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Recording Artist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around ...

Join the largest and fastest growing independent artist merchandise company in the space, work across contemporary recording artist's e-commerce stores, tours, retail programs, album rollouts + more.

Join the largest and fastest growing independent artist merchandise company in the space, work across contemporary recording artist's e-commerce stores, tours, retail programs, album rollouts + more.

Join the largest and fastest growing independent artist merchandise company in the space, work across contemporary recording artist's e-commerce stores, tours, retail programs, album rollouts + more.

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Recording Artist information

See California salary details

$5

$28

$37

How much do recording artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for recording artist in California is $28.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $32.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recording artist?

Recording artists are musicians or vocalists who create and perform music that is recorded for distribution through various media such as albums, streaming platforms, or radio. They may write their own songs or perform works written by others, and often collaborate with producers, sound engineers, and other artists in the recording process. Recording artists can work in a variety of genres and may also perform live concerts to promote their recorded music.

How do recording artists typically collaborate with producers and other musicians during the creation of an album?

Recording artists often work closely with producers, sound engineers, and session musicians throughout the album creation process. Collaboration usually involves sharing creative ideas, developing song arrangements, and experimenting with different sounds in the studio. Artists may participate in writing sessions, provide feedback on mixes, and adjust their performances based on input from the production team. This team-oriented environment helps bring a unified vision to the final product, and strong communication skills are essential for successful collaborations.

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

To thrive as a Recording Artist, you need strong vocal or instrumental talent, musical creativity, and a solid understanding of music theory, often supported by formal training or extensive performance experience. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools or Logic Pro, as well as experience in studio recording and music production, is highly beneficial. Standout artists also possess excellent communication, adaptability, and self-promotion skills to navigate collaborations and engage audiences. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality recordings, building a personal brand, and sustaining a successful career in the competitive music industry.

What is the difference between Recording Artist vs Music Producer?

AspectRecording ArtistMusic Producer
CredentialsVocal or instrumental skills, performance experienceMusic production knowledge, technical skills, industry experience
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live performances, toursRecording studios, production offices, post-production facilities
Employer & Industry UsageRecord labels, independent artists, entertainment companiesRecord labels, studios, independent artists, entertainment companies
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for performing careers, artist opportunitiesLooking for production roles, studio work, collaboration opportunities

While a Recording Artist primarily focuses on performing and recording music for audiences, a Music Producer oversees the creation, arrangement, and technical aspects of music production. Both roles often collaborate but serve different functions within the music industry.

How do you become a recording artist?

To become a recording artist, individuals typically develop their musical skills through practice, education, or self-teaching, and create a portfolio of recordings. They often seek opportunities to perform, collaborate, and submit their work to record labels or digital platforms, building an audience and industry connections over time.

How much do recording artists get paid?

Recording artists' earnings vary widely based on experience, popularity, and contract terms. Established artists can earn millions annually through album sales, streaming, touring, and merchandise, while emerging artists may earn significantly less, often relying on performance fees and royalties. Income can also depend on the success of their releases and their ability to secure licensing deals or endorsements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recording Artist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Recording Artist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Recording Artist jobs in California?

For Recording Artist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recording Artist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Recording Artist jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Recording Artist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, and 54% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,753 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Recording Arts Instructor (Continuous Adjunct Pool)

Glendora, CA • On-site

Citrus College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Recording Arts Instructor (Continuous Adjunct Pool)
Position Description
POSITION SUMMARY:This is a POOL position. Application materials for this part-time position are accepted on an on-going basis. As openings for temporary, part-time recording arts instructors become available, candidates may be selected from this pool of applicants.
This position requires a highly skilled experienced recording engineer with a keen eye for quality and meticulous attention to detail, who demonstrates an amazing knowledge and enthusiasm for the music and post production industry. The candidate must exhibit a superior practical application of audio engineering science and technology that include unique and innovative teaching concepts.
Required Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrated understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, cultural background, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty, and staff
AND
Any bachelor's degree, from an accredited institution, and two years of full-time related professional experience
OR
Any associate degree, from an accredited institution, and six years of full-time related professional experience. Professional experience is required when the applicant possesses a master's degree. The professional experience required must be directly related to the faculty member's teaching assignment.
Preferred Qualifications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in recording arts/music technology.
Teaching experience.
Five years of professional experience.
Applicant's portfolio must include verifiable industry recognized credits such as: Film, Television and commercial audio production, Gold, Platinum records, Grammys, and or major artist production support.
Licenses and Certificates
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:
NA
Recruitment Start Date
02/01/2023
Recruitment End Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Consideration Date
Salary Range
Salary to be determined by the candidate's proper placement on the current Adjunct Faculty Salary Schedule, which is based on education and experience, and can be found at the Citrus College website.
Pay Rate
TBD
Benefits
BENEFITS:Paid holidays, health benefits, and vacation are not offered for this part-time faculty position.
FLSA
Exempt
Department
Visual and Performing Arts Department Administration
If "Other" please specify
Job Category
Assignment
Percentage of Time
NA
Months per Year
NA
Work Days per Week
To be determined by the District
Work Schedule per Day
To be determined by the District
Work Shift
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
NA
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Extensive experience in developing and maintaining an audio engineering and career-training program.
Studio Management.
Record/Edit/Mix.
Music Theory/Techniques.
Client Relations.
Live Sound, extensive background in recording production, music and audio design for film, Television and Engineering
Windows/Mac.
Audio/MIDI.
Logic Pro.
ProTools 11HD.
Awareness of new developments in recording software and hardware.
ProTools 11HD Certified Operator with extensive knowledge of recording, editing and mix in various sounds utilizing innovative and creative audio techniques with deep understanding of the production industry.
Successfully able to work under strict deadline driven timeframes with professionalism and accuracy.
Experience with Windows/Mac computer environments and including the latest audio-mix software like ProTools 11HD, and Logic Pro.
Thorough knowledge of recording engineering, including signal flow, large format recording consoles both analog, digital and hybrid platforms.
Must demonstrate keen audio/mix capabilities that produce unique and compelling sounds and audio engineering successes.
Help direct other faculty members in a unique educational environment functioning within a professional studio complex.
Assist students with proper miking techniques to achieve precise sounding recordings
Implement various procedures and processes in accordance with institutional guidelines and requirements.
Citrus College Diversity Statement
CITRUS COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of Citrus College to not discriminate against and to encourage a diversity of applicants based on national origin, religion, age, sex or gender, race, color, medical condition, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, use of family and medical care leave, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the preceding characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
About Transcripts
ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS:
-Candidates must upload copies of all transcripts (need not be official at the time of application) which prove sufficient for verifying minimum qualifications for this position.
-Official transcripts will be required at the time of the job offer.
-Transcripts must be from the awarding institution, and must show that the degree has been awarded (or conferred) and the year.
-Degree(s) must be earned (or conferred) from accredited institution(s) or an equivalent foreign institution by the first consideration date for this position.
-All degrees must be verifiable on a legible transcript by the indicated first consideration date for this position.
-Foreign transcripts must be transcribed in English AND evaluated for U.S. equivalency by a bona fide U.S. evaluation service.
Selection Process
Quick Link
https://employment.citruscollege.edu/postings/654