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Commercial Music Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canyons School District

$89.24/hr

Music Opening Date: 10/02/2023 Description We are accepting applications for the Adjunct Commercial Music Instructor Applicant Pool. Adjunct pools are open on a fiscal year basis for continuous ...

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Commercial Music information

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$11

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How much do commercial music jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for commercial music in the United States is $22.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with a commercial music degree?

A commercial music degree prepares individuals for careers in music production, songwriting, sound engineering, music licensing, and artist management. Graduates often work in recording studios, media companies, advertising, or as performers, utilizing skills in music technology, composition, and industry knowledge.

What careers are in music business?

Careers in the music business include roles such as music producer, artist manager, record label executive, music publisher, booking agent, and marketing professional. These positions often require knowledge of the industry, strong communication skills, and familiarity with digital tools and contracts.

What jobs make 500,000 a year?

In the field of commercial music, high-earning roles such as successful music producers, top-tier recording artists, and prominent music executives can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require extensive experience, industry connections, and skills in music production, composition, or business management within the music industry.

How much do commercial musicians make?

Commercial musicians' earnings vary widely based on experience, location, and the type of projects they work on. On average, they can earn from $30,000 to over $100,000 annually, with top professionals and those working on high-profile campaigns earning more. Many commercial musicians supplement their income through freelance work, licensing, and performing in addition to studio recordings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Commercial Music Professional, and why are they important?

To excel in commercial music, you need a strong grasp of music theory, songwriting, and production, often supported by a degree in music, audio engineering, or related experience. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live or Pro Tools, as well as knowledge of music licensing and distribution platforms, is essential. Creativity, collaboration, and networking skills are vital soft skills for building industry relationships and adapting to trends. These competencies ensure that music professionals can create marketable content, navigate industry demands, and sustain successful careers.

What Are Commercial Music Jobs?

There are a wide variety of jobs in the commercial music industry. Composers write musical pieces for different products, from video games to independent films and musicals. In audio recording, you work with musicians in a studio as you aid in the mixing of compositions for various uses. Musicians may write or perform musical compositions for album recordings or to support other musical artists. As a producer, you collaborate with musicians and recording studio executives to develop arrangements and interesting sounds for an album or artist. You also handle the copyright, permission, and license of any music you help produce.

What is the difference between Commercial Music vs Music Producer?

AspectCommercial MusicMusic Producer
CredentialsMusic degrees, industry certifications, portfolioMusic degrees, production certifications, portfolio
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, media companies, advertisingRecording studios, personal studios, media companies
Industry UsageCreating music for commercial purposes like ads, TV, radioOverseeing music production, arranging, mixing, and finalizing tracks

Commercial Music involves creating music specifically for commercial use, such as advertising, TV, and radio, often requiring knowledge of marketing and audience targeting. A Music Producer focuses on managing the entire music creation process, from recording to mixing, regardless of the music's purpose. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, Commercial Music emphasizes producing music for commercial applications, whereas Music Producers oversee the production process across various music genres.

What is commercial music?

Commercial music refers to music that is created primarily for commercial purposes, such as generating revenue or supporting business objectives. This includes music used in advertising, film, television, video games, and streaming platforms, as well as popular music released by artists and record labels for mass consumption. Professionals in commercial music may work as composers, producers, performers, or in music business roles, focusing on music that appeals to a broad audience and is marketable. The industry values creativity, technical skills, and an understanding of current trends to succeed in various commercial contexts.

What types of projects and collaborations can I expect to work on in a Commercial Music role?

In a Commercial Music role, you’ll often work on a variety of projects such as writing jingles, producing music for advertisements, composing for film or television, or collaborating with artists on new releases. Teamwork is key, as you’ll frequently interact with marketing teams, audio engineers, producers, and sometimes even clients directly to meet specific creative briefs. These roles can be both fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring flexibility and strong communication skills. The collaborative environment provides valuable networking opportunities and helps you develop a well-rounded skill set in both music and business.
More about Commercial Music jobs
What cities are hiring for Commercial Music jobs? Cities with the most Commercial Music job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Commercial Music jobs? The most popular types of Commercial Music jobs are:
What states have the most Commercial Music jobs? States with the most job openings for Commercial Music jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Commercial Music jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Commercial Music jobs are:
Commercial Music jobs near you
Infographic showing various Commercial Music job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,504 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
Adjunct Instructor in Music - Commercial Music (Recording, Engineering, and Producing)

Adjunct Instructor in Music - Commercial Music (Recording, Engineering, and Producing)

Union University

Jackson, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Adjunct Instructor in Music - Commercial Music (Recording, Engineering, and Producing)
Division
College of Arts & Sciences (DIV)
Department
Music
Location
Jackson
Job Summary
Union University seeks a qualified individual for the position of Adjunct Instructor in Music - Commercial Music (Recording, Engineering, and Producing).
About Union University
Founded in 1823, Union University is a private, coeducational liberal arts-based university offering Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, with a total enrollment of about 2,600. The main campus is located in Jackson, Tenn., with additional campuses in Memphis and Hendersonville. A national leader among colleges and universities in promoting a Christian worldview and a Christ-centered approach to education, Union is consistently ranked among the nation's premier Christian universities.
Essential Job Duties
  • Teach Recording Engineering, Mixing, Pre and Post-Production Principles and Techniques. Candidate must have the ability to teach ProTools, Logic, mixing control surfaces, and Commercial Music Business principles.
    • Courses include:
      CMU 210 Commercial Music Theory
      CMU 230 ProTools I: Fundamentals
      CMU 231 ProTools II: Production
      CMU 305 Commercial Music Business
      CMU 300/400 Commercial Music Lab
      CMU 362 Studio Producing, Mixing & Audio
      CMU 462 Advanced Digital Audio Production
      CMU 463 Music Mixing and Post Production
      CMU 391 Practicum I
      CMU 392 Practicum II
      Emphasis in: Recording Engineering and Producing Techniques
  • Provide direction and supervision for commercial student recording technology practicums as assigned.
  • Perform in Faculty and University ensembles as directed.

Other Job Duties
Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master of Music degree in Commercial Music, Music Technology, Studio Producing, Jazz Studies, or M.A. in Worship, and experience teaching college-level music and technology is required. This position also requires the ability to work in a team leadership setting and strong collaborative skills. The candidate must also have the ability to perform in a variety of music styles and venues, such as: classical music (orchestral, choral, and chamber music), popular and rock music styles, Contemporary Worship, and jazz or blues.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants with a Ph.D. or D.M.A. in Commercial Music, Music Technology, Studio Producing, Jazz Studies, or Worship Studies. Extensive credits recording and mastering in various styles and venues, as well as teaching experience at the college level and/or the commercial industry is also preferred.
Christian Requirement
Successful candidates must be professing Christians who are active members of a local church, enthusiastically support Union University's Identity, Mission, Core Values, and Statement of Faith, and articulate a Christian worldview in their work and life.
Physical Requirements
The work performed by this position is of a general office/administrative/teaching nature. It requires the ability to operate a computer, and communicate on the telephone and in writing. Work performed does require some walking on campus, extended periods of time sitting, and some daily instances of bending, stooping, and carrying items up to 25 pounds.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F007P
Special Instructions to Applicants

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