Violinist Salary Information
Many people choose a career in music because they are passionate about playing their instrument. Perhaps moreso than others, violinists enjoy their work because they do what they love. As with all jobs, however, being a full-time musician requires patience and dedication. One may attain the privilege of playing with a top orchestra with a top salary to match, after gaining experience by playing in lower-level orchestras and gigs.
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Job Requirements
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There are no job requirements for violinists except skill. The most important consideration for employment is the violinist's performance at a competitive audition. However, most violinists have attained a bachelor's degree in their field, and some even have master's degrees, according to the All Experts website. These degrees are reflective of the musician's level of commitment and experience with a high standard of playing.
Top Orchestral Players
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Top violinists make between $65,000 to $154,000 a year, according to the Salary List website. Examples of top orchestras in the United States include the Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Knoxville Symphony Society and Thayer Symphony Orchestra. This salary includes the usual sick days and leaves of absences as in other occupations. Many orchestral violinists work about 25 hours a week, according to the All Experts website.
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Lower-Level Orchestral Players
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Lower level orchestral players make between $41,000 to $62,000, according to the Salary List website. Examples of lower-level orchestras include the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the American Youth Symphony. These orchestras are less selective than top orchestras, and may be one way to start a career in music. Orchestral players may supplement their salaries by giving violin lessons to students and taking on freelance work during their free time.
Broadway Players
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Broadway violinists can make between $40,000 to $60,000 a year, according to the All Experts website. According to the Associated Musicians of Greater New York website, Broadway violinists gross about $1,616 a week. On top of this, musicians are paid per performance, for rehearsals before and after the opening of the show, and overtime if a performance goes past midnight or if they are required to play without a break for longer than three hours.
Freelancers
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Freelance violinists get paid per performance, or by the hour. The amount varies greatly, and often depends on the musician's skill level. The more advanced the violinist, the more the pay. Freelancers are free to set their own rate, so their range of payment varies widely. Freelance violinists in California, for example, may charge between $75 to $200 per hour, or $125 to $3,500 per event.
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References
- Photo Credit full violin image by Sergey Goruppa from Fotolia.com
