Music Archivist information
See Silver Spring, MD salary details
$58.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$55K - $63.5K
16% of jobs
The median wage is $70.5K / yr.
$63.5K - $72K
18% of jobs
$84.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$80.5K - $89K
14% of jobs
$106K - $114.5K
4% of jobs
$114.5K - $123K
5% of jobs
How much do music archivist jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for music archivist in Silver Spring, MD is $75,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $86,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Music archivists are professionals who collect, organize, preserve, and manage music-related materials such as recordings, manuscripts, scores, and historical documents. They work in libraries, museums, universities, and other institutions to ensure that valuable musical resources are accessible for research and enjoyment. Their responsibilities often include cataloging items, digitizing recordings, and developing systems for storage and retrieval. Music archivists play a crucial role in preserving musical heritage and supporting scholarship in music history.
To thrive as a Music Archivist, you need expertise in music history, archival science, and information management, typically supported by a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with cataloging systems such as MARC, metadata standards, and digital archiving tools is essential. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for preserving cultural heritage make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for accurately preserving, organizing, and providing access to valuable music collections for researchers and the public.
Music Archivists often encounter challenges such as deteriorating physical media (like tapes or vinyl), incomplete or inconsistent documentation, and rapidly evolving digital formats. Ensuring proper preservation requires both technical expertise and attention to detail, as archivists must identify the best methods to digitize and catalog rare or fragile items. Collaboration with audio engineers, historians, and IT specialists is also essential to develop sustainable preservation strategies and maintain accessibility for researchers and the public.
Music archivists are in moderate demand as institutions seek to preserve and organize audio collections, especially with increasing digitalization. Job opportunities may be more available in museums, libraries, and archives that focus on historical recordings and cultural preservation, often requiring specialized skills in cataloging and digital tools.
What job categories do people searching Music Archivist jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?
The top searched job categories for Music Archivist jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Music Archivist jobs?
Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Music Archivist job openings:
