Skip to Main Content

Musicians

Overview

Musicians perform, compose, conduct, arrange, and teach music. Performing musicians may work alone or as part of a group, or ensemble. They may play before live audiences in clubs or auditoriums, or they may perform on television or radio, in motion pictures, or in a recording studio. Musicians usually play either classical, popular (including rock and country), jazz, or folk music, but many musicians play several musical styles. Musicians and singers hold approximately 187,600 jobs in the United States.

Salary Range

Below $25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Little Change or More Slowly than the Average
Personality Traits

Artistic

Creative

Hands On

Career Ladder
Nationally-Known Musician or Music Conductor/Director

Teacher

Musician

Amateur Musician

Related Professions