Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Developing original ideas, approaches, designs, or solutions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Musicians and singers typically do not need formal postsecondary education to enter the occupation. However, those pursuing careers in some genres, such as classical or opera, may choose to earn a bachelor's or higher degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire their skills. PayThe median hourly wage for musicians and singers was $47.80 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of musicians and singers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 17,400 openings for musicians and singers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for musicians and singers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of musicians and singers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about musicians and singers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median hourly wage for musicians and singers was $47.80 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of musicians and singers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 17,400 openings for musicians and singers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for musicians and singers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of musicians and singers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about musicians and singers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of musicians and singers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 17,400 openings for musicians and singers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for musicians and singers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of musicians and singers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about musicians and singers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Musicians and singers play instruments or sing for live audiences and in recording studios.
Work Environment
Musicians and singers often perform in settings such as concert halls, churches, and clubs. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary and include mornings, nights, or weekends.
How to Become a Musician or Singer
Musicians and singers typically do not need formal postsecondary education to enter the occupation. However, those pursuing careers in some genres, such as classical or opera, may choose to earn a bachelor's or higher degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire their skills.
Pay
The median hourly wage for musicians and singers was $47.80 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of musicians and singers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 17,400 openings for musicians and singers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for musicians and singers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of musicians and singers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about musicians and singers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Musicians and singers often perform in settings such as concert halls, churches, and clubs. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary and include mornings, nights, or weekends.
How to Become a Musician or Singer
Musicians and singers typically do not need formal postsecondary education to enter the occupation. However, those pursuing careers in some genres, such as classical or opera, may choose to earn a bachelor's or higher degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire their skills.
Pay
The median hourly wage for musicians and singers was $47.80 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of musicians and singers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 17,400 openings for musicians and singers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for musicians and singers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of musicians and singers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about musicians and singers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for musicians and singers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of musicians and singers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about musicians and singers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about musicians and singers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
Use the guided career counseling experience to connect this career to your goals, skills and education preferences.
Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.