What benefits do musicians have?

Musicians working for public schools, academic institutions and corporations such as The Walt Disney Company receive the kinds of benefits typically earned by full-time employees, including medical and dental insurance, paid sick and vacation time, and retirement benefits.

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Musicians play instruments, such as violins, guitars or drums, or use their voices to make music. They perform by themselves or in groups in recording studios, on radio programs or in front of live audiences. Some compose their own music; others may create complete performances on a computer. Musicians need talent, constant practice and perseverance to earn salaries and benefits.

Musician Wages

Musicians earned a median $30.39 per hour, as of May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Median salary means that half the people in the occupation earned more, while half earned less. Work in the profession is so irregular that the BLS cannot calculate median annual pay rates. For every superstar who earns millions in concerts and recording deals, there are thousands whose meagre musician wages necessitate part-time or even full-time employment in other careers.

Where the Jobs Are

If you seek steady employment as a musician, you have several options. One is music education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that high school teachers earned a median salary of $61,660 per year in 2019, while kindergarten and elementary teachers earned a median of $59,420. Pay varies from state to state, and even among districts within a state. Teaching in the public schools requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in music or music education as well as state licensure. Teaching at the college or university level may require an advanced degree although, depending on the institution, professional experience may be considered the equivalent of formal education. The U.S. Armed Forces staffs its bands and performing groups with enlisted service members. Unlike enlisting for other military occupations, enlistment to join a military band is by audition and is highly competitive. Enlisted service members are paid by rank (pay grade) and the number of years of service, as shown on the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) military pay tables. For example, an E-7 with over 8 years of service earned $4,067.40 per month in 2020. Cruise lines offer another option for steady employment. According to Landau Music, a company that hires entertainers for cruise ships, starting musician pay scale ranges from $2,200 to $3,300 a month, depending on whether you're part of the band, a band leader or a solo artist. Meals and lodging are also included while aboard ship.

Musician Education

A successful musical career is not necessarily dependent on formal education. Some people learn to sing or play an instrument "by ear," meaning that they can reproduce the sounds they hear without looking at music notated on a page. The Music Studio cites several famous musicians, including Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton and blues great Robert Johnson, who could not read music. Although formal education is not a guarantee of success, the training you get in a music program hones your skills, builds discipline and can position you for auditions and meetings with important people in the music business. A classical musician, for example, almost always needs to have at least a master's degree to be considered for a job in a symphony orchestra. Most military enlistees have bachelor's or master's degree in music performance. A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required to teach in public schools.

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