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Music Agents and Scouts

Earnings

Earnings for agents vary greatly, depending on the success of the agent and his or her clients. An agency receives 10 to 20 percent of a client's fee for a project. An agent is then paid a commission by the agency as well as a base salary. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes earned median salaries of $84,900 in May 2023. The median annual salary for workers in all careers was $48,069. Salaries for the lowest paid 10 percent of agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes were less than $47,100, and the top paid 10 percent earned more than $129,930. Music agents with more experience and who are employed by top agencies earn much higher salaries.

Experienced agents employed by agencies receive health and retirement benefits, bonuses, and paid travel and accommodations. Agents who are self-employed must provide their own health insurance and other benefits.

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