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Professional Songwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flexible schedule A Music Therapist is a credentialed professional who uses music-based interventions, such as singing, instrument play, movement to music, and songwriting, to support an individuals ...

Lecturer

Denver, CO · On-site

$5K/mo

... singer-songwriter voice, percussion/drums, piano, theory, ear-training, music business, and ... professional industry experience may substitute for the degree. Applicants must meet minimum ...

Areas include** voice, singer-songwriter voice, percussion/drums, piano, theory, ear-training ... professional industry experience may substitute for the degree. Applicants must meet minimum ...

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Professional Songwriter information

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$11

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$32

How much do professional songwriter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional songwriter in the United States is $21.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professional Songwriter vs Music Composer?

AspectProfessional SongwriterMusic Composer
CredentialsMusic theory knowledge, songwriting experienceMusic theory, composition skills, sometimes formal education
Work EnvironmentMusic studios, freelance, publishing companiesFilm, TV, video game industries, orchestras
Industry UsagePopular music, songwriting for artistsScoring for media, classical, film, and TV

While both roles involve creating music, a Professional Songwriter primarily writes lyrics and melodies for songs, often for commercial release or artists. A Music Composer focuses on creating original music scores for media like films, TV, or video games. The skills and environments overlap but differ in their end goals and industry applications.

What does a professional songwriter do?

A professional songwriter creates original music and lyrics for songs, which may be performed by themselves or by other artists. They collaborate with musicians, producers, and sometimes lyricists to craft compelling melodies and stories that resonate with audiences. Songwriters often work in various genres and may contribute to albums, commercials, films, or television. Their job involves creativity, strong musical knowledge, and understanding current trends in the music industry. Many professional songwriters also handle the business side, such as pitching songs or negotiating publishing deals.

What jobs can I get as a songwriter?

As a professional songwriter, you can work in various roles such as writing songs for artists, producing music for films or commercials, or collaborating with music publishers. Many songwriters also work as session musicians, music composers, or in music licensing, often requiring strong musical skills and industry connections.

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

To thrive as a Professional Songwriter, you need strong musical composition abilities, lyrical creativity, and a solid understanding of music theory, often supported by formal training or experience in music. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Logic Pro or Ableton Live, as well as knowledge of copyright and publishing processes, is typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and adaptability help songwriters work effectively with artists, producers, and other industry professionals. These skills and qualities are vital for producing compelling music, navigating the competitive industry, and building lasting professional relationships.

What are some common challenges professional songwriters face when collaborating with artists and producers?

Professional songwriters often encounter challenges when balancing their creative vision with the preferences of artists and producers. Building effective communication skills is essential to ensure that everyone's ideas are heard and integrated smoothly. Additionally, navigating feedback and revisions can require flexibility and openness to change, as songs may undergo several iterations before final approval. Successful songwriters foster collaborative relationships by being adaptable and maintaining a positive, solution-oriented attitude throughout the creative process.

How much money do professional songwriters make?

Professional songwriters' earnings vary widely based on experience, success, and the type of work, with average annual incomes ranging from $30,000 to over $100,000. Successful songwriters who have hit songs or work with major artists can earn significantly more through royalties, advances, and licensing deals. Many also supplement income through songwriting for commercials, TV, or film projects.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Professional songwriters can earn $10,000 or more per month through royalties, licensing, and commissions, especially with successful hits or a strong reputation. Other high-earning jobs without a degree include real estate brokers, sales managers, and entrepreneurs who leverage skills, networks, and experience to generate substantial income. Success in these roles often depends on talent, industry knowledge, and business acumen rather than formal education.

What is the 80/20 rule in songwriting?

The 80/20 rule in songwriting suggests that approximately 80% of a song's impact comes from 20% of its elements, such as key lyrics or melodies. As a professional songwriter, focusing on refining the most influential parts can improve efficiency and effectiveness in creating compelling songs.

What Does a Professional Songwriter Do?

Professional songwriters compose music and lyrics for songs. They may record the song themselves or sell the song to other artists or studios for someone else to record. As a professional songwriter, you develop music and record samples to establish how the song should be performed. Those who sell their music may help the artist or band capture the right sound and work with the music producer to add accompanying background instruments to make the sound full and unique. You may also work with an artist to create music to accompany visuals, collaborate with other staff on a project to create songs with specific tunes or concepts, or develop music for a particular band or singer. Professional songwriters should not be confused with lyricists; the latter only writes words for existing songs, while professional songwriters also create melodies.

What cities are hiring for Professional Songwriter jobs? Cities with the most Professional Songwriter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Songwriter jobs? The most popular types of Songwriter jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Songwriter jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Songwriter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Professional Songwriter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,338 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Commercial Music

Assistant Professor of Commercial Music

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Liberty University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Faculty are essential to Liberty University's mission of Training Champions for Christ. It is expected that a faculty member model a personal commitment to the goals and values of Liberty University, engage in an active commitment to, and experience of, personal spiritual formation within a biblically informed Christian worldview. Faculty should view their teaching, engagement with students, and scholarship as a means to a significant educational end. They should strive to employ a variety of techniques for the development of good learning conditions, view each student as a unique individual, and insofar as it is possible, provide for individual differences, abilities, and interests.
The Assistant Professor's primary role is to teach in their areas of expertise, maintain the integrity of course and instructional programs, and to ensure that their delivery is in alignment with the University mission and vision for the student experience. As such, faculty are responsible for creating an academic atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration for individual dignity. Faculty members may be asked to aid in the development of curriculum in the residential and distance education environments, as well as engage in research/scholarship or creative activity that varies depending upon the expectations of their respective college or school and any additional activities involving service to students and their professional discipline.
Faculty attain the rank of Assistant Professor based upon scholarly and professional achievements. An earned doctoral degree or a terminal master's degree at an accredited institution in an area relevant to the faculty member's area of teaching or a professional certificate (e.g., CPA) is preferred but not required.
Assistant Professors are contracted for 10, 11, or 12 months (30, 33, or 36 load hours, respectively). Release from contracted teaching load is determined each semester by the Dean, per Liberty University Faculty Handbook.
The Michael W. Smith Center for Commercial Music at Liberty University seeks a dynamic and innovative faculty member to join our growing program. This full-time, residential faculty position focusing on teaching and mentoring students in the areas of music production, music business, and songwriting, preparing them for careers in the contemporary music industry- all grounded in a biblical worldview.
ABOUT THE CENTER
The Michael W. Smith Center for Commercial Music provides comprehensive training in contemporary music performance, production, and business, preparing students for diverse careers in the modern music industry while equipping them to serve as champions for Christ in the marketplace.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Teach undergraduate courses in music production (studio recording, mixing, digital audio workstations), music business (copyright, publishing, marketing, entrepreneurship), and songwriting (lyric writing, composition, arranging).
• Supervise student projects and mentor students in creative and professional development.
• Contribute to curriculum development and program assessment in Commercial Music.
• Maintain an active professional profile in the music industry.
• Participate in departmental meetings, student recruitment, and university service.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Required Qualifications
• Master's degree in Music Production, Music Technology, Commercial Music, Music Business, Songwriting, or related field
• Demonstrated proficiency in professional music notation software and digital audio production platforms
• Industry certification or equivalent professional experience in music production technology
• Knowledge of music industry business practices, including intellectual property, contracts, and revenue streams
• Evidence of successful teaching or professional training experience
• Ability to effectively integrate biblical worldview principles into curriculum and student mentorship
• Personal testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and passion for training champions for Christ
Preferred Qualifications
• Terminal degree (DMA, PhD, or equivalent) in relevant field
• Professional songwriting, production, or engineering credits
• Experience in music publishing, licensing, or other music business sectors
• Industry certifications in music technology platforms
• Experience teaching in the contemporary commercial music industry
• Active involvement in the contemporary commercial music industry
• Entrepreneurial experience in music-related ventures
• Ministry experience or involvement in church music leadership
Target Hire Date
2026-07-01
Time Type
Full time
Location
Lynchburg - In Office
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

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