Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Singers
Singers sing songs on stage, radio, television, or motion pictures.
Table of contents
What they do
Singers sing songs on stage, radio, television, or motion pictures.
- Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
- Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
- Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
- Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Singers research particular roles to find out more about a character, or the time and place in which a piece is set. They interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
A typical day for a Singer will also include:
- Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
- Learn acting, dancing, and other skills required for dramatic singing roles.
- Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
- Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches to develop voice and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles.
- Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Singers also observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation. They may also memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Singers seek out and learn new music suitable for live performance or recording. They might also perform before live audiences, or in television, radio, or movie productions.
In addition, they sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches to develop voice and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles.
To some Singers, it is also their responsibility to collaborate with a manager or agent who handles administrative details, finds work, and negotiates contracts.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
75% said they were satisfied with their job and 83% said they found their job meaningful.
It depends on the day. As an independent artist, I wear many hats. While I make my money for the time I spend performing on stage, behind the scenes, I take on the roles of an administrator, social media manager, marketer, video editor, accountant, costume designer, and many more. My typical day One of the … Read More
It’s fun and interesting. I’m not your typical music artist. I make music that’s both entertaining and healing. I’m able to explain deep truths in a way that’s melodic and easily understood so that listeners can maintain mental wellness. For example, “Let Go” has been responsible for many achieving mental clarity when it comes to … Read More
Pros
Suitable for people who like to work with designs.
Suitable for people who value relationships between co-workers and customers and want to work in a friendly non-competitive environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Short working hours (Less than 40 hours per week).
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to follow routines.
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Singers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $* to $* per year or $11 to $18 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $* | $87 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $* | $55 |
| Median | $* | $31 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $* | $18 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $* | $11 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Singers based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Local Government | $ | $37.60 |
| General Merchandise Stores | $ | $19.36 |
| Spectator Sports | $ | $25.20 |
| Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water | $ | $21.35 |
| Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events | $ | $50.74 |
| Motion Picture and Video Industries | $ | $* |
| Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers | $ | $35.27 |
| Sound Recording Industries | $ | $* |
| Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions | $ | $12.33 |
| Employment Services | $ | $* |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Singers work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Singers including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performing Arts Companies | 15960 | $ | $48.47 |
| Religious Organizations | 8670 | $ | $38.27 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 2230 | $ | $29.77 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 1760 | $ | $29.95 |
| Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers | 1550 | $ | $35.27 |
| Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events | 930 | $ | $50.74 |
| Other Schools and Instruction | 830 | $ | $32.98 |
| Sound Recording Industries | 460 | $ | $* |
| Local Government | 340 | $ | $37.60 |
| Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) | 240 | $ | $31.99 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Percussion Instruments
Woodwind Instruments
Brass Instruments
Music Pedagogy
Stringed Instruments
Jazz/Jazz Studies
Voice and Opera
Keyboard Instruments
Music Performance
Music
Musical Theatre
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with forms, designs, and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk-taking and often deal with business.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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