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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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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.

Senior Legal Counsel - Music Publishing

Spotify

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$214.66 - $306.66/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel with deep expertise in music publishing and copyright licensing to join our Legal Licensing Team. In this role, you will partner closely with Business Affairs, Finance, and Product teams to structure, negotiate, draft complex licensing agreements with CMOs, PROs, and music publishers, and advise on the legal frameworks governing the use of musical works across Spotify’s service.

What You'll Do
  • Provide strategic and tactical legal advice on music publishing and copyright matters, translating complex legal issues into actionable business guidance.
  • Partner with Business Affairs to structure, draft, and negotiate music CMO, PRO, and publishing licensing agreements.
  • Advise on compliance with contractual, statutory, and regulatory obligations relating to the exploitation of musical works across digital platforms.
  • Advise on new features, market launches, and commercial initiatives in light of existing rights frameworks.
Who You Are
  • Qualified lawyer with 10+ years of relevant law firm and/or in-house counsel experience, including substantial transactional experience in music publishing.
  • Demonstrated experience negotiating complex agreements between digital services and music publishing rights holders, including CMOs and major and independent publishers.
  • Strong commercial acumen with a practical, business-oriented approach to problem-solving and the ability to provide clear, pragmatic, and timely counsel to cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment andmmanage multiple high-stakes negotiations simultaneously.
  • You have strong written, verbal communication and presentation skills and the ability to express thoughts logically and succinctly
  • You embody Spotify's values and demonstrate a Growth Mindset.
  • You are passionate about music law and committed to supporting the growth and success of songwriters and publishers within the evolving digital music ecosystem.
Where You'll Be
  • This position is located in Los Angeles, CA
  • We offer you the flexibility to work where you work best! There will be some in-person meetings, but it still allows for flexibility to work from home.

The United States base range for this position is $214,661 - $306,659, plus equity. The benefits available for this position include health insurance, six month paid parental leave, 401(k) retirement plan, monthly meal allowance, 23 paid days off, 13 paid flexible holidays, paid sick leave. These ranges may be modified in the future.

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