crafts original masterpieces to elevate emotional impact. They set the atmosphere with the aim of keeping audiences engaged, making the movie experience unforgettable with every note.                                                    

Annual Salary Range $50,000 - $200,000 varying with film success 

Music Metadata Specialists

These specialists are essential in the music industry as they ensure that music is properly attributed and accessible. They optimize music for the digital age. Through organizational expertise and analytical skills, they accurately manage metadata for music catalogs, which includes essential information like song titles, artist names, genres, release date and credits. Whenever you research your favourite song and those juicy deets appear, these are the guys responsible for creating and maintaining an accurate profile, making every detail fire!                                                         

Annual Salary Range: $43,000 - $71,000

Tour Manager

These detail-oriented pros keep the wheels of the tour running smoothly. Working closely with booking agents to ensure seamless logistics, they handle everything from accommodation and equipment transport, venue setup and artist-team logistics, troubleshooting issues that arise, to planning tour itineraries and travel routes. Usually, the behind-the-scenes rock stars who make successful live shows happen allow artists to focus on their performance and shine on stage. 

Salary range varies tied to commission and artist visibility.             

Booking Agents

These are artists' real allies as they play a vital role in an artist’s music career. Working tirelessly behind the scenes, they secure gigs and performances, negotiate contracts, and promote talents to the perfect audiences. With the artist's best interest at heart, they empower creatives to shine, delivering their best work to adoring fans. They are the ultimate career catalysts. 

Salary range is commission-based and success impacts earning.

The music industry  offers diverse career opportunities and each unique role contributes to the ecosystem that helps both artists and audiences. Which role above seems new to you? And as an enthusiast, which career gets you pumped up enough to consider joining the music industry squad? Let us know in the comments down below.