What is a music publisher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a music publisher. For example, did you know that they make an average of $25.34 an hour? That's $52,712 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 2,700 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreMusic PublisherUS Average
Salary
4.1

Avg. Salary $52,712

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
4.7

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%

Asian 5.27%

Black or African American 5.62%

Hispanic or Latino 9.49%

Unknown 4.75%

White 74.69%

Gender

female 30.43%

male 69.57%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress Level
4.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.6

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.5

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a music publisher

  1. Explore music publisher education requirements

    Most common music publisher degrees

    Bachelor's

    56.8 %

    Associate

    27.0 %

    Master's

    10.8 %
  2. Complete relevant music publisher training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New music publishers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a music publisher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real music publisher resumes.
  3. Research music publisher duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and perform administrative QC of electronic clinical submission modules within the Documentum document management system.
    • Volunteer position, organize sectional times/places with sectional leaders, run sectionals within rehearsals, conduct professional orchestra
    • Colorado.Developed and implement action plans which result in department meeting company ISO standards.
  4. Apply for music publisher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a music publisher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Music Publisher Job

Zippi

Are you a Music Publisher?

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Average music publisher salary

The average Music Publisher salary in the United States is $52,712 per year or $25 per hour. Music publisher salaries range between $26,000 and $105,000 per year.

Average Music Publisher Salary
$52,712 Yearly
$25.34 hourly

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How do music publishers rate their job?

3/5

Out of 1 Music Publisher reviews, 0% were positive.

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Based On 1 Ratings

Pay / Salary
1.0
Overall Rating
3.0
Work/Life Balance
1.0
Career Growth
3.0

Music Publisher reviews

profile
3.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2023
Pros

You get to meet interesting people, go to shows and if you are passionate about music it’s a goldmine

Cons

Bad pay, if you are not working for a major or have a hit songwriter on your roster your company will go out of business. You need a hit to cover overhead and there are not that many slots on the radio. It’s worth it if you work for a great company. If you don’t RUN!!!


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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