Musicians and singers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
Pay variesTraining programs/workshops | Associate/Bachelor’s in Performing Arts (optional) | Port…→ Limited Growth
← Back to Music
Careers Without a Required Four-Year Degree
Paths you can start through certificates, apprenticeships, or on the job.
Pit orchestra musicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$48,600/yrCertificate or Associate degree | Bachelor's degree in related field | Master's or adva…→ Limited Growth
Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers, all other
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
Pay variesTraining programs/workshops | Associate/Bachelor’s in Performing Arts (optional) | Port…↗ Steady
Music Audio Engineer
Shape how a record actually sounds.
$52,600/yrCertificate or Associate degree | Bachelor's degree in related field | Master's or adva…↗ Steady
Audio and video technicians
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$54,830/yrPortfolio/reel + project experience | Certificate/Associate in Media Production (common…↗ Steady
Music Producer
Music Producers oversee the creation and recording of music.
$58,000/yrTraining programs/workshops | Associate/Bachelor's in Performing Arts (optional) | Port…↗ Steady
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$80,190/yrHigh school portfolio + training | Certificate or Associate in Design (common) | Bachel…→ Limited Growth
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$96,310/yrHigh school portfolio + training | Certificate or Associate in Design (common) | Bachel…↑ Above Average
Marketing managers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$161,030/yrPortfolio + experience matters | Associate/Bachelor’s in Marketing/Business (common) | …↗ Steady
Public relations specialists
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$69,780/yrPortfolio/reel + project experience | Certificate/Associate in Media Production (common…↗ Steady
Meeting, convention, and event planners
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$59,440/yrAssociate/Bachelor’s (common) | Certifications (CAPM/PMP, Lean—optional) | On-the-job g…↗ Steady
Music Technology Developer
Build the streaming apps and tools musicians rely on.
$133,080/yrBachelor’s common, but portfolios/coding bootcamps can work | Projects matter a lot⇧ Strong
Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$45,680/yrPortfolio/reel + project experience | Certificate/Associate in Media Production (common…↓ Declining
Podcast producers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$58,400/yrCertificate or Associate degree | Bachelor's degree in related field | Master's or adva…⇧ Strong
Army band musician
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$42,000/yrHigh school diploma + military enlistment | Military training and specialty school | Of…→ Limited Growth