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Music Department Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

William Paterson University

Job Summary Reporting to the Chair of the Music Department with dotted line reporting to Managing Director, Shea Center for the Performing Arts, the Production Manager leads endtoend production for ...

William Paterson University

Music Management Department Overview: Our outstanding Department of Music prepares you for careers in classical performance, jazz performance and composition, sound engineering arts, music education ...

DigiPen

Adjunct Faculty - Music (Evergreen)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$1.0K - $9.0K/mo

Adjunct - Music Department (Evergreen) Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of ... Manage Student Teaching Assistants, if required; supervising their timecards and reviewing their ...

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Music Department Manager information

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$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do music department manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for music department manager in the United States is $57,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Music Department Manager, you need strong organizational skills, music industry knowledge, and experience in team leadership, often supported by a degree in music, arts administration, or a related field. Familiarity with music notation software, inventory management systems, and budgeting tools is typically required. Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and customer service skills help foster a positive environment for staff and clients. These abilities are crucial for ensuring smooth operations, effective team management, and the successful delivery of music programs or services.

How much does a manager in the music industry make?

Music department managers typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. Higher salaries are common in major markets or with extensive industry experience, and managerial roles often require strong leadership and industry knowledge.

What are some common challenges faced by a Music Department Manager and how can they be addressed?

A Music Department Manager often faces challenges such as balancing budget constraints with program needs, coordinating schedules among faculty and students, and managing diverse personalities within the department. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and proactive planning are essential to overcoming these hurdles. Building a collaborative team culture and leveraging technology for scheduling and resource management can also help streamline operations and enhance department performance.

What does a Music Department Manager do?

A Music Department Manager oversees the operations and staff within a music department, which could be in a retail store, educational institution, or entertainment company. Their responsibilities typically include managing budgets, coordinating music programs or events, hiring and training staff, and ensuring the department meets its goals. They also maintain inventory, develop promotional strategies, and collaborate with other departments or external partners. This role requires strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills, as well as a passion for music.

How much does it cost to hire a music manager?

The cost to hire a music department manager typically ranges from 40,000 to 100,000 USD annually, depending on experience, location, and the scope of responsibilities. Some managers work on a percentage of the artist's earnings, usually around 15-20%, which can influence overall costs. Additional expenses may include contract negotiations, industry connections, and management tools or software.

What is the highest paid job in music?

The highest paid jobs in music often include roles such as music executive, record label CEO, or successful touring artist, with top executives earning several million dollars annually. These positions typically require extensive industry experience, strong leadership skills, and a broad network within the music business.

What do you do as a music manager?

A music department manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of music-related activities, such as organizing performances, managing budgets, and supervising staff. They often work with artists, producers, and technical teams to ensure smooth operations and high-quality productions. Strong organizational, communication, and industry knowledge are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Music Department Manager vs Music Director?

AspectMusic Department ManagerMusic Director
CredentialsMusic management experience, possibly a degree in music or arts administrationMusic performance or conducting experience, often a degree in music or related field
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, theaters, or production companiesOrchestras, choirs, or broadcast organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in academic, theatrical, or production settings to oversee music departmentsCommonly found in orchestras, ensembles, and broadcasting to lead musical performances

The Music Department Manager typically handles administrative and organizational tasks within a music department, focusing on logistics and staff coordination. In contrast, the Music Director is primarily responsible for artistic leadership, conducting, and shaping musical performances. Both roles require strong musical background, but their focus areas differ—management versus artistic direction.

More about Music Department Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Department Manager jobs? Cities with the most Music Department Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Department jobs? The most popular types of Music Department jobs are:
What states have the most Music Department Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Department Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Music Department Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Music Department Manager jobs are:
Music Department Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Department Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Music Department Administrator

Music Department Administrator

Auburn University

Auburn University, AL • On-site

$45K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Auburn University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

481st of 552 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Overview
The College of Liberal Arts Department of Music is hiring for a Music Department Administrator. This postion will oversee the budgeting and administrative functions for the Department of Music, Lucky Man Studio operations, including a combination of management of human resources, purchasing, complex events/meetings or projects, and management of budgetary and financial functions.
Responsibilities
  • Produces collection reports for all sources of income (marketplace, ticketing software, etc.) for the Department of Music and Lucky Man Studio within the department, and the Department of Theatre & Dance.
  • Oversees the financial affairs of the Department of Music's Lucky Man Recording Studio (LMS), processes PSC's, honorariums, DEC's, buying of equipment and classroom, office supplies, OIT Vendor vetting, and maintains the LMS budget and Department budget to include budget reports with the Chief Recording Engineer and Department Chair.
  • Oversees the entire lifecycle of personalized invoices, contracts, and agreements between the department's Lucky Man Studio and external and internal clients.
  • Coordinates yearly financial and human resource data for departmental accreditation (National Association of Schools of Music).
  • Oversees revenue and expenditures for the Music department outreach programs.
  • Prepares Electronic Personnel Forms (EPAFS) for adding jobs (faculty, staff, students), terming jobs, updating supervisors, etc. To include Summer Hiring Chart and adding faculty to chart and prepares and submits all HR forms for payment and hiring: Prov200's, UPO10's, HR12's, PSC's, and IC99's.
  • Reviews monthly, semi-monthly, and biweekly payroll time comparison reports and signs and uploads to the College of Liberal Arts shared box for the department.
  • Creates and sends part-time and full-time faculty contracts on a semesterly and yearly basis, including posting jobs, and coordinating with departmental onboarding for new hires.
  • Creates and enforces policies and procedures relevant to the department's finances and human resources issues.
  • Oversees hospitality for departmental events (August faculty meeting, student award ceremonies, etc.).
  • Coordinates Music outreach summer camps to include registering events in the campus event planning system, ensuring youth protection compliance, and insurance, facility, and rental agreements.
  • Records semi-monthly faculty meeting minutes and uploads to the faculty resource box.
  • Creates and purchases departmental SWAG items for conferences, prospective student giveaways, and misc. guest to the department.
  • Supervises the department's part-time Marketing and Communications Specialist.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree -no specific discipline is required.
  • 4 years of experience in administrative and financial support services.

OR
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 8 years of experience in administrative and financial support services.

Contract Type
Continuing
Why Work at Auburn?
  • Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
  • Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
  • We're Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
  • Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
  • A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
  • Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

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