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Music Publishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Create Music Group

Music Publishing Administrator

$20 - $23/hr

Job Summary Create Music Group is currently looking for a Music Publishing Administrator to join our Publishing department. This role is responsible for working within the Music Publishing team on ...

OCP

Music Publishing Manager (Bilingual)

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$79K - $85K/yr

PRIMARY PURPOSE The Music Publishing Manager (Bilingual) manages the development of new Spanish and bilingual music that is integral to OCP's music publishing catalog, also assisting with English ...

ESCOL Network, Inc.

Music Publishing Intern

Hialeah, FL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

We are seeking a motivated and dedicated student with a strong foundation in music publishing, copyright law, and current music industry practices. A solid understanding of the contemporary Latin ...

OCP

Marketing Assistant - Music Publishing

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description PRIMARY PURPOSE This role exists to aid the marketing efforts of the Music Publishing vertical. Its main objective is to continue to grow and execute marketing content ...

OCP

Marketing Assistant - Music Publishing

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

PRIMARY PURPOSE This role exists to aid the marketing efforts of the Music Publishing vertical. Its main objective is to continue to grow and execute marketing content for the vertical via the OCP ...

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Music Publishing information

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$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do music publishing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for music publishing 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 is music publishing?

Music publishing is the business of managing, promoting, and protecting the rights of songwriters and composers. Music publishers ensure that creators receive payment when their music is used commercially, such as in recordings, films, TV shows, and live performances. They handle licensing, royalty collection, and often help secure opportunities for a song to be recorded or performed by artists. Essentially, music publishing connects creators with users and makes sure they are fairly compensated for their work.

What are music publishing jobs?

Music publishing jobs focus on publishing, licensing, and protecting the copyright of musical pieces. As a music publisher, your duties may involve working with an artist or composer to publish and promote their album, song, or musical composition. A publisher may license music for advertisements, radio airplay, films, or records. You may also manage the intellectual property rights related to the music and ensure the artist gets the royalties they are due. Music publishers may work with copyright and contract lawyers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in music publishing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Music Publishing, a solid understanding of copyright law, music licensing, and rights management is essential, often supported by a degree in music business or a related field. Familiarity with music rights management systems, databases like ASCAP or BMI, and contract software is typically required. Strong networking, negotiation, and communication skills help professionals build relationships with artists and industry partners. These skills are critical for effectively managing music rights, maximizing revenue streams, and ensuring legal compliance in a competitive industry.

What are some of the key challenges faced in a music publishing role, and how can new professionals prepare for them?

One of the primary challenges in music publishing is staying updated with constantly evolving copyright laws and digital distribution platforms. Professionals often manage complex licensing agreements and must ensure accurate royalty tracking for songwriters and composers. To prepare, new entrants should develop strong attention to detail, keep informed about industry trends, and cultivate good relationships with artists and rights holders. Building a solid understanding of music rights management software and networking within the industry can also be valuable for long-term success.

What is the difference between Music Publishing vs Music Licensing?

AspectMusic PublishingMusic Licensing
Primary FocusManaging rights, royalties, and copyright administration for songwriters and composersSecuring permissions and licenses for the use of music in various media
Work EnvironmentPublishing companies, rights organizations, or independentMedia companies, licensing agencies, or freelance
Required CredentialsMusic industry knowledge, copyright law understanding, often a music or legal backgroundMusic industry knowledge, legal or contractual understanding, often a legal or music background

Music Publishing involves managing song rights and royalties, while Music Licensing focuses on obtaining permissions for music use in media. Both roles require industry knowledge and often overlap, but publishing emphasizes rights management, whereas licensing centers on facilitating music use in various projects.

How do I get into music publishing?

To get into music publishing, gaining knowledge of copyright law, licensing, and music rights is essential. Relevant skills include music industry experience, networking with industry professionals, and understanding digital tools like music management software. Entry-level roles often require a bachelor's degree in music business, law, or a related field.

How do you get paid from music publishing?

Music publishing professionals earn income through royalties generated when songs are performed, broadcast, streamed, or reproduced. Payments are collected and distributed by performing rights organizations (PROs) or publishers, often based on licensing agreements and song usage data. Accurate registration of works and understanding licensing rights are essential for proper compensation.

How much does a music publisher make?

Music publishers typically earn a percentage of the royalties generated from the songs they manage, often around 15-25% of the income. Their earnings depend on the success of the catalog, the number of songs they oversee, and their contractual agreements with songwriters and artists.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Music Publishing jobs?

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Music Publishing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Publishing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Music Publishing Administrator

Create Music Group

Remote

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Established in 2015, Create Music Group is a leading music and entertainment company. The company operates as a record label, distribution company, and entertainment network which generates over 15 billion music streams each month on DSP's. Named #2 on the Inc 5000 Fastest Growth Companies in America in 2020, the company has grown exponentially by leveraging its owned IP with its media and technology platform. The company works with superstar artists, major and independent record labels, and global media brands. It operates a number of companies including Label Engine, one of the largest independent music distribution platforms in the world, with over 75,000 artists and 5,000 label clients; and Flighthouse, a digital entertainment brand focused on Gen Z, which has more than 300 million followers across social media. Create Music Group is based in Hollywood, CA and has 400 employees worldwide.
Job Summary
Create Music Group is currently looking for a Music Publishing Administrator to join our Publishing department. This role is responsible for working within the Music Publishing team on maintaining metadata, work/asset registrations, and settling split disputes with collection societies and publishers.
Responsibilities
  • Organizing, maintaining and updating metadata in internal database
  • Handle onboarding of new clients and publishing contracts
  • Resolving claim and asset disputes with publishers and collection societies
  • Completing registrations with collection societies
  • Taking and resolving inquiries from clients regarding music publishing-related issues
  • Researching catalogs, song histories, credits, and recording information
  • Broad support for publishing team initiatives, including licensing
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Music or a related field
  • 1 - 3+ years of experience in music publishing administration
  • Experience at a music publishing company or record label is an asset
  • Familiarity with resolving conflicts with collection societies and other publishers (ASCAP, BMI, Harry Fox, MLC, etc.)
  • Strong client services and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to conduct basic research and draw relevant insights
  • Experience with data management systems
  • Skilled at organizing and managing large volumes of data efficiently
  • Proficient in macOS, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace
  • Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines
  • Experience with Label Engine or other music distribution services and products (Distrokid, Tunecore, CD Baby, etc) is preferred

Pay Scale
  • $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
  • The final compensation within this range will be determined based on the candidate's experience, skills, and overall fit for the role.

Fair Chance Policy
In accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with criminal histories. We evaluate candidates based on their qualifications and the nature of the offense in relation to the job for which they are applying.

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