Music Industry Careers: Jobs in the Live Music Events Industry

Music Industry Careers: Jobs in the Live Music Events Industry | NAMM.org Skip to main content NAMM Home About Support Sign In Sign In The NAMM Show NAMM NeXT Member Services Policy Library News NAMM | 125 About Support Back Reserve a Booth Become a Sponsor Promote Your Brand Exhibitor Resources The 2026 NAMM Show Map Badge Registration Attend Exhibit Show Information Exhibitor Showcases The NAMM Show App Bands at NAMM NAMM Retail Awards Hotel Reservations NAMM Gives Back Back Learn More Become a Sponsor Back Believe in Music NAMM Russia The 2022 NAMM Show Back Learn More Become a Sponsor Back Explore News Playback Blog NAMM Show EPK News Releases Back Summer NAMM The NAMM Show NAMM Russia Back Summer NAMM Registration and Details Speakers Back The NAMM Show Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. 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Fly-In Tariff Updates Business Compliance Music Education Advocacy SupportMusic Coalition Workforce Development Back Artists and Music Business House of Worship Live Event Professionals Music Educators and Students Music Products Pro Audio & Live Sound Back Explore the Library Oral History Interviews Music History Project Podcast Careers In Music Videos Resource Center Blog Historic Timeline In Memoriam Music Industry Careers: Jobs in the Live Music Events Industry Share Post on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Share on LinkedIn By Eric Ebel | July 7, 2025 If you’re drawn to music but feel more at home behind the scenes than in the spotlight, the live event industry might be your calling. It’s a fast-paced, collaborative world where creativity meets technology, and where every show depends on a dedicated team working in sync. This industry continues to grow and evolve, with meaningful, sustainable careers available in big cities and small towns around the world. Whether it’s a club gig, a worship service or an arena tour, these roles are essential — and accessible. For students and emerging professionals, the key ingredients for success are curiosity, creativity and willingness to learn. What follows is a list of some of the jobs in the live music events industry. SOUND Front-of-House (FOH) Engineer Responsibilities : Responsible for the overall sound the audience hears, mixing audio in real-time to ensure clarity and perfect balance throughout the performance. Key Skills : Audio mixing proficiency, signal flow understanding, technologically adept, quick problem-solving, familiarity with digital and analog consoles Average Annual Salary Range : $71,000–$84,000* Monitor Engineer Responsibilities : Makes sure that the performers on stage can hear exactly what they need through in-ear monitors or stage wedges, adjusting individual mixes in real time. Key Skills : Audio mixing proficiency, signal flow understanding, quick problem-solving, familiarity with digital and analog consoles Average Annual Salary Range : $71,000–$84,000* System Engineer Responsibilities : Oversees the setup, testing, before show prep of audio equipment. Tunes the system and troubleshoots issues during rehearsals and the performance, working closely with FOH engineer. Key Skills : Technical knowledge of audio systems, technologically-savvy, problem-solving, equipment maintenance, adaptability Average Annual Salary Range : $45,000–$58,500* Audio Tech Responsibilities : Loads in and out, implements setting up the system, routes cables from stage to FOH, tests equipment, assists the engineers in whatever they need. Key Skills : Technical knowledge of audio systems, problem-solving, equipment maintenance, ability to move fast, physical strength Average Annual Salary Range : $32,000–$70,000+* Musical Director Responsibilities : Leads the musical team, conducts rehearsals, and acts as a bridge between performers and the rest of the production. Often responsible for musical arrangements and overall quality of the music performed. Key Skills : Leadership, musical arrangement, conducting, communication Average Annual Salary Range : $64,100–$106,500* Musician Responsibilities : Plays a central role in the performance, collaborating closely with the musical director and technical team to deliver a cohesive show. Key Skills : Instrument proficiency, stage presence, adaptability, collaboration Average Annual Salary Range : $21,000–$100,000+* STAGE & EVENT PRODUCTION Event Producer Responsibilities : Manages the planning, logistics, and delivery of the event, including budgeting, timelines, and high-level decision-making. Key Skills : Project design, decision-making, communication, creativity Average Annual Salary Range : $81,520–$99,380* Production Designer Responsibilities : Working closely with the artist(s), producers, and managers, creates and brings to life all visual elements of the shows. Hires key visual personnel and works through rehearsals. Key Skills : Leadership, creativity, knowledge of all gear, budgeting. Average Annual Salary Range : $30,000-$125,000+* (Salaries can increase significantly for high-end designers of festivals, corporate events or tours.) Note: The biggest of tours and shows have all these individual professionals (and more). Many others have combined roles, so the production designer might also be the lighting and set designer; the lighting designer might also be the director and/or the programmer; The tour manager might also be a front of house or monitor engineer, etc. Production Manager Responsibilities : Oversees all technical teams — sound, lighting, video and staging — ensuring coordination, equipment readiness and timely execution. Key Skills : Leadership, budgeting, scheduling, problem-solving Average Annual Salary Range : $71,500–$89,700* Tour Manager Responsibilities : Manages and responsible for the artist/band/talent, coordinating their schedule, handling transportation and lodging, and anything needed to get them on stage. Key Skills : Leadership, detail-oriented, budgeting, scheduling, problem-solving, negotiating Average Annual Salary Range : $71,500–$89,700* Stage Manager Responsibilities : Coordinates all elements of the production during rehearsals and performances, ensuring everything happens on time and according to plan. Key Skills : Organization, communication, multitasking, leadership Average Annual Salary Range : $50,000–$69,000* Production Assistant Responsibilities : Provides support across departments — managing schedules, handling logistics, and assisting with various production tasks. Key Skills : Flexibility, communication, time management, problem-solving Average Annual Salary Range : $31,000–$39,600* Backline Technician Responsibilities : Prepares and maintains musical instruments and gear, including setup, tuning, routing cables, and on-the-fly troubleshooting during the show. Key Skills : Instrument knowledge, technologically-savvy, technical skills, attention to detail, adaptability Average Annual Salary Range : $40,800–$54,100* Show Caller Responsibilities : Uses a detailed cue sheet to call lighting, sound, video, and other cues, ensuring all elements of the show align in real time. Key Skills : Timing, communication, multitasking, attention to detail Average Annual Salary Range : $50,000–$64,900* LIGHTING Lighting Designer Responsibilities : Designs the show’s lighting environment to enrich the performance’s visual and emotional impact using color, movement and timing. Key Skills : Creative design, knowledge of lighting equipment, software proficiency, collaboration Average Annual Salary Range : $71,000–$86,700* Lighting Director Responsibilities : Designers often hand their work over to a director, who goes on the road and runs the lights at every show. Oversees set-up and handles inevitable tweaks, adjustments, and set and design changes along the way. Key Skills : Knowledge of lighting equipment, software proficiency, ability to make creative changes on the fly, collaboration Average Annual Salary Range : $71,000–$86,700* Lighting Programmer Responsibilities : Builds and operates lighting cues, working with automated fixtures and software to execute the lighting design live. Key Skills : Programming proficiency, attention to detail, understanding of lighting consoles, timing Average Annual Salary Range : $60,900–$64,000* Rigging Technician Responsibilities : Installs and maintains rigging systems that support lights, video screens, and other overhead equipment. Safety and precision are key. Key Skills : Mechanical aptitude, safety protocols, physical fitness, problem-solving Average Annual Salary Range : $63,000–$69,500* Lighting Tech Responsibilities : Works load-ins and load-outs, implements the physical setup of lighting equipment based on the lighting designer’s plans, ensuring technical accuracy and safety. Key Skills : Electrical knowledge, team management, safety compliance, physically capable, problem-solving Average Annual Salary Range : $60,000–$76,000* VIDEO & VISUALS Video/Media Creator Responsibilities : Creates video elements for a show or concert from scratch and/or from found sources. Edits and coordinates to perfectly time with what is happening on stage. Can include roles such as media server operator, camera director, VJ or video editor. Key Skills : Visually creative, technical proficiency, especially in editing software like FinalCut; creativity, storytelling, budgeting Average Annual Salary Range : $30,000–$110,000+* Video Director Responsibilities : Directs the visual content for screens during a show, handling projections and recorded elements. Directs camera feeds and video playback. Key Skills : Technical proficiency, leadership, creativity, collaboration Average Annual Salary Range : $70,300–$88,000* Camera Operator Responsibilities : Captures the live event from multiple angles, ensuring key moments are visually documented. Works closely with the video director. Key Skills : Camera operation, framing, adaptability, teamwork Average Annual Salary Range : $51,000–$64,500* Scenic/Set Designer Responsibilities : Designs and oversees the building of the physical set, working with the production team to ensure visual impact, safety and functionality. Key Skills : Design, construction knowledge, creativity, budget, collaboration Average Annual Salary Range : $60,500–$79,000* COSTUME, HAIR & MAKEUP Costume Designer Responsibilities : Designs performance outfits that enhance the story and style of the show, selecting fabrics, colors and accessories. Key Skills : Fashion design, sewing, creativity, attention to detail Average Annual Salary Range : $51,400–$69,000* Wardrobe Supervisor Responsibilities : Oversees costume care, organization and quick changes during performances, making sure every outfit is ready to go. Key Skills : Organization, sewing, time management, problem-solving Average Annual Salary Range : $45,200–$59,200* Hair & Makeup Artist Responsibilities : Completes the on-stage look for performers, designing styles that align with the performance theme and camera requirements. Key Skills : Cosmetology expertise, creativity, time management, knowledge of theatrical and high-performance makeup, adaptability under pressure Average Annual Salary Range : $45,500–$64,000* SAFETY & LOGISTICS Health & Safety Coordinator Responsibilities : Ensures that all safety protocols are followed, from crew setup to emergency plans, prioritizing well-being on site. Key Skills : Knowledge of safety regulations, risk assessment, calm decision-making, clear communication, and attention to detail Average Annual Salary Range : $56,780–$71,430* MARKETING & PROMOTION Public Relations Specialist Responsibilities : Handles press outreach, public messaging and media relations to promote the event and maintain a positive public image. Key Skills : Strategic messaging, media relations, crisis communication, writing and relationship building. Average Annual Salary Range : $58,920–$76,110* Social Media Manager Responsibilities : Develops and shares digital content before, during and after the event to engage audiences and build visibility. Key Skills : Digital content creation, audience engagement, data analytics, platform strategy, adaptability in fast-paced environments Average Annual Salary Range : $54,670–$69,820* The live event world runs on passion, precision and creative problem-solving. It’s a field where artists, technicians and innovators work together to create unforgettable live experiences. Whether you’re drawn to technology, logistics, design or storytelling, there’s a path waiting for you in this industry — and it might be closer than you think. Want to Explore More Music Industry Careers? If you enjoyed learning about jobs in the live music events industry, explore other articles in our Music Industry Careers series: Music Industry Careers: Jobs in Music Retail Stores Music Industry Careers: Jobs in Music Products Manufacturing Music Industry Careers: Jobs in Pro Audio Music Industry Careers: Music Equipment Rental and Production Jobs You can also visit NAMM’s careers page to explore local internships, talk to working professionals, or check out training programs at colleges and trade schools. The music industry needs your talent — even if your stage is backstage. * Salaries vary depending on location, experience and specific responsibilities. Also, while some are hired full time and put on an annual salary by a band or a production house that serves the live event industry, many live event professionals are freelance, going from one show/job/band to another. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Audio Engineering Society, Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Sound on Sound, ProSoundWeb, YouTube About the Author Eric Ebel is senior program manager at NAMM in the Member Services Department. He manages programs, including Consider a Career in Music, music educator and student professional development programming at the international NAMM Show. He joined NAMM in 1997 and has held various roles, including show manager and senior trade show sales associate. With over 40 years in the music industry, Ebel has been a U.S. Marine Corps musician, product specialist, touring musician and faculty member at Musician’s Institute. He also performs regularly in Southern California. Kevin M. Mitchell, Parnelli Awards producer and senior writer for Projection Lights & Staging News and Front of House magazines, reviewed this article . 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