Rolling with the Daily Tasks

Wondering, “What does a music producer do?” A lot of the daily grind takes place under considerable pressure. It can be a high-speed, fast-paced career that requires focus and a strong attention to detail. Deadlines are the lifeblood of the industry and there is little margin for error and you can’t miss a beat. A music producer is as much a manager as they are a producer.

Producing music often entails assembling a team, managing the talents of multiple people and directing everyone toward the creation of the end product. Keeping technicians, musicians, artists and administrators on the same page is no easy task, but for the person who enjoys taking the lead and using their creative ear to make beautiful music, it is the perfect job and every day is an opportunity to innovate and create something that’s never been heard before.

Many producers opt to specialize in a musical niche. This can be rock and roll, classical, jazz, etc. Of course, specialization does not mean ignoring other genres. Indeed, the best music producers know how to produce music in a wide variety of genres, and the legendary producers know how to bring something new and never before heard through the speakers.

In addition to keen managers, music producers are also excellent networkers. The networks the producer develops help cultivate the careers of the musicians they work with. Whether it is via record labels or the owner of the local jazz club, music producers always have their eyes and ears open for the next big hit.

Financially Rewarding Career

So just how much do music producers make? Like all professions, years of experience and location matter. An experienced producer in the right area with the right background can make a very comfortable living. Nationally, the median salary for music producers is just over $70,000. The median hourly wage in Ohio is about $25 an hour which translates to $52,000 per year. The median wage is slightly higher in Illinois, which comes in at $53,000. It drops down in Florida to $43,000.

Of course, it can be a lot cheaper to live in Florida, which in many cases evens out the difference. As experience builds and your reputation grows, music producer jobs can easily reach into the six-figure salary range. For example, top earners in Illinois can earn $130,000 or more.

The outlook for music producers is among the brightest in the economy. Between now and 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 9 percent growth. Currently, there are more than 122,000 music producer jobs in America, and the growth of digital media and online streaming services means there is plenty of room to grow.

Getting Started

The best way to get started producing music for mass audiences is to start with a school that can give you the skills and training you need to take your career in the direction you want to go. At Media Schools in Ohio, Florida, Illinois and Colorado, our professional instructors and thorough audio production program will teach you the real-world skills you need to take your career to the top of the charts. We encourage you to contact the nearest school to you to learn more about how to become a music producer in your area.