What Is a Music Producer's Salary in New York?
Home of major record labels such as Universal and Warner Brothers and a melting pot of musicians and singers looking to be the next music star, New York City is a place where producers have options to help make those stars. Selling tracks -- or beats -- and collecting royalties are just a few of the ways producers make a living. New York City's status as the leading media market in the country provides additional opportunities for producers to make money.
Other People Are Reading
-
The Basics
-
In New York City, music producers may work for record labels. Some are hired by musicians to produce demos and CDs for commercial release. Others may work creating jingles for companies and background music for placement in television and film projects. Additionally, producers may receive royalties from the sale of albums or from the live performance -- radio, television, major concert halls -- of songs in which they also served as a songwriter.
The Numbers
-
Music producers and composers make an average of $53,410 per year as of 2011, according to Education Database Online. This compares to the Bureau of Labor Statistics information, which shows the average salary at $41,270 as of 2008 with the middle 50 percent earning between $26,480 and $63,200. In New York City, producers earn an average of $99,210 according to Education Online Database. This ranks highest among all states for music producer salaries.
-
The Record Business
-
Gone are the days when record companies had staff producers. With the majority of major record companies in New York City, producers may have the opportunity to be hired as an independent contractor. However, since record companies are in the business of finding hit songs for their artists, they typically hire producers with a proven track record. A June 2011 article published on NPR's website gives some indication as to what an established producer for a popular major label artist might earn for a project. Fees may range from $10,000 to $15,000 per song with some producers earning 3 percent to 5 percent of a song's revenue from sales. Independent record producers working for smaller record labels may charge just a few hundred dollars per song.
Background Music
-
New York is also home to Madison Avenue where some of the greatest advertising minds gather to sell products and brand companies. Often their ads require music production. As such, music producers can compose music on a freelance basis for music companies in the city. The pay per job is between $200 and $500 per job. New York is also home to major television networks such as NBC and ABC. In fact, in a March 2009 article for Berkelee Music Blogs, NBC Universal TV Music -- in New York City -- Vice President Alicen Schneider states that 75 percent of the music used by NBC comes from independent artists and producers. The salary range for placing songs in television is between $1,500 and $15,000, according to Jennifer Czeisler of Sub Pop Records.
-
