ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Music Publishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Downtown Music

Full Stack Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$150K/yr

Downtown Music Publishing is looking for a driven individual to join us as a Full Stack Software Engineer to help build our next-generation music publishing platform from the ground up. You'll help ...

Broadcast Music

PT Music Researcher

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

BMI is the nation's largest performing rights organization, representing more than 1.4 million songwriters, composers and music publishers, and a repertoire of over 25 million musical works.

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsMusic Publishing Jobs

Music Publishing information

See salary details

$30.5K

$57.7K

$121.5K

How much do music publishing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 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.

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 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 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.
More about Music Publishing jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Publishing jobs? Cities with the most Music Publishing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Publishing jobs? The most popular types of Music Publishing jobs are:
What states have the most Music Publishing jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Publishing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Music Publishing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Music Publishing jobs are:
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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,731 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

PT Music Researcher (Bentonville, AR)

Broadcast Music, Inc.

Bentonville, AR • On-site

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

BMI is looking for a Part-Time Music Researcher that will play a key role conducting music and market research and reporting back to our team. In this role, you'll occasionally be assigned to visit local bars, venues, and restaurants around the city and state during peak times, including evenings and weekends. This is a field role, reporting directly to the Manager, Business Affairs.
Responsibilities
  • Visit local establishments to conduct in-person research at assigned locations

  • Complete detailed reports of any music that's being used

  • Recording of any music performance(s)

  • Photographing both interior and exteriors of assigned locations

What You'll Need
  • Must be at least 21 years of age

  • Availability to work assignments during late evenings and weekends

  • Strong interpersonal skills

  • Great written and verbal communication skills

  • Proficient in basic computer skills

  • Strong time management and organizational skills

  • Detail orientated

Work Environment & Travel
This position is a field role that requires frequent travel to establishments around the posted city and state.
Why Join Us?
BMI is the nation's largest performing rights organization, representing more than 1.4 million songwriters, composers and music publishers, and a repertoire of over 25 million musical works.
BROADCAST MUSIC, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
All applicants will receive equal opportunity for employment without regard of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran's or marital status, disability, or any other cultural factor
Celebrating over 80 years of service to songwriters, composers, music publishers and businesses, BMI® is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music. BMI represents the public performance rights in over 25 million musical works created and owned by more than 1.4 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers. The Company negotiates music license agreements and distributes the fees it generates as royalties to its affiliated writers and publishers when their songs are performed in public. In 1939, BMI created a groundbreaking open-door policy becoming the only performing rights organization to welcome and represent the creators of blues, jazz, country, and American roots music. Today, the musical compositions in BMI's repertoire, from chart toppers to perennial favorites, span all genres of music and are consistently among the most-performed hits of the year.

Apply