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$39.5K

$119.5K

$158.5K

How much do opera singer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for opera singer in the United States is $119,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Opera Singer job?

An opera singer is a trained vocalist who performs in operatic productions, typically combining singing with acting to tell a story through music. They specialize in various voice types, such as soprano, tenor, or bass, and often perform in different languages. Opera singers undergo extensive training in vocal technique, stage presence, and musical interpretation. Their work involves rehearsals, live performances, and often collaboration with orchestras and directors.

What careers can I do with singing?

Opera singers can pursue careers in musical theater, concert performance, recording, teaching, and studio work. They may also work as vocal coaches, voice teachers, or in arts administration, often requiring strong vocal skills, performance experience, and sometimes formal training or certifications.

What is the career path of an opera singer?

The career path of an opera singer typically begins with formal training through a bachelor's or master's degree in voice or opera, followed by gaining stage experience in smaller productions or competitions. Successful singers often advance by performing in regional companies, auditioning for larger opera houses, and building a professional reputation, with many continuing to develop their skills through coaching and masterclasses throughout their careers.

What does a typical rehearsal and performance schedule look like for an opera singer?

Opera singers often follow an intensive schedule that includes multiple rehearsals per week leading up to performances, which may take place in the evenings or on weekends. During a production, you can expect a mix of music rehearsals with pianists, staging rehearsals with directors, and full run-throughs with orchestra and cast. The schedule can vary depending on the size of the company and the production, but flexibility is important as last-minute changes or extended rehearsals are common. Singers also dedicate personal time to vocal practice, language study, and learning new repertoire. Being organized and maintaining vocal health are key to managing the demanding rehearsal and performance commitments of this role.

How much money do opera singers make?

Opera singers' earnings vary widely based on experience, reputation, and the size of the company or venue. Salaries can range from around $20,000 for early-career performers to over $200,000 for top-tier professionals in major opera houses. Many opera singers also supplement income through touring, teaching, or recording projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Opera Singer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opera Singer, you need exceptional vocal technique, musical literacy, and strong performance abilities, often supported by formal training such as a bachelor's or master's degree in vocal performance. Familiarity with languages (especially Italian, German, and French), basic piano skills, and experience with audition platforms or music notation software are advantageous. Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate with directors, conductors, and fellow performers are important soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for mastering demanding repertoires, maintaining vocal health, and succeeding in highly competitive and collaborative opera environments.

What are the different positions in opera singer?

In opera singing, different positions or roles include principal singers such as the lead tenor, baritone, or soprano, as well as supporting roles like comprimario or chorus members. Singers often specialize in specific voice types and may perform various roles depending on the production and their vocal range, with training in vocal technique and stage presence essential for each position.
More about Opera Singer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Opera Singer jobs? The most popular types of Opera Singer jobs are:
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Opera Singer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opera Singer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,458 per year, or $57.4 per hour.
Director of Opera with a Tenure Line Assistant or Associate Professor Appointment in the School of M

Director of Opera with a Tenure Line Assistant or Associate Professor Appointment in the School of M

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.
Position Information
Proposed Faculty Rank
Assistant/Associate Professor
Department
00078 - School of Music
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Track
Tenure Track
New Position to Begin
July 01, 2027
Details
DUTIES: (1) Teach Opera Workshop class for undergraduate and graduate performance students. (2) Assist with role preparation and stagecraft for opera productions, and provide individualized coaching to singers on interpretation, diction, dramatic expression, and stage presence. (3) Direct staged opera scenes and/or full productions in collaboration with the opera program's principal coach, conductor, and production team. (4) Mentor students on all aspects of professional preparation, including repertoire selection, audition technique, career strategy, and industry networking. (5) Collaborate with faculty colleagues in voice, collaborative piano, conducting, and other areas to integrate performance training with the department's curricular goals. (6) Maintain an active profile as a performer, director, or other industry professional, contributing to the visibility and prestige of the program. (7) Participate in departmental, college, and university service, including recruitment, auditions, and outreach activities.
QUALIFICATIONS: (1) Master's degree in vocal performance, opera, or a closely related field (doctoral degree preferred). (2) Significant professional experience as an opera singer, opera director, or vocal coach at the national or international level. (3) Demonstrated success in teaching opera performance, acting for singers, or related subjects at the collegiate or conservatory level. (4) Proven ability to mentor emerging artists in artistic, technical, and career development. (5) Excellent communication and collaborative skills.
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience producing or directing full-scale operatic productions. Established professional network within the opera and classical music industry. Ability to teach additional courses such as acting, movement, or vocal literature.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Information
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.
Notice
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Special Instructions for Candidates
PROCEDURE: The letter of application, curriculum vitae (including the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of 3 to 5 persons who can provide a reference), succinct teaching/directing philosophy statement, (unofficial) copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and links to a rehearsal video AND a production performance video (university level) demonstrating a variety of musical styles must be submitted electronically. The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled. Review of candidate submissions will begin September 1, 2026 and candidates should submit by that date to ensure full consideration. Candidates who proceed to the second stage will need to submit 3 confidential letters of recommendation, and those who advance to the final level will be required to participate in a routine FBI background check. For more information, or to suggest nominations for this position, contact: Kirstin Chávez (k.chavez@utah.edu) or Julie Wright-Costa (julie.wrightcosta@utah.edu)
Open Date
07/01/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Requisition Number
PRN01538CF
Type
Faculty

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850

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