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Professional Jazz Musician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The New School

Temporary Overhire Jazz A2

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$28/hr

POSITION TITLE Overhire Jazz A2 School of Jazz and Contemporary Music College of Performing Arts ... Provide professional and courteous support to performers, faculty, and production staff * Maintain ...

The New School

Temporary Overhire Jazz A1

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$35/hr

POSITION TITLE Overhire Jazz A1 School of Jazz and Contemporary Music College of Performing Arts ... Provide professional and courteous service to all parties. * Fulfill the role of System Technician ...

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How much do professional jazz musician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional jazz musician in the United States is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do professional jazz musicians make?

Professional jazz musicians' earnings vary widely based on experience, location, and performance type. On average, they may earn from $30,000 to over $100,000 annually, with income coming from live performances, recordings, and teaching. Many jazz musicians supplement their income through multiple gigs and freelance work.

What is the difference between Professional Jazz Musician vs Studio Musician?

AspectProfessional Jazz MusicianStudio Musician
CredentialsMusical training, performance experienceMusical training, session experience
Work EnvironmentLive performances, jazz clubs, festivalsRecording studios, commercial sessions
Employer & IndustryJazz ensembles, clubs, festivalsRecording studios, production companies
Search & Comparison IntentPerformance skills, jazz expertiseSession work, recording skills

While both Professional Jazz Musicians and Studio Musicians are highly skilled in music, the main difference lies in their work environment and focus. Professional Jazz Musicians primarily perform live in jazz settings, showcasing improvisation and jazz repertoire. Studio Musicians, on the other hand, focus on recording sessions across various genres, emphasizing technical precision and versatility. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the music industry.

What cities are hiring for Professional Jazz Musician jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Jazz Musician job openings:

What states have the most Professional Jazz Musician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Jazz Musician jobs include:

Professional Jazz Musician jobs near you

Session Musician (Jazz, Big Band, Popular Music Styles)

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA • On-site

$20.60/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Berklee College Of Music rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

361st of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

In order to participate in Berklee Student Employment, a student must fulfill the following requirements:
  • Current student at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
  • Enrolled at least half-time in a degree, diploma, or certificate-seeking undergraduate or graduate program. Summer is the only semester in which a student can maintain employment without being enrolled. In this case, the student must be pre-registered for the upcoming fall semester. This exception does not apply to fall or spring semesters.
  • Have a valid United States Social Security Number (SSN).
  • Remain in "valid" Visa status as applicable.
  • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Students in their first semester can work, even though they do not have an official GPA until the completion of their first semester.
  • Federal Work Study student may apply.
  • In good disciplinary standing.
  • Must be located in the U.S.

For complete program details, please go to our website: www.berklee.edu/se.
As a student at Berklee, you're already passionate about music and eager to develop your skills. The Professional Writing and Music Technology Division is seeking musicians to join our Session Musician program that offers a unique opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience working with faculty and fellow musicians in a real-world recording studio environment.
This role is a direct pathway to a career as a professional session musician, providing invaluable experience that you can't get in a classroom alone. You will sharpen the critical skills that define a working pro, flawless reading, stylistic versatility, and studio etiquette, while building a network of musicians, composers, producers, and engineers. This is your chance to build your reputation and become a go-to player within the Berklee community.
This posting is for players with a contemporary popular style (jazz, rhythm, or popular music styles) skillset. Big band, jazz combo, rhythm/bass, and instruments and playing techniques will be required, as well as the ability to read a lead sheet, improvise over chord changes, and play with a group without a conductor.
What You'll Do (Responsibilities):
  • Collaborate with faculty and students on recording sessions, delivering high-quality performances.
  • Demonstrate excellent sight-reading and improvisational skills, adapting to various contemporary musical styles (Jazz, Big Band, Popular Music).
  • Maintain a professional demeanor and adhere to studio etiquette, ensuring smooth and efficient sessions.
  • Manage your time effectively, arriving prepared and logging hours accurately.
  • Bring necessary instruments and materials as requested, and be prepared to switch between instruments if applicable.

What You Bring (Qualifications):
  • Must be eligible to work in the US and possess a social security number.
  • Excellent sight-reading skills are essential.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Willingness to work evening hours (typically 5:30pm-12am, depending on instrument).
  • Good communication skills and a collaborative spirit.
  • All applicants must attend an audition.
  • Must not be an RA (unless pre-approved by your supervisor).

What You'll Gain (Compensation):
  • Advanced level skills and prior recording experience.
  • Hands-on experience recording music with top-notch musicians
  • Opportunities to work directly with Berklee faculty and industry professionals
  • Development of your technical and creative skills as a session musician
  • Valuable connections and networking opportunities in the music industry

By taking on this role, you'll gain experience that complements your academic studies at Berklee. This opportunity is designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a career as a professional session musician.
Hourly Rate: $20.60
Hiring Manager: Nick Stevens

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