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Music Rights Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Art Teacher K-4

Lansing, IL · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

Position Type: Elementary School Teaching/Music - Instrumental Date Posted: 6/22/2026 Location ... the Illinois Human Rights Act and all other applicable law, in the recruitment, selection ...

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

WFMT, Chicago's classical music radio station, is seeking a creative, deadline-driven Digital ... • Ensure rights and permissions are secured for all content and media assets. • Research ...

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

WFMT, Chicago's classical music radio station, is seeking a creative, deadline-driven Digital ... • Ensure rights and permissions are secured for all content and media assets. • Research ...

Our restaurants are fun and loud with lots of team communication and great classic rock music ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Our restaurants are fun and loud with lots of team communication and great classic rock music ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Crew Member - 0520

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.60/hr

Our restaurants are fun and loud with lots of team communication and great classic rock music ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Our restaurants are fun and loud with lots of team communication and great classic rock music ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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Showing results 1-20

Music Rights information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20.6K

$56.1K

$86.5K

How much do music rights jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for music rights in Chicago, IL is $56,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $63,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are music rights?

Music rights refer to the legal rights that determine how music can be used, distributed, performed, and monetized. These rights are typically divided into different categories, such as copyright for the composition (songwriting and lyrics) and the sound recording (the actual recorded performance). Music rights ensure that creators, performers, and copyright holders are compensated when their music is used commercially, whether through streaming, radio, live performances, or synchronization in films and ads. Managing music rights is crucial for protecting intellectual property and generating income from creative works.

What is the difference between Music Rights vs Music Licensing Specialist?

AspectMusic RightsMusic Licensing Specialist
Required CredentialsLegal knowledge, copyright certificationsLegal and industry knowledge, licensing certifications
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, rights organizations, music publishersMusic labels, production companies, licensing agencies
Industry UsageManaging rights ownership and permissionsNegotiating and securing licenses for use

Music Rights professionals focus on managing ownership, copyrights, and permissions related to music assets. In contrast, Music Licensing Specialists handle the process of obtaining legal permissions for specific uses of music. Both roles require legal and industry knowledge but serve different functions within the music industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in music rights management?

Professionals in music rights management often encounter challenges such as navigating complex licensing agreements, staying updated on constantly evolving copyright laws, and ensuring accurate royalty distribution among multiple stakeholders. Coordinating between artists, publishers, record labels, and digital platforms requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, handling disputes over intellectual property and efficiently tracking music usage across various media can be demanding but is essential to protect rights holders’ interests.

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

To thrive in Music Rights, you need a thorough understanding of copyright law, licensing practices, and intellectual property rights, often supported by a degree in law, music business, or related fields. Familiarity with rights management databases, contract management software, and tools like PRO (Performance Rights Organization) platforms is commonly required. Exceptional negotiation, communication, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills ensure accurate rights management, maximize revenue opportunities, and protect both creators' and clients' interests in a complex legal landscape.
What are popular job titles related to Music Rights jobs in Chicago, IL? For Music Rights jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Music Rights jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Music Rights jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Music Rights job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,141 per year, or $27 per hour.
Audio Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Audio and Music

Audio Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Audio and Music

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL

$5.6K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

In addition to its regular, full-time faculty, Columbia College Chicago hires scholars, creative professionals and other industry-experienced Adjunct Faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis . These positions are not available every semester and are contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding. 

To be qualified to teach at the college, candidates must possess a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach, with a terminal degree in the relevant discipline as the preferred credential. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In occasional cases, demonstrated currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree. 

The School of Audio and Music offers courses in disciplines including Audio Arts (Recording, Live Sound, and A-V System Design); Music Performance and Songwriting; Music Production; Music Composition for Media; Music Technology (Hardware and Software Design); and Sound Design for Media and Stage. 

Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Further materials, such as official transcripts sent from the degree-granting institution, may be requested at a later date. 

Entry level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information. 

Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college's mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty. 

We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information, please visit: colum.edu/academic-access-and-excellence. 

Additional Information 

  • Position subject to a background screening.
  • This is a union position.
  • This position is overtime ineligible.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.