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Principal Flute Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Flute information

See salary details

$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal flute jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal flute in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal flute?

Principal Flute players are the lead flutists in an orchestra or ensemble, responsible for playing solo passages, leading the flute section, and often performing important musical lines. They work closely with the conductor and other section principals to ensure cohesive performances. In addition to their musical responsibilities, principal flutists may also help select repertoire, audition new section members, and mentor younger players within the ensemble.

What are some of the unique challenges a principal flute faces when leading the flute section in an orchestra?

As a Principal Flute, you are responsible not only for playing solo passages with precision and artistry but also for leading and unifying the flute section. This means setting the standard for tone, style, and phrasing, and often acting as a liaison between the conductor and your colleagues. Balancing these leadership duties with your own musical preparation can be demanding, especially during intense rehearsal and performance schedules. Additionally, you may be called upon to make quick decisions about interpretation and to support section members, fostering a collaborative and cohesive environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal flute, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Flute, you need advanced flute performance skills, a comprehensive knowledge of orchestral repertoire, and typically a degree in music or performance. Familiarity with orchestral audition processes, score reading, and sometimes experience with music notation software are important technical aspects. Exceptional leadership, communication, and teamwork abilities help Principal Flutists guide their section and collaborate effectively with conductors and colleagues. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality performances, maintaining ensemble cohesion, and setting a musical standard for the flute section.

What is the difference between Principal Flute vs Second Flute?

AspectPrincipal FluteSecond Flute
CredentialsTypically requires advanced performance degrees and extensive orchestral experienceSimilar credentials, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentLead performer in orchestras, solo opportunities, and concertmaster rolesSupporting performer, often playing harmony and filling out the flute section
Industry UsageFound in professional orchestras, ensembles, and recording sessionsCommonly employed in orchestras and large ensembles alongside Principal Flute

The Principal Flute is the lead player of the flute section, responsible for solos and overall section leadership, requiring advanced skills and experience. The Second Flute supports the principal, playing harmony and filling out the section. Both roles are essential in orchestral settings, with the Principal Flute often taking on more prominent solos and leadership duties.

More about Principal Flute jobs

What states have the most Principal Flute jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Flute jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Flute jobs?

For Principal Flute jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Flute job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

1st Utility - Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

SUPPLYONE INC.
Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Adhere to company policies, departmental guidelines, and safety procedures while maintaining a constructive work environment.

  • Assist in preparing materials, setting up machinery, and performing operational tasks to ensure efficient production.

  • Operate machinery safely, review work orders, calibrate equipment, and ensure quality standards are met during production.


SupplyOne rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following are upheld by the Operator & Crew: Adhering to the codes of the company’s Employee Manual. Maintaining a constructive environment at work. This includes self-evaluating work performance, on a fair basis.

  • Developing and adhering to written Standard Operating Procedures for all aspects of this position.
  • Adhering to departmental operating guidelines.
  • Providing insightful and enthusiastic teamwork that generally creates positive attitudes and builds supportive morale.
  • Maintaining open communications and a harmonious working relationship with all personnel, but in particular with those involved in a reporting relationship.
  • This includes attending weekly departmental meetings, as well as helping resolve interdepartmental conflicts.
  • Participating in seminars to train all departmental personnel when needed.
  • This includes learning product knowledge and procedural proficiencies.
  • Conducting all operations within established budgets. Using and submitting all forms and reports in a complete, accurate, and timely basis.
  • This includes respecting and maintaining proper filing systems.
  • Ensuring your work areas are clean and presentable to customers and other visitors. Maintaining a reasonable work environment and providing adequate safeguards for your work-related health and safety.
  • This includes complying with all Federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
  • Maintaining all external relationships consistent with the objectives, operating philosophy, and desired image of the company, re: customer relations, public relations, vendor relations, and community relations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

The following are performed by the Operator & Crew:

Safety

  • Maintain a safe work environment at all times: Operate machinery only when trained to do so and then in a safe manner
  • Always make sure that a machine is properly shut down prior to maintenance and after work has been completed
  • Always wear the proper clothing and make use of the proper safety equipment 
  • Participate in training, always try to understand why instructions are given rather than simply performing tasks
  • Report safety issues in a prompt fashion

Helper:

  • Assist Operator as required and instructed
  • Prepare bottom sheets or get pallets ready
  • Stack boxes based on the Specifications contained in the Master
  • Fill out Load Tags
  • Band/Strap Boxes
  • Assist in feeding machine
  • Push boxes on the line
  • Move carts or pallets
  • Assist in Machine Set up
  • Gather and move material
  • Clean, sweep, vacuum area
  • Clean Machine
  • Learn by doing
  • Ask questions of Operators

Feeder

  • Know how to read Plant Masters
  • Call for paper
  • Check to see that paper is the correct size, material, color, flute, measure scores, etc.
  • Locate Order if necessary
  • Transport Order to the machine
  • Check Order #
  • Cut straps
  • Discard top sheets
  • Pick the scraps hanging from the boxes
  • Stack the boxes so that they are easier to feed
  • Turn boxes in the right direction

Operator:

  • Ensure that the machine is operated in a safe fashion at all times, shut down the machine immediately if necessary
  • Receive the schedule and Masters from the Shift Supervisor
  • Review Masters to understand scope of work to be performed (Determine specifications of the job, if there are overages, shortages, special requests, etc.)
  • Schedule orders in order to maximize efficiency
  • Enter order and run information into the machine properly
  • Set Up Machine
  • Follow Ink Management Procedure (Color, pigmentation mixing, viscosity, pH, “watering down”, etc.)
  • Coordinate with the Plate Mounter and Die Maker
  • Perform Set up
  • Calibrate and adjust Machine as necessary
  • Make sure print and labels are on the box correctly
  • Coordinate Label and print quality with Senior Graphics Designer
  • Check slot depth
  • Measure slots and scores
  • Check glue joint for proper seal

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are expected of the Operator :

EXPERIENCE: Minimum two years hands-on experience in these or related functions. EDUCATION: Minimum two years college or vocational training in this field, or exceptional direct experience.

EEO/OSHA/ADA: Able to manipulate and use CRT/screens, keyboards, mouse/pointing devices, etc., associated with contemporary computers. Able to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Able to navigate two flights of stairs without harm. Able to lift up to 50 pounds unaided. Able to safely operate machinery associated with box fabrication and construction

The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors such as work location, job-related skills, qualifications, experience, responsibilities, and relevant education and training.  In addition to our compensation, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including the following:

  • Bonus based on company performance 
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
  • Paid time off (including vacation, company holidays, and parental leave)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Other benefits such as life insurance, disability coverage, and wellness programs

What SupplyOne employees say

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