Jingle Writer Salary and Career Facts

<p>Have you ever heard a commercial that has appealing music and catchy lyrics? That was created by a jingle writer. Jingle writers utilize musical and artistic skills to write short tunes that are used in commercials. Their goal is to get their intended audience to enjoy and remember their short song, because that will ensure the audience also remembers the product that's being sold. Some postsecondary training is usually required for jingle writers. They need to be able to compose music, and they also need to be able to write lyrics. Since the material they produce is used for commercials, some training in advertising may also be an asset. This is a very competitive career field, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts only a 3% rate of job growth for composers from 2014-2024. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>Certificate, associate's or bachelor's degree is typical</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td>Music business or commercial music</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td>Strong composition, music arrangement and communication skills, plus knowledge of styles and genres</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td>6% (for all types of music composers and directors)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Hourly Median Wage (2020)</b></td><td>$25.12 (for all types of music composers and directors)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatEducationDoINeedToBeAJingleWriter">What Education Do I Need to Be a Jingle Writer?</h3> <p>Locating degree programs that specialize in jingle writing may be difficult; some community colleges and music conservatories may have music-based programs that can help you get started. Certificate programs in music business or music industry studies focus on the entrepreneurial aspect of the industry; these programs may include courses in songwriting, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Music_Production_Masters_Degree_Program_FAQs.html">music production</a> and the legal aspects of the music business. </p> <p>You may be able to locate associate's degree programs in commercial music, which might help you understand the music business, acquire business management skills and learn how to promote your work. Courses may cover music theory, commercial song arrangements, business law and basic musicianship. </p> <p>Bachelor's degree programs in commercial music include performance-based courses within the curriculum. You may also study songwriting, ear training, song arrangement and digital music composition. You'll be required to give an audition on the instrument of your choice for admission into most bachelor's programs. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSkillsDoINeed">What Skills Do I Need?</h3> <p>Because jingle writers are considered songwriters, you must have strong song composition capabilities. Most clients want you to produce fun and catchy songs for radio or television that people will remember. </p> <p>You may also be competing with other jingle writers to land jobs, so you must be able to follow directions precisely to ensure you produce the highest-quality jingles for your clients. According to the Berklee College of Music, jingle writers need solid music arrangement skills and should have a vast knowledge of different music styles and genres (<i>www.berklee.edu</i>). Strong communication skills and the ability to succinctly convey a client's message may also help you find work as a jingle writer. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSalaryMightIExpect">What Salary Might I Expect?</h3> <p>Compensation for jingle writers may vary by state and scope of the project. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), composers - some of whom may write jingles - earned a median hourly wage of $25.12 in 2020 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3> <p>Writers, authors, musicians and singers all have elements of their careers that are similar to the work of jingle writers. Writers and authors are involved in writing text; they combine words in writings to make books, poems, greeting cards and other printed materials. Musicians and singers combine music or lyrics together to make a song. Although no formal postsecondary training is needed to be a musician or singer, writers and authors typically need a bachelor's degree. The critical requirement for writers, authors, musicians and singers is the same; they all need to be creative and able to use their talents to produce original, captivating material.</p>