Entertainment & Media

Musician and Singer

SOC 27-2042.00 · ESCO 2652 · OSCA 231631

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Role snapshot

Overview

Performs music before live audiences or in recording studios, practising regularly to maintain and improve technical skills. Interprets existing works or creates original material, often collaborating with other artists and producers. This role demands artistic expression, technical mastery, and strong interpersonal skills for collaboration and audience engagement.

Enriches cultural life and provides entertainment, often conveying powerful emotions and stories through musical performance and composition.

On the job

  • Practise instruments or vocal techniques to maintain and improve technical proficiency
  • Perform live concerts, recitals, or studio recording sessions
  • Collaborate with other musicians, composers, and producers on musical projects
  • Compose, arrange, or interpret musical pieces
  • Promote performances, manage bookings, and engage with fans and audiences
Musician and Singer at work

Tools & technology

Musical instrumentsMicrophonesDigital Audio Workstations (DAWs)Sheet music softwareRecording equipment

Average salary

$65K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$35K Bottom 10%
$120K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

Formal training in music, such as a degree from a conservatory or university, or extensive private instruction and performance experience.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Band Leader / Music Director

CURRENT ROLE

Musician and Singer

Entertainment & Media

ADJACENT MOVES

Music Producer
Music Educator
Private Music Lessons
Performing Arts School
Gig Musician

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

A

artistic · AES

People who enjoy artistic expression, performing for audiences, and collaborating with others to create and share music tend to thrive in this role.

Personality characteristics

Expressive

Enjoys conveying deep emotions and ideas through musical performance and composition.

Dedicated

Requires consistent practice and discipline to master instruments or vocal techniques.

Charismatic

Thrives on engaging and connecting with audiences during live performances.

Collaborative

Works effectively with other musicians, producers, and creative teams.

Resilient

Manages performance anxiety, rejection, and the often unstable nature of the industry.

Best for

  • Individuals passionate about sharing their musical talent and connecting with people through art.
  • Those who are self-motivated, disciplined in practice, and adaptable to diverse performance environments.

Watch out for

  • The industry can be highly competitive and financially unstable, requiring significant resilience.
  • Work often involves irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, and frequent travel.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Musician and Singer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Instrument/Vocal Practice
Composition and Arrangement
Music Business Administration
Tue
Rehearsal with Collaborators
Social Media and Promotion
Instrument/Vocal Practice
Wed
Studio Recording Session
Music Theory Study
Collaboration Meeting
Thu
Performance Preparation & Soundcheck
Live Performance
Fri
Skill Development / New Techniques
Portfolio / Demo Review
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

FREE ASSESSMENT

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