Musicians and Singers
O*NET 27-2042.00 · SOC 27-2042
Musician is a solid career choice. The BLS publishes no median wage for this role with +0.3% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 17,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Practice instruments or vocal exercises to maintain performance skills.
- →Perform live music for audiences at concerts or events.
- →Record music tracks in studio sessions with producers.
- →Rehearse with bandmates or accompanists before scheduled performances.
- →Memorize lyrics, melodies, and musical arrangements for performances.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Musician roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as a Musician? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.
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Work Environment
Creative — studios, agencies, or remote
Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Musician involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Musician?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Musician Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Musicians and Singers is projected to grow 0.3% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·30% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace
- ·52% creative/strategic tasks — AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
Will AI replace Musician jobs?
Our model puts Musician at 17 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk — AI-resistant. The main drivers: 30% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace; 52% creative/strategic tasks — AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Musician a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 0.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 17,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Musician?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Musician roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Musician?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Musician career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes