Music is a fun field to work in, but it can be hard to find entry-level jobs if you’re just starting out. In this article, we’ll go over some of the top places to look for work if you’re a music major or just looking to get your foot in the door with a new career path.

Entry Level Jobs For Music Majors

There are lots of jobs out there for people who want to work in music. You can find jobs at recording studios, recording artists’ agencies and management companies, music stores (like Guitar Center), or even radio stations or record labels. In addition, there are also plenty of opportunities for those who want to get into music-related education at colleges and universities.

Some of these jobs require certain skill sets that aren’t always easy to learn on your own—for example, an internship at a radio station or record label might require good writing skills or experience in social media marketing (or both). Here are some tips for getting started:

Find out what skills you need for each type of job by talking with someone who works in that industry (or talk with someone who works at an agency that represents people from that industry). Then practice those skills as much as possible so they’re ready when the time comes.

Entry Level Jobs For Music Majors

1. Event staff

National average salary: $26,340 per year

Primary duties: Event staff members are responsible for setting up venues for live performances. They may set up chairs, transport equipment and prepare the stage for artists and musicians. Event staff may also act as ushers, security guards, cashiers or customer service representatives during live events to ensure everything runs smoothly. Working as an event staff member can give you the opportunity to network with other professionals in the music industry, including popular bands, sound engineers, radio DJs, artist managers and record label executives.

2. Radio announcer

National average salary: $31,374 per year

Primary duties: Radio announcers introduce songs to listeners and present newsworthy topics. They may also interview guests, which can include famous artists and musicians. Radio announcers may also record advertisements for local companies and make public appearances at events, such as music festivals or charity auctions. Becoming a radio announcer for a music station can help you meet other professionals in the industry and share your appreciation for music.

3. Sound technician

National average salary: $36,181 per year

Primary duties: A sound technician is responsible for monitoring and adjusting audio equipment to maintain the proper volume and balance levels. They can work in recording studios or for live events. Sound technicians also set up microphones and audio equipment for artists to ensure everything is in working order. Depending on the organization you work for, becoming a sound technician can give you the opportunity to travel or record music with bands and artists you enjoy.

4. Photographer

National average salary: $39,303 per year

Primary duties: Event photographers often work in the music industry where they specialize in capturing high-quality images of live performances. These photographers often receive special clearance so they can get close to or behind the stage to take photos of band members and artists. They may also take photos of bands for interviews, album covers or promotional materials. While photographers can work for a specific media outlet, they often choose to work as independent contractors on a freelance basis.

5. Administrative assistant

National average salary: $44,251 per year

Primary duties: Administrative assistants maintain calendars, schedule meetings, transfer phone calls, answer emails and prepare documents for executive team members. They may also perform administrative tasks for an entire organization. Working as an administrative assistant in the music or events industry can help you gain experience booking and scheduling shows. This can prepare you to become a booking agent or events manager.

Read more: Learn About Being an Administrative Assistant

6. Promotions assistant

National average salary: $44,651 per year

Primary duties: Promotions assistants help a label’s artists get their songs on the radio. Also known as radio promoters, these professionals are in charge of scheduling on-air performances for the musicians they work with to increase the public’s awareness of their music. They may also set up promotional giveaways, such as contests to win concert tickets or meet and greets. The main goal of a promotions assistant is to help musicians gain fans and increase the record label’s revenue.

7. Publicist

National average salary: $46,040 per year

Primary duties: A publicist who works in the music industry develops press kits for artists and helps them maintain a positive public image. They may create marketing campaigns, write speeches, develop social media content and send out media alerts. Working as a publicist can help you develop strong relationships with artists and network with media outlets in the music industry.

Read more: Learn About Being a Publicist

8. Public relations assistant

National average salary: $48,627 per year

Primary duties: A public relations (PR) assistant supports the PR department by completing administrative support tasks. They may set up meetings, schedule interviews, send emails and draft documents. In the music industry, PR assistants help artists maintain a positive image and increase their media coverage. They may create press releases, contact media outlets and promote artists online. Working as a public relations assistant can prepare you for a marketing career in the music industry.

9. Event coordinator

National average salary: $49,491 per year

Primary duties: An event coordinator is responsible for scheduling live events and ensuring everything runs smoothly. They negotiate prices with clients, create work schedules for other team members and manage ongoing relationships with other professionals in the music industry. Event coordinators also work with vendors and suppliers to ensure they have everything they need to host a successful event. Working as an event coordinator can help you network with other people in the music industry and prepare you for senior positions in events management.

10. Writer

National average salary: $59,625 per year

Primary duties: Writers can work with online and print publications in the music industry, such as magazines, social media platforms and websites. Some of the content they can write includes album reviews, interviews, news stories and event coverage articles. Music writers may have access to new releases from artists before the general public and can form strong relationships with the artists they get to interview. While they can work for a specific company, many music writers are independent contractors who produce articles for several organizations on a freelance basis.

Read more: Learn About Being a Copywriter

11. Music teacher

National average salary: $67,058 per year

Primary duties: Music teachers help students learn how to sing, read music and play instruments. There are many types of music teachers, including vocal instructors and band directors. They can work for schools, community programs, studios or as independent contractors who provide music lessons from their homes. Working as a music teacher can help you connect with other music lovers in your community.