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Music Rights Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Basic understanding of music rights, royalties, or IP management * Experience working with bespoke systems or music metadata databases * Proficiency in tools like Google Workspace, Excel/Sheets, or ...

Intern, Contract Administration

Nashville, TN · On-site

$30K - $36K/yr

Basic understanding of music rights, royalties, or IP management * Experience working with bespoke systems or music metadata databases * Proficiency in tools like Google Workspace, Excel/Sheets, or ...

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Music Rights information

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$20K

$54.5K

$84K

How much do music rights jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for music rights in the United States is $54,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $61,500.00 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.
More about Music Rights jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Rights jobs? Cities with the most Music Rights job openings:
What states have the most Music Rights jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Rights jobs include:
Infographic showing various Music Rights job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,498 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Catalog Administrator- SESAC (Nashville)

SESAC Rights Management, Inc

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

SESAC Music Group is a global music rights organization committed to empowering and delivering exceptional value to music creators. Through our family of companies—we support songwriters, composers, artists, publishers, and rights holders worldwide.


The Opportunity:

SESAC is looking for a Catalog Administrator to join our team in Nashville. The Catalog Administrator will provide unparalleled service and attention to our affiliates by ensuring accurate and timely support to writer and publisher accounts, addressing pertinent inquiries/questions/concerns relating to SESAC distributions and services, and providing general administrative support to the Royalty Distribution & Research Services department, as well as other key departments within the organization. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, have exceptional attention to detail, and excellent communications skills.


What You’ll Do:

  • Performing research, detailed catalog reviews, and collaborating with internal departments to provide timely and accurate responses to affiliate or publisher related inquiries, questions, concerns, or comments
  • Working with internal departments to ensure SESAC’s records reflect complete and accurate affiliate catalog information and an accurate licensing overview of SESAC works/songs
  • Daily monitoring of existing and new SESAC registrations to ensure SESAC member shares are made payable in the database
  • Daily monitoring of existing and new SESAC registrations to ensure agreements between members have complete and accurate catalogs attached to them
  • Working with external parties to facilitate accurate licensing claims and complete affiliate catalog information between SESAC and other PROs
  • Tracking IT system requests and ensuring the implementation of system improvements, new tools and reporting meets the needs of the department as they relate to catalog maintenance
  • Providing general administrative support as needed/assigned

What You'll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree preferably with a concentration in Music Business, or equivalent experience
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally
  • Ability to complete work accurately, efficiently, and with a high attention to detail
  • Ability to organize and prioritize large volumes of work
  • Ability to work individually and with a team
  • Ability to manage time effectively and meet strict deadlines
  • Proficient with MS Word & Excel Basic knowledge and understanding of copyright law


This is a hybrid role that will require you to commute to our Nashville office a minimum of three days a week.


Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace

At SESAC Music Group, we believe that great ideas come from a variety of perspectives and value the unique capabilities, experiences, and characteristics each employee brings. We foster a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to contribute their best work.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to fair and merit-based hiring practices.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.