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Music Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Music Producer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$36 - $46/hr

... or music engineering, with fluency in studio fundamentals (arrangement, comping, gain staging, bus processing, mastering) Fluency with digital audio workstations (ProTools preferred), music ...

Music Teacher

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60K - $123K/yr

Coordinate class schedules with school administration and support music programming during school hours, with occasional after-school and weekend productions * Collaborate with teacher specialists to ...

Experience in custom music packages specifically in unscripted programming (i.e. not scored to picture), with additional library support * Proficiency in Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and other industry ...

Essential Functions Content, Music, & Programming Develop and execute programming strategies for assigned Latin formats (e.g., Regional Mexican, Latin Pop, Urban Latino, Tropical, etc.). Curate music ...

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Music Programmer information

See California salary details

$11

$39

$67

How much do music programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for music programmer in California is $39.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $50.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Music Programmer vs Sound Designer?

AspectMusic ProgrammerSound Designer
Primary RoleCreates and codes musical elements for games, apps, or mediaDesigns and creates sound effects and audio elements
Skills & CertificationsMusic production, programming, audio software proficiencySound design, audio editing, creativity in sound creation
Work EnvironmentGame studios, media companies, software developmentFilm, gaming, multimedia production
Industry UsageCommon in interactive media and game developmentUsed across entertainment and multimedia projects

While both roles involve audio work, a Music Programmer focuses on coding and integrating musical elements into digital media, whereas a Sound Designer specializes in creating and manipulating sound effects and audio assets. Both collaborate closely in multimedia projects but serve distinct functions within the audio production process.

What is a music programmer?

Music programmers are professionals who curate, organize, and schedule music playlists for radio stations, streaming services, television, or live events. They select tracks based on audience preferences, trends, and target demographics to create engaging listening experiences. Their work often involves analyzing data, coordinating with artists and record labels, and using specialized software to manage playlists. Music programmers play a crucial role in shaping what listeners hear and discovering new music.

How does a music programmer typically collaborate with other departments within a media organization?

Music Programmers often work closely with content producers, marketing teams, and audio engineers to ensure the right music selections enhance programming and brand identity. They participate in regular meetings to discuss upcoming projects, review audience feedback, and adjust playlists or music schedules accordingly. This collaboration ensures a cohesive listening experience that aligns with the organization's goals while also providing opportunities to learn from other creative professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a music programmer?

To thrive as a Music Programmer, you need a strong background in music theory, audio editing, and programming, often supported by a degree in music technology or a related field. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs), MIDI programming, synthesizer software, and relevant coding languages like Max/MSP or Python is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality music, streamlining workflows, and ensuring seamless integration of music within various media projects.
What are popular job titles related to Music Programmer jobs in California? For Music Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Music Programmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Music Programmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Music Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Music Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Music Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,158 per year, or $39 per hour.

Coordinator, Music Programming, Part-time

Sirius XM Radio

Los Angeles, CA

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities

Who We Are:

SiriusXM and its brands (Pandora, SiriusXM Media, AdsWizz, Simplecast, and SiriusXM Connected Vehicle Services) are leading a new era of audio entertainment and services by delivering the most compelling subscription and ad-supported audio entertainment experience for listeners -- in the car, at home, and anywhere on the go with connected devices. Our vision is to shape the future of audio, where everyone can be effortlessly connected to the voices, stories and music they love wherever they are.

This is the place where a diverse group of emerging talent and legends alike come to share authentic and purposeful songs, stories, sounds and insights through some of the best programming and technology in the world. Our critically-acclaimed, industry-leading audio entertainment encompasses music, sports, comedy, news, talk, live events, and podcasting. No matter their individual role, each of our employees plays a vital part in bringing SiriusXM's vision to life every day.

SiriusXM is the leading audio entertainment company in North America, and the premier programmer and platform for subscription and digital advertising-supported audio products. SiriusXM's platforms collectively reach approximately 150 million listeners, the largest digital audio audience across paid and free tiers in North America, and deliver music, sports, talk, news, comedy, entertainment and podcasts. Pandora, a subsidiary of SiriusXM, is the largest ad-supported audio entertainment streaming service in the U.S. SiriusXM's subsidiaries Simplecast and AdsWizz make it a leader in podcast hosting, production, distribution, analytics and monetization. The Company's advertising sales organization, which operates as SiriusXM Media, leverages its scale, cross-platform sales organization and ad tech capabilities to deliver results for audio creators and advertisers. SiriusXM, through Sirius XM Canada Holdings, Inc., also offers satellite radio and audio entertainment in Canada. In addition to its audio entertainment businesses, SiriusXM offers connected vehicle services to automakers.

How you'll make an impact:

Works with members of the Music Programming team to create superior radio programs as needed. Supports creative processes, content development and production. Exercises both creative abilities and technical skills. Edits materials and operates an audio board. May be assigned to more than one program and perform slightly different functions across channels.

What you'll do:

  • Receives daily assignments from Manager, Music Programming Operations and Program Directors

  • Gains an understanding of the music scheduling software and automation system

  • Develops an understanding of and performs audio editing, fades and inserting correct digital markers that sound the most appealing based on music/content selection and channel genre

  • Loads audio elements into music automation system & properly enters royalties related song information

  • Pulls listeners requests and calls from electronic webmail

  • Ensures on-air hosts receive daily music logs and updated talent schedules generated from music scheduling software

  • Monitors assigned specialty programming for content and technical quality control; verifying accurate start time of program(s) and prepares programming for On Demand

  • Serves as a In Studio Producer, ensuring that live broadcasts air smoothly by maintaining proper audio levels, firing elements at proper times, troubleshooting technical issues under pressure

  • May assist Program Director with writing station imaging, promos and selecting specific music

  • May write, obtain/record, schedule and archive Artist IDs and Interviews

  • Assists with the coordination of music projects by compiling research data, and learns how to interpret data

  • May participate in music meetings - may monitor format charts, trade journals and music sales figures to be as knowledgeable as possible about assigned format(s)

  • May act as liaison to music artists during celebrity visits and communicates with music labels, as directed by management

What you'll need:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

  • 6-12 months of music programming related experience at a satellite, traditional commercial, and/or college radio station

  • Strong interest in learning all aspects of music programming and a desire to grow into a Program Director position

  • Strong interest in music and pop culture

  • Good public speaking and presentation skills.

  • Interpersonal skills and ability to interact and work with staff at all levels.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

  • Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills.

  • Ability to project professionalism over the phone and in person.

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

  • Willingness to take initiative and to follow through on projects.

  • Creative writing ability.

  • Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and task-switch, and work under shifting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Experience with automation and/or AI as a plus.

  • Must have legal right to work in the U.S.

At SiriusXM, we carefully consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, including your background and experience. These considerations can cause your compensation to vary. We expect the base salary for this position to be $21/hr and will depend on your skills, qualifications, and experience. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Our goal at SiriusXM is to provide and maintain a work environment that fosters mutual respect, professionalism and cooperation. SiriusXM is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, gender identity, marital status, familial status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

The requirements and duties described above may be modified or waived by the Company in its sole discretion without notice.

Employment Type: PART_TIME