Musicians and singers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Musicians and singers fall under the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media category in the U.S. occupational classification. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +0.3% job growth through 2035, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do musicians and singers earn?

BLS does not publish a current median annual wage for musicians and singers, which usually means the occupation is small, niche, or reported only as part of a broader category. For pay context, check the parent SOC group or O*NET's wage-by-state tables.

Is musicians and singers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for musicians and singers is +0.3%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 170K positions in 2024 to 170K in 2034, a net change of <1K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do musicians and singers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working musicians and singers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals.
2. 2.Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.
3. 3.Make or participate in recordings.
4. 4.Seek out and learn new music suitable for live performance or recording.
5. 5.Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.
6. 6.Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.
7. 7.Play from memory or by following scores.
8. 8.Practice performances, individually or in rehearsal with other musicians, to master individual pieces of music or to maintain and improve skills.

Top skills for musicians and singers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become musicians and singer?

The standard path into musicians and singers begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Actors
• Art Directors
  $114,850 median
• Special Effects Artists and Animators
  $102,030 median
• Technical Writers
  $90,390 median
• Producers and Directors
  $90,360 median
• Commercial and Industrial Designers
  $83,910 median

Common questions parents ask about musicians and singers