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Music Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Software Engineer-Apple Music

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Every scroll, every tap, every moment of discovery of the Apple Music catalog is powered by the MusicUI framework - and the team behind it is looking for their next great engineer. We build the cross ...

Showing results 21-40

Music Programmer information

See California salary details

$11

$39

$67

How much do music programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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.

Music Producer - Fully Remote | Upto $13/hr

Mercor

San Francisco, CA โ€ข Remote

$13/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Music Audio Expert - Hindi
Type: Contract
Compensation: $13/hour
Location: Remote
Duration: Up to 6 months
Commitment: 10+ hours/week

Role Responsibilities

  • Evaluate AI model output lyrics, voice generation, and other standards in various music categories.
  • Score the quality of musical training data to enhance model performance.
  • Write music in the domain language listed in the title, ensuring high-quality outputs.
  • Understand and follow directions in the English language for accurate assessments.
  • Work independently and asynchronously to meet deadlines and improve AI model performance.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • 3+ years experience as a music producer, audio engineer, and/or sound mixer.
  • College degree in music, involving performance, theory, and lyrics.
  • Native or near-native proficiency in both Hindi and English.

Preferred

  • Evidence of understanding musical performance, theory, and lyrics.

Start Date

  • Immediate

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume and application form.
  • Complete a 25-minute conversational interview on your background, experience, and motivations.
  • Receive next steps and onboarding details within a few days.

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.