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Music Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Augustana College

Music Director

Rock Island, IL

$15.45 - $19.39/hr

Assists in crafting the internal philosophy for programming/presenting music, developing innovative strategies for music discovery * Helps create and modify playlists * Curates library using ...

Giant Steps

Music Therapist

Lisle, IL · On-site

... specific programming and individualized IEP goals. The music therapist will also have opportunities for mentorship and collaboration among a large team of music therapists building-wide. The ...

Giant Steps Illinois

Music Therapist

Lisle, IL

Familiarity with relevant music therapy techniques, theories, and strategies that benefit programming for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders * Ability to maintain quality, safety, and ...

Giant Steps Illinois

Music Therapist

Lisle, IL · On-site

Familiarity with relevant music therapy techniques, theories, and strategies that benefit programming for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders * Ability to maintain quality, safety, and ...

Giant Steps Illinois

Music Therapist

Lisle, IL · On-site

Familiarity with relevant music therapy techniques, theories, and strategies that benefit programming for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders * Ability to maintain quality, safety, and ...

ACCEL Schools

Music Teacher

Ohio, IL · On-site

$40K - $49K/yr

About the Team ACCEL Schools is hiring a highly qualified Music Teacher at Ohio College Preparatory ... programming, and more. We have been recognized and praised by legislators, authorizers, and ...

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Music Programmer information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$38

$66

How much do music programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for music programmer in Illinois is $38.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.90 and $49.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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 does a music programmer do in music?

A music programmer creates and edits digital music files, often using software like Ableton Live or Logic Pro, to produce, arrange, and customize sounds for recordings, live performances, or media projects. They may also develop sound libraries and work closely with composers, producers, and sound engineers to achieve desired audio effects and arrangements.

What jobs can I do if I love music?

A music programmer typically works in the entertainment or technology industries, creating and editing music for various media such as video games, TV, or advertising. Other related jobs include music producer, sound engineer, composer, DJ, or music therapist, all of which require strong musical skills and knowledge of audio software or instruments.

What are popular job titles related to Music Programmer jobs in Illinois?

For Music Programmer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Music Programmer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Music Programmer jobs in Illinois are:

Music Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Programmer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,687 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Music Director

Rock Island, IL

Augustana College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Augustana Collegeexternal

$15.45 - $19.39/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

About Augustana College
Augustana College is a nationally recognized college of the liberal arts and sciences dedicated to investing in engaged learning, maximizing student potential, and strengthening community partnerships - the guiding priorities of our Bold amp; Boundless Strategic Plan (2024-29). For our 2,500 students from all backgrounds, Augustana provides a transformative experience that integrates rigorous academics, hands-on learning and mentorship to prepare graduates for meaningful careers and lifelong success.
The college’s scenic, wooded campus is located in Rock Island, Illinois, part of the Quad-Cities metro area (pop. 470,000) along the Mississippi River, about a 3-hour drive from Chicago. At Augustana, we seek innovative and student-centered professionals who are excited to contribute to our strategic goals of empowering students through engaged learning, leadership development and real-world experiences.
Employees at Augustana enjoy an excellent benefit package including medical, retirement, generous paid time off, tuition benefits for employees and their family members, and much more.
Job Title: Music Director
Hours: Part-time, 25 per week

Reports To: General Manager, WVIK
Overview: WVIK Classical, the Quad Cities’ 24/7 classical music broadcast and digital service, has an amazing opportunity to join and help design the future of this relatively new service. While WVIK has been broadcasting classical music since 1980, this 24/7 service to the Quad Cities only began in 2023. We seek an energetic, creative person to join our team as our Music Director. This position serves a dual role: as an announcer for classical music as well the lead creative voice on WVIK Classical’s broadcast side. In this position, you would oversee music selection across platforms, help define the station’s sound to be inclusive, and expand the canon of classical music, curate the station’s library, host an on-air shift, and serve a public-facing role at events for both WVIK and other community partners.

WVIK Classical seeks individuals who are able to shed traditional classical music delivery stereotypes and invite an audience of diverse ages and cultural backgrounds to participate in this rich art form using best practices of public radio storytelling and a tone that energizes, excites and enriches the listener.

Job Duties:
  • Assists in crafting the internal philosophy for programming/presenting music, developing innovative strategies for music discovery
  • Helps create and modify playlists
  • Curates library using MusicMaster; auditions new releases for inclusion
  • Hosts on-air shift
  • Tracks playlists to ensure proper diversity of programming
  • Cultivates relationships with regional music/arts organizations and participates in community outreach
  • Helps assess and select programming from national providers
  • Participates in campaigns to increase audience across platforms
  • Serves as an on-air host during concert broadcasts
  • Assists in planning and execution of membership drives
  • Prepares quarterly Sound Exchange report, FCC issues report, and other reports as needed
  • Represent WVIK through direct contact and at public events in the Quad Cities, Galesburg, Iowa City, Dubuque and other nearby metropolitan areas; seek opportunities within the Augustana campus and the Quad City business community to establish partnerships and foster long term relationships to the benefit of all parties.
  • Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated radio broadcast announcing ability and basic radio operation skills
Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have the following:
  • At least 2 years of experience as a classical music host/music director or related experience
  • Extensive knowledge of classical music
  • Strong familiarity with AudioVault (or equivalent automation software) and MusicMaster (or similar scheduling software)
Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, or at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired are necessary.
WVIK values diverse skill sets. We are prepared to offer full-time employment to candidates who demonstrate experience in any of the following areas in addition to those listed above:
  • Broadcast Operations
  • Corporate Support and Sponsorships
  • Audio Production
  • Marketing and Community Engagement.
Additional Information:
Pay and Benefits: This position is budgeted to pay $15.45 - $19.39 per hour determined by experience and skill set. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support the needs of employees. Part-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Life insurance, disability insurance, and supplemental insurance programs
  • Retirement plan with a generous company contribution
  • Pro-rated paid time off/holiday benefits
  • Pro-rated tuition benefits for employees and their family members
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to company facilities (gym, pool, health center, etc.)
  • You can learn more about our benefit programs at our Benefits website.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift 25 pounds on a frequent basis. Also required is the ability to listen, hear, speak, climb stairs, bend, stoop, and stand intermittently for long periods of time. Must possess or be able to acquire a valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements: As key personnel representing the Station amp; College to the community, this position requires excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to relate to a diverse audience, and the ability and willingness to model the mission and high standard of behavior of Augustana College and WVIK. All prospective employees must pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement: Augustana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is Augustana College’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability and any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
Note: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities are subject to change at any time with or without notice.
Application Instructions:

Qualified, interested applicants should submit a cover letter including salary requirements and resume no later than July 31, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Additional information for WVIK, Quad Cities NPR, is available at wvik.org.

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