What are Entry-Level Jobs in the Music Business?

The very competitive music business offers a multitude of career opportunities for performing artists, songwriters, teachers, sales and marketing staff, sound technicians and recording engineers. Read on to learn about entry-level jobs in the industry, including their educational requirements, job outlooks and salaries.

Entry-Level Career Options in the Music Business

Landing an entry-level job can help you acquire the skills necessary for advancement into more rewarding positions within the music business. As the competition for entry-level music jobs becomes more intense, increasingly employers are filtering job applicants by their level of formal training. Many entry-level jobs require an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. With appropriate training, you can qualify for these common positions.

Important Facts About This Occupation

	Sound Engineering Technician	Music Marketing and Sales	Artist Management
Average Salary (2021)	$67,360 (for sound engineering technicians)	$76,080 (for market research analysts)	$116,410 (for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes)
Job Outlook (2021-2031)	10% (for broadcast and sound engineering technicians)	19% (for market research analysts)	14% (for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and atheletes)
Degrees/Certificates	Associate degree	Associate or bachelor degree	Associate or bachelor degree
Possible Careers	Broadcast technician, recording engineer, sound mixer, field technician	Promotions manager, marketing manager	Business manager, tour manager, personal manager

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Sound Engineering Technician

Sound engineering technicians work in a variety of job settings, including recording studios and live concert events. They operate machines, computers and equipment, and they synchronize, mix and reproduce music, voices and sound effects. In addition to a possible degree, there are also non-degree programs available.

Typical job duties for sound engineering technicians may include:

Consulting with performers, producers and engineers
Setting up, testing and adjusting the recording equipment
Mixing and editing music during live events

Music Marketing and Sales

An entry-level position in music sales and marketing can be your opportunity to gain the relevant skills and knowledge for advancement into management. Some responsibilities may include:

Promoting artists
Creating Internet branding for artists and record labels
Conducting market research

Artist Management

Artist managers are responsible for managing some or all aspects of an artist's or band's career. Many people get their start in this segment of the music business through a formal training curriculum. Many schools have internship programs with established record labels and artist management companies. Interning students can gain practical hands-on experience and identify potential areas of specialization.