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Music Record Labels Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

PRESS OPERATOR

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15 - $17.49/hr

We make vinyl records for major labels and indies, musicians, and all who care about quality and craft. We've been doing this for over 25 years and are dedicated to continuing to drive the industry ...

Music Record Labels information

See Washington salary details

$6

$28

$60

How much do music record labels jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for music record labels in Washington is $28.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are music record labels?

Music record labels are companies that sign, promote, distribute, and sometimes manage recording artists and their music. They play a key role in the music industry by helping artists produce albums, market their work, and reach a wider audience. Record labels may also handle licensing, legal issues, and connections with other industry professionals. There are major labels, like Universal or Sony, and independent labels, each offering different resources and levels of support. Choosing the right label can significantly impact an artist’s career trajectory.

What are some common challenges faced when working at a music record label and how can job seekers prepare for them?

Working at a music record label often involves fast-paced environments, balancing creative vision with business objectives, and managing multiple projects under tight deadlines. Job seekers should be prepared to collaborate with artists, managers, and marketing teams, and may need to adapt quickly to shifting industry trends or last-minute changes. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for success, as is a genuine passion for music and the ability to build positive relationships across diverse teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at a music record label, and why are they important?

To thrive at a music record label, you need a deep understanding of the music industry, artist development, and business operations, often supported by a degree in music business, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), music distribution platforms, and rights management systems is typically required. Excellent networking, negotiation, and communication skills set standout professionals apart in this highly collaborative and fast-paced environment. These competencies are crucial for discovering talent, managing artists, and ensuring commercial success in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Music Record Labels vs Music Producers?

AspectMusic Record LabelsMusic Producers
Required CredentialsIndustry experience, business knowledge, sometimes music industry certificationsMusic production skills, audio engineering, music theory
Work EnvironmentOffices, recording studios, industry eventsRecording studios, home studios, live venues
Employer & Industry UsageRecord labels are companies that sign artists and distribute musicProducers create and shape music recordings, often working with artists and labels

Music record labels and music producers play distinct roles in the music industry. Labels focus on signing artists, marketing, and distribution, while producers are involved in creating and shaping the music itself. Both require industry knowledge, but their daily work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

How to get a job at a music record label?

To get a job at a music record label, candidates should develop relevant skills such as music industry knowledge, marketing, or artist management, and gain experience through internships or entry-level roles. Networking within the industry and understanding the label's catalog and operations can also improve chances. A bachelor's degree in music business, marketing, or related fields is often preferred.

What jobs are there in music record labels?

Jobs in music record labels include roles such as A&R (Artists and Repertoire) representatives, marketing and promotions managers, music producers, sound engineers, legal and business affairs professionals, and administrative staff. These positions require skills in music industry knowledge, communication, and often familiarity with digital tools and contracts.

What are popular job titles related to Music Record Labels jobs in Washington?

For Music Record Labels jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Music Record Labels job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 35% Temporary, 20% Contract, and 16% Nights. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,952 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Intern, Advocacy & Public Policy

The Recording Academy

Washington, DC • On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

INTERNSHIP DETAILS
FALL INTERNSHIP
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR STUDENTS: 7/31/2026
FALL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM DATES: 9/8/2026 - 12/11/2026
*The Advocacy & Public Policy Intern position pays county/state minimum wage rates, based on work location.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
The Recording Academy Advocacy & Public Policy team is seeking a "rock star" student for a fall 2026 Internship with our team.
Celebrating music through the GRAMMY® Awards, The Recording Academy continues its legacy as the premier national organization for honoring achievements in the recording arts and supporting the music community. As a membership organization, we represent the most talented music professionals in the world. Our members include recording artists, producers, engineers, attorneys, music supervisors, composers/arrangers, managers, agents, social media and record label executives and many others.
Our paid Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for full-time college students (juniors or seniors) to gain on-site training in office administration, advocacy, and public policy, in exchange for college credit. Candidates should be energetic, hard-working and have aspirations of a career in the music industry.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Internship duration is for a semester (12 weeks or equivalent).

  • Hours are part-time (20-24 hours a week).

  • Intern will work both remotely and in the office during regular business hours.

  • Intern will require personal laptop.

  • Projects will include assisting with the Academy's grassroots advocacy initiatives, outreach to congressional offices, legislative research, database management, and administrative office support.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
  • Students must be currently enrolled in a College/University for an Undergraduate or Graduate program.

  • One year of course work towards degree in related field is preferred.

  • Letter from school stating that intern will receive college credit for the Recording Academy internship program.

  • Display an interest in music and/or government and advocacy work.

  • Possess strong verbal, written and analytical skills.

  • Exhibit proficient computer skills and social media proficiency.

  • Be a sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS FOR CERTAIN ROLES:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time, and work at a computer for long periods of time. The employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.
ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY AND ITS AFFILIATES
RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards-music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.
GRAMMY MUSEUM
Established in 2008 as a partnership between the Recording Academy and AEG, the GRAMMY Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating a greater understanding of the history and significance of music. Paying tribute to our collective musical heritage, the Museum explores and celebrates all aspects of the art form-from the technology of the recording process to the legends who've made lasting marks on our cultural identity. In 2017, the Museum integrated with its sister organization, the GRAMMY Foundation, to broaden the reach of its music education and preservation initiatives. As a unified organization, today, the GRAMMY Museum fulfills its mission of making music a valued and indelible part of our society through exhibits, education, grants, and public programming.
MUSICARES
A friend and ally of the music community, MusiCares was established by the Recording Academy to safeguard the health and well-being of all music people. A four-star charity and safety net in times of need, MusiCares offers confidential preventative, recovery, and emergency programs to address financial, medical, and personal health issues. Through the generosity of our donors and volunteer professionals, our dedicated team works across the country to ensure the music community has the resources and support it needs.
LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY
The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community either directly or through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
The Recording Academy, its affiliates and the music industry have a strong culture of inclusion and respect for everyone. The Recording Academy makes intentional, courageous and principled decisions for stronger business outcomes and ensures that all creators and professionals live and work in a fair and safe environment. It is the Recording Academy's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Recording Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race (nor traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion (including religious dress and grooming), creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Recording Academy will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to the Recording Academy. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, access to benefits and training, recruitment, hiring, transfer, and social and recreational programs.