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Music Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Music Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For musicians who want to understand the realistic mix of performance, teaching, and production income paths. Use the tools below to see which music roles fit your background and goals.

Music careers combine performance, teaching, production, and business, and rarely follow a single linear job-title path. Use the tools below to explore Music-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Session Musician, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Music Director or Recording Producer. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as Suzuki or similar teaching certification (for instruction track), that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Music careers/jobs, (2) Find Music job listings, (3) Prepare for Music careers, and (4) Provide Music career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Music careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Music Careers - 2025 to 2035 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Music careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Music, so relevant Music jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Music Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Music Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Music careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 131 Music Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

35 Music careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2025 to 2035 est.). Music-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035 (% change) Music-Related Jobs

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 17.9% Music Therapy Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 17.9% Music-Related Jobs: Music Therapy Teacher
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes 9.7% Concert Promoter; Music Agent; Music Promoter
Occupation: Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 9.7% Music-Related Jobs: Concert Promoter; Music Agent; Music Promoter
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic 5.8% Musical Instrument Maker
Occupation: Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 5.8% Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instrument Maker
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers 4.8% Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Occupation: Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 4.8% Music-Related Jobs: Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Recreational Therapists 4.8% Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Occupation: Recreational Therapists U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 4.8% Music-Related Jobs: Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Producers and Directors 4% Music Video Director; Music Video Producer
Occupation: Producers and Directors U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 4% Music-Related Jobs: Music Video Director; Music Video Producer
Audio and Video Technicians 3.9% Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Occupation: Audio and Video Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 3.9% Music-Related Jobs: Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Amusement and Recreation Attendants 3.7% Wired Music Operator
Occupation: Amusement and Recreation Attendants U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 3.7% Music-Related Jobs: Wired Music Operator
Self-Enrichment Teachers 3.5% Choir Teacher; General Music Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Piano Instructor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Self-Enrichment Teachers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 3.5% Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; General Music Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Piano Instructor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Directors, Religious Activities and Education 3.3% Music Ministries Director
Occupation: Directors, Religious Activities and Education U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 3.3% Music-Related Jobs: Music Ministries Director
Chief Executives 3.2% Music Executive
Occupation: Chief Executives U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 3.2% Music-Related Jobs: Music Executive
Choreographers 3.1% Musical Choreographer
Occupation: Choreographers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 3.1% Music-Related Jobs: Musical Choreographer
Historians 3% Music Historian
Occupation: Historians U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 3% Music-Related Jobs: Music Historian
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists 2.6% International Broadcast Music Librarian; Music Librarian
Occupation: Librarians and Media Collections Specialists U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 2.6% Music-Related Jobs: International Broadcast Music Librarian; Music Librarian
Education Teachers, Postsecondary 2.5% Music Education Professor
Occupation: Education Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 2.5% Music-Related Jobs: Music Education Professor
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 2.2% Adjunct Music Instructor; Adjunct Music Professor; Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Lecturer; Music Professor; Music Theory Professor; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Pedagogy Professor; Piano Performance Professor; Piano Professor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 2.2% Music-Related Jobs: Adjunct Music Instructor; Adjunct Music Professor; Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Lecturer; Music Professor; Music Theory Professor; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Pedagogy Professor; Piano Performance Professor; Piano Professor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Craft Artists 2% Guitar Maker; Music Autographer; Music Grapher
Occupation: Craft Artists U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 2% Music-Related Jobs: Guitar Maker; Music Autographer; Music Grapher
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 2% Church Music Professor
Occupation: Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 2% Music-Related Jobs: Church Music Professor
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners 1.9% Guitar Builder; Guitar Inspector; Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech); Guitar Repairer; Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech); Musical Instrument Mechanic; Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech); Piano Inspector; Piano Mechanic; Piano Regulator; Piano Technician (Piano Tech); Piano Tuner; Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech); Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech); Violin Mechanic; Violin Repairer
Occupation: Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 1.9% Music-Related Jobs: Guitar Builder; Guitar Inspector; Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech); Guitar Repairer; Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech); Musical Instrument Mechanic; Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech); Piano Inspector; Piano Mechanic; Piano Regulator; Piano Technician (Piano Tech); Piano Tuner; Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech); Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech); Violin Mechanic; Violin Repairer
Public Relations Specialists 1.8% Concert Promoter; Music Publicist
Occupation: Public Relations Specialists U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 1.8% Music-Related Jobs: Concert Promoter; Music Publicist
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand 1.8% Piano Mover
Occupation: Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 1.8% Music-Related Jobs: Piano Mover
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 1.8% Musical Instrument Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 1.8% Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instrument Supervisor
Music Directors and Composers 1.2% Choir Director; Choir Leader; Handbell Choir Director; Liturgical Music Director; Music Adapter; Music Arranger; Music Arts Director; Music Composer; Music Director; Music Manager; Music Minister; Music Ministries Director; Music Orchestrator; Music Pastor; Music Producer; Music Supervisor; Music Writer; Musical Director; Orchestra Conductor; Orchestra Director; Orchestra Leader; Orchestrator; Songwriter
Occupation: Music Directors and Composers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 1.2% Music-Related Jobs: Choir Director; Choir Leader; Handbell Choir Director; Liturgical Music Director; Music Adapter; Music Arranger; Music Arts Director; Music Composer; Music Director; Music Manager; Music Minister; Music Ministries Director; Music Orchestrator; Music Pastor; Music Producer; Music Supervisor; Music Writer; Musical Director; Orchestra Conductor; Orchestra Director; Orchestra Leader; Orchestrator; Songwriter
Musicians and Singers 0.3% Bass Player; Choir Accompanist; Choir Singer; Church Musician; Concert Pianist; Concert Singer; Double Bass Player; Entertainment Musician; Guitar Player; Guitarist; Jazz Musician; Musical Artist; Musician; Orchestra Musician; Piano Accompanist; Piano Player; Pit Musician; Solo Musician; Songwriter; Studio Musician; Violinist
Occupation: Musicians and Singers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 0.3% Music-Related Jobs: Bass Player; Choir Accompanist; Choir Singer; Church Musician; Concert Pianist; Concert Singer; Double Bass Player; Entertainment Musician; Guitar Player; Guitarist; Jazz Musician; Musical Artist; Musician; Orchestra Musician; Piano Accompanist; Piano Player; Pit Musician; Solo Musician; Songwriter; Studio Musician; Violinist
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education -0.2% Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -0.2% Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Retail Salespersons -0.3% Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson; Pianos and Organs Salesperson; Sheet Music Salesperson
Occupation: Retail Salespersons U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -0.3% Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson; Pianos and Organs Salesperson; Sheet Music Salesperson
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education -0.4% Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Vocal Music Instructor
Occupation: Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -0.4% Music-Related Jobs: Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Vocal Music Instructor
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education -0.4% Choir Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher
Occupation: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -0.4% Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher
Etchers and Engravers -0.7% Music Engraver
Occupation: Etchers and Engravers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -0.7% Music-Related Jobs: Music Engraver
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products -0.9% Musical Accessories Sales Representative; Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Occupation: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -0.9% Music-Related Jobs: Musical Accessories Sales Representative; Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Sound Engineering Technicians -3.1% Music Engineer; Music Producer; Musical Engineer
Occupation: Sound Engineering Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -3.1% Music-Related Jobs: Music Engineer; Music Producer; Musical Engineer
Furniture Finishers -3.5% Piano Refinisher
Occupation: Furniture Finishers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -3.5% Music-Related Jobs: Piano Refinisher
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers -3.7% Music Store Manager
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -3.7% Music-Related Jobs: Music Store Manager
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists -5.9% Music Critic; Music Journalist
Occupation: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -5.9% Music-Related Jobs: Music Critic; Music Journalist
Printing Press Operators -8.7% Music Copyist; Music Grapher
Occupation: Printing Press Operators U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -8.7% Music-Related Jobs: Music Copyist; Music Grapher

37 Music careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Music-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Music-Related Jobs

Chief Executives $ 213,990 Music Executive
Occupation: Chief Executives National Median Salary: $ 213,990 Music-Related Jobs: Music Executive
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $ 107,310 Music Therapy Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 107,310 Music-Related Jobs: Music Therapy Teacher
Producers and Directors $ 90,360 Music Video Director; Music Video Producer
Occupation: Producers and Directors National Median Salary: $ 90,360 Music-Related Jobs: Music Video Director; Music Video Producer
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes $ 82,890 Concert Promoter; Music Agent; Music Promoter
Occupation: Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes National Median Salary: $ 82,890 Music-Related Jobs: Concert Promoter; Music Agent; Music Promoter
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $ 80,260 Church Music Professor
Occupation: Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 80,260 Music-Related Jobs: Church Music Professor
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $ 78,620 Adjunct Music Instructor; Adjunct Music Professor; Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Lecturer; Music Professor; Music Theory Professor; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Pedagogy Professor; Piano Performance Professor; Piano Professor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 78,620 Music-Related Jobs: Adjunct Music Instructor; Adjunct Music Professor; Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Lecturer; Music Professor; Music Theory Professor; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Pedagogy Professor; Piano Performance Professor; Piano Professor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Music Therapists $ 77,930 Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC); Certified Music Therapist; Community Music Therapist; Creative Arts Music Therapist; Creative Music Therapist; Expressive Music Therapist; Home Care Music Therapist; Hospice Music Therapist; Music Art Therapist; Music Dance Therapist; Music Rehabilitation Therapist; Music Therapist; Music Therapy Specialist; Neurologic Music Therapist; Public School System Music Therapist
Occupation: Music Therapists National Median Salary: $ 77,930 Music-Related Jobs: Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC); Certified Music Therapist; Community Music Therapist; Creative Arts Music Therapist; Creative Music Therapist; Expressive Music Therapist; Home Care Music Therapist; Hospice Music Therapist; Music Art Therapist; Music Dance Therapist; Music Rehabilitation Therapist; Music Therapist; Music Therapy Specialist; Neurologic Music Therapist; Public School System Music Therapist
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers $ 76,910 Music Critic; Songwriter
Occupation: Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers National Median Salary: $ 76,910 Music-Related Jobs: Music Critic; Songwriter
Historians $ 76,750 Music Historian
Occupation: Historians National Median Salary: $ 76,750 Music-Related Jobs: Music Historian
Education Teachers, Postsecondary $ 75,350 Music Education Professor
Occupation: Education Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 75,350 Music-Related Jobs: Music Education Professor
Public Relations Specialists $ 74,750 Concert Promoter; Music Publicist
Occupation: Public Relations Specialists National Median Salary: $ 74,750 Music-Related Jobs: Concert Promoter; Music Publicist
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $ 74,450 Musical Instrument Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers National Median Salary: $ 74,450 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instrument Supervisor
Music Directors and Composers $ 73,710 Choir Director; Choir Leader; Handbell Choir Director; Liturgical Music Director; Music Adapter; Music Arranger; Music Arts Director; Music Composer; Music Director; Music Manager; Music Minister; Music Ministries Director; Music Orchestrator; Music Pastor; Music Producer; Music Supervisor; Music Writer; Musical Director; Orchestra Conductor; Orchestra Director; Orchestra Leader; Orchestrator; Songwriter
Occupation: Music Directors and Composers National Median Salary: $ 73,710 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Director; Choir Leader; Handbell Choir Director; Liturgical Music Director; Music Adapter; Music Arranger; Music Arts Director; Music Composer; Music Director; Music Manager; Music Minister; Music Ministries Director; Music Orchestrator; Music Pastor; Music Producer; Music Supervisor; Music Writer; Musical Director; Orchestra Conductor; Orchestra Director; Orchestra Leader; Orchestrator; Songwriter
Sound Engineering Technicians $ 73,130 Music Engineer; Music Producer; Musical Engineer
Occupation: Sound Engineering Technicians National Median Salary: $ 73,130 Music-Related Jobs: Music Engineer; Music Producer; Musical Engineer
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $ 72,080 Musical Accessories Sales Representative; Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Occupation: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products National Median Salary: $ 72,080 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Accessories Sales Representative; Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $ 72,040 Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education National Median Salary: $ 72,040 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $ 68,270 International Broadcast Music Librarian; Music Librarian
Occupation: Librarians and Media Collections Specialists National Median Salary: $ 68,270 Music-Related Jobs: International Broadcast Music Librarian; Music Librarian
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $ 64,370 Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Vocal Music Instructor
Occupation: Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education National Median Salary: $ 64,370 Music-Related Jobs: Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Vocal Music Instructor
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $ 63,970 Choir Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher
Occupation: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education National Median Salary: $ 63,970 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $ 62,200 Music Critic; Music Journalist
Occupation: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists National Median Salary: $ 62,200 Music-Related Jobs: Music Critic; Music Journalist
Recreational Therapists $ 61,960 Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Occupation: Recreational Therapists National Median Salary: $ 61,960 Music-Related Jobs: Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Audio and Video Technicians $ 58,100 Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Occupation: Audio and Video Technicians National Median Salary: $ 58,100 Music-Related Jobs: Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Choreographers $ 55,310 Musical Choreographer
Occupation: Choreographers National Median Salary: $ 55,310 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Choreographer
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $ 52,600 Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Occupation: Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers National Median Salary: $ 52,600 Music-Related Jobs: Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Directors, Religious Activities and Education $ 52,100 Music Ministries Director
Occupation: Directors, Religious Activities and Education National Median Salary: $ 52,100 Music-Related Jobs: Music Ministries Director
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $ 48,520 Music Store Manager
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers National Median Salary: $ 48,520 Music-Related Jobs: Music Store Manager
Self-Enrichment Teachers $ 46,800 Choir Teacher; General Music Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Piano Instructor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Self-Enrichment Teachers National Median Salary: $ 46,800 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; General Music Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Piano Instructor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $ 46,420 Guitar Builder; Guitar Inspector; Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech); Guitar Repairer; Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech); Musical Instrument Mechanic; Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech); Piano Inspector; Piano Mechanic; Piano Regulator; Piano Technician (Piano Tech); Piano Tuner; Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech); Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech); Violin Mechanic; Violin Repairer
Occupation: Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners National Median Salary: $ 46,420 Music-Related Jobs: Guitar Builder; Guitar Inspector; Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech); Guitar Repairer; Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech); Musical Instrument Mechanic; Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech); Piano Inspector; Piano Mechanic; Piano Regulator; Piano Technician (Piano Tech); Piano Tuner; Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech); Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech); Violin Mechanic; Violin Repairer
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $ 46,170 Musical Instrument Maker
Occupation: Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic National Median Salary: $ 46,170 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instrument Maker
Craft Artists $ 46,080 Guitar Maker; Music Autographer; Music Grapher
Occupation: Craft Artists National Median Salary: $ 46,080 Music-Related Jobs: Guitar Maker; Music Autographer; Music Grapher
Printing Press Operators $ 45,780 Music Copyist; Music Grapher
Occupation: Printing Press Operators National Median Salary: $ 45,780 Music-Related Jobs: Music Copyist; Music Grapher
Furniture Finishers $ 44,540 Piano Refinisher
Occupation: Furniture Finishers National Median Salary: $ 44,540 Music-Related Jobs: Piano Refinisher
Etchers and Engravers $ 43,310 Music Engraver
Occupation: Etchers and Engravers National Median Salary: $ 43,310 Music-Related Jobs: Music Engraver
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $ 40,240 Piano Mover
Occupation: Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand National Median Salary: $ 40,240 Music-Related Jobs: Piano Mover
Retail Salespersons $ 35,410 Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson; Pianos and Organs Salesperson; Sheet Music Salesperson
Occupation: Retail Salespersons National Median Salary: $ 35,410 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson; Pianos and Organs Salesperson; Sheet Music Salesperson
Amusement and Recreation Attendants $ 32,150 Wired Music Operator
Occupation: Amusement and Recreation Attendants National Median Salary: $ 32,150 Music-Related Jobs: Wired Music Operator
Musicians and Singers $ 0 Bass Player; Choir Accompanist; Choir Singer; Church Musician; Concert Pianist; Concert Singer; Double Bass Player; Entertainment Musician; Guitar Player; Guitarist; Jazz Musician; Musical Artist; Musician; Orchestra Musician; Piano Accompanist; Piano Player; Pit Musician; Solo Musician; Songwriter; Studio Musician; Violinist
Occupation: Musicians and Singers National Median Salary: $ 0 Music-Related Jobs: Bass Player; Choir Accompanist; Choir Singer; Church Musician; Concert Pianist; Concert Singer; Double Bass Player; Entertainment Musician; Guitar Player; Guitarist; Jazz Musician; Musical Artist; Musician; Orchestra Musician; Piano Accompanist; Piano Player; Pit Musician; Solo Musician; Songwriter; Studio Musician; Violinist

37 Music careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Music-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Music-Related Jobs

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Adjunct Music Instructor; Adjunct Music Professor; Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Lecturer; Music Professor; Music Theory Professor; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Pedagogy Professor; Piano Performance Professor; Piano Professor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: Adjunct Music Instructor; Adjunct Music Professor; Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Lecturer; Music Professor; Music Theory Professor; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Pedagogy Professor; Piano Performance Professor; Piano Professor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Chief Executives 5 Music Executive
Occupation: Chief Executives Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: Music Executive
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists 5 International Broadcast Music Librarian; Music Librarian
Occupation: Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: International Broadcast Music Librarian; Music Librarian
Education Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Music Education Professor
Occupation: Education Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: Music Education Professor
Historians 5 Music Historian
Occupation: Historians Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: Music Historian
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Music Therapy Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: Music Therapy Teacher
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Church Music Professor
Occupation: Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Music-Related Jobs: Church Music Professor
Public Relations Specialists 4 Concert Promoter; Music Publicist
Occupation: Public Relations Specialists Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Concert Promoter; Music Publicist
Music Therapists 4 Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC); Certified Music Therapist; Community Music Therapist; Creative Arts Music Therapist; Creative Music Therapist; Expressive Music Therapist; Home Care Music Therapist; Hospice Music Therapist; Music Art Therapist; Music Dance Therapist; Music Rehabilitation Therapist; Music Therapist; Music Therapy Specialist; Neurologic Music Therapist; Public School System Music Therapist
Occupation: Music Therapists Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC); Certified Music Therapist; Community Music Therapist; Creative Arts Music Therapist; Creative Music Therapist; Expressive Music Therapist; Home Care Music Therapist; Hospice Music Therapist; Music Art Therapist; Music Dance Therapist; Music Rehabilitation Therapist; Music Therapist; Music Therapy Specialist; Neurologic Music Therapist; Public School System Music Therapist
Music Directors and Composers 4 Choir Director; Choir Leader; Handbell Choir Director; Liturgical Music Director; Music Adapter; Music Arranger; Music Arts Director; Music Composer; Music Director; Music Manager; Music Minister; Music Ministries Director; Music Orchestrator; Music Pastor; Music Producer; Music Supervisor; Music Writer; Musical Director; Orchestra Conductor; Orchestra Director; Orchestra Leader; Orchestrator; Songwriter
Occupation: Music Directors and Composers Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Director; Choir Leader; Handbell Choir Director; Liturgical Music Director; Music Adapter; Music Arranger; Music Arts Director; Music Composer; Music Director; Music Manager; Music Minister; Music Ministries Director; Music Orchestrator; Music Pastor; Music Producer; Music Supervisor; Music Writer; Musical Director; Orchestra Conductor; Orchestra Director; Orchestra Leader; Orchestrator; Songwriter
Musicians and Singers 4 Bass Player; Choir Accompanist; Choir Singer; Church Musician; Concert Pianist; Concert Singer; Double Bass Player; Entertainment Musician; Guitar Player; Guitarist; Jazz Musician; Musical Artist; Musician; Orchestra Musician; Piano Accompanist; Piano Player; Pit Musician; Solo Musician; Songwriter; Studio Musician; Violinist
Occupation: Musicians and Singers Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Bass Player; Choir Accompanist; Choir Singer; Church Musician; Concert Pianist; Concert Singer; Double Bass Player; Entertainment Musician; Guitar Player; Guitarist; Jazz Musician; Musical Artist; Musician; Orchestra Musician; Piano Accompanist; Piano Player; Pit Musician; Solo Musician; Songwriter; Studio Musician; Violinist
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 4 Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Vocal Music Instructor
Occupation: Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Vocal Music Instructor
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists 4 Music Critic; Music Journalist
Occupation: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Music Critic; Music Journalist
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers 4 Music Critic; Songwriter
Occupation: Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Music Critic; Songwriter
Producers and Directors 4 Music Video Director; Music Video Producer
Occupation: Producers and Directors Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Music Video Director; Music Video Producer
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 4 Choir Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher
Occupation: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Orchestra Teacher
Directors, Religious Activities and Education 4 Music Ministries Director
Occupation: Directors, Religious Activities and Education Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Music Ministries Director
Recreational Therapists 4 Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Occupation: Recreational Therapists Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products 4 Musical Accessories Sales Representative; Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Occupation: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Accessories Sales Representative; Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 4 Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Music Theory Teacher; Orchestra Teacher; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes 4 Concert Promoter; Music Agent; Music Promoter
Occupation: Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes Education/Preparation: 4 Music-Related Jobs: Concert Promoter; Music Agent; Music Promoter
Sound Engineering Technicians 3 Music Engineer; Music Producer; Musical Engineer
Occupation: Sound Engineering Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Music Engineer; Music Producer; Musical Engineer
Self-Enrichment Teachers 3 Choir Teacher; General Music Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Piano Instructor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Occupation: Self-Enrichment Teachers Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Choir Teacher; General Music Teacher; Guitar Teacher; Instrumental Music Teacher; Music Educator; Music Instructor; Music Teacher; Piano Instructor; Piano Teacher; Violin Teacher
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners 3 Guitar Builder; Guitar Inspector; Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech); Guitar Repairer; Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech); Musical Instrument Mechanic; Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech); Piano Inspector; Piano Mechanic; Piano Regulator; Piano Technician (Piano Tech); Piano Tuner; Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech); Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech); Violin Mechanic; Violin Repairer
Occupation: Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Guitar Builder; Guitar Inspector; Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech); Guitar Repairer; Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech); Musical Instrument Mechanic; Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech); Piano Inspector; Piano Mechanic; Piano Regulator; Piano Technician (Piano Tech); Piano Tuner; Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech); Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech); Violin Mechanic; Violin Repairer
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 3 Musical Instrument Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instrument Supervisor
Craft Artists 3 Guitar Maker; Music Autographer; Music Grapher
Occupation: Craft Artists Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Guitar Maker; Music Autographer; Music Grapher
Choreographers 3 Musical Choreographer
Occupation: Choreographers Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Choreographer
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers 3 Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Occupation: Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Audio and Video Technicians 3 Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Occupation: Audio and Video Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Music-Related Jobs: Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic 2 Musical Instrument Maker
Occupation: Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instrument Maker
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand 2 Piano Mover
Occupation: Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Piano Mover
Furniture Finishers 2 Piano Refinisher
Occupation: Furniture Finishers Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Piano Refinisher
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers 2 Music Store Manager
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Music Store Manager
Printing Press Operators 2 Music Copyist; Music Grapher
Occupation: Printing Press Operators Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Music Copyist; Music Grapher
Etchers and Engravers 2 Music Engraver
Occupation: Etchers and Engravers Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Music Engraver
Retail Salespersons 2 Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson; Pianos and Organs Salesperson; Sheet Music Salesperson
Occupation: Retail Salespersons Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson; Pianos and Organs Salesperson; Sheet Music Salesperson
Amusement and Recreation Attendants 2 Wired Music Operator
Occupation: Amusement and Recreation Attendants Education/Preparation: 2 Music-Related Jobs: Wired Music Operator

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 131 specific Music job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
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Adjunct Music Instructor
Adjunct Music Professor
Bass Player
Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)
Certified Music Therapist
Choir Accompanist
Choir Director
Choir Leader
Choir Singer
Choir Teacher
Church Music Professor
Church Musician
Community Music Therapist
Concert Pianist
Concert Promoter
Concert Singer
Creative Arts Music Therapist
Creative Music Therapist
Double Bass Player
Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
Entertainment Musician
Expressive Music Therapist
General Music Teacher
Guitar Builder
Guitar Inspector
Guitar Maker
Guitar Player
Guitar Repair Technician (Guitar Repair Tech)
Guitar Repairer
Guitar Teacher
Guitar Technician (Guitar Tech)
Guitarist
Handbell Choir Director
Home Care Music Therapist
Hospice Music Therapist
Instrumental Music Teacher
International Broadcast Music Librarian
Jazz Musician
Liturgical Music Director
Music Adapter
Music Agent
Music Arranger
Music Art Therapist
Music Arts Director
Music Autographer
Music Composer
Music Copyist
Music Critic
Music Dance Therapist
Music Director
Music Education Professor
Music Educator
Music Engineer
Music Engraver
Music Executive
Music Grapher
Music Historian
Music Instructor
Music Journalist
Music Lecturer
Music Librarian
Music Manager
Music Minister
Music Ministries Director
Music Orchestrator
Music Pastor
Music Producer
Music Professor
Music Promoter
Music Publicist
Music Rehabilitation Therapist
Music Store Manager
Music Supervisor
Music Teacher
Music Theory Professor
Music Theory Teacher
Music Therapist
Music Therapy Specialist
Music Therapy Teacher
Music Video Director
Music Video Producer
Music Writer
Music, Sound, and Light Technician
Musical Accessories Sales Representative
Musical Artist
Musical Choreographer
Musical Director
Musical Engineer
Musical Instrument Maker
Musical Instrument Mechanic
Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Musical Instrument Repair Tech)
Musical Instrument Sales Representative
Musical Instrument Supervisor
Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson
Musician
Neurologic Music Therapist
Orchestra Conductor
Orchestra Director
Orchestra Leader
Orchestra Musician
Orchestra Teacher
Orchestrator
Piano Accompanist
Piano Inspector
Piano Instructor
Piano Mechanic
Piano Mover
Piano Pedagogy Professor
Piano Performance Professor
Piano Player
Piano Professor
Piano Refinisher
Piano Regulator
Piano Teacher
Piano Technician (Piano Tech)
Piano Tuner
Pianos and Organs Salesperson
Pit Musician
Player Piano Technician (Player Piano Tech)
Public School System Music Therapist
Registered Piano Technician (Registered Piano Tech)
Sheet Music Salesperson
Solo Musician
Songwriter
Studio Musician
Violin Mechanic
Violin Repairer
Violin Teacher
Violinist
Vocal Music Instructor
Wired Music Operator


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Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Description: Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.

U.S. Total Employment (2025):
58,800
U.S. Total Employment (2035 est.):
62,200
Employment Change (2025-2035 est.):
3,400 (5.8%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2025-2035 est.):
6,900
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Surveying and Mapping Technicians":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, or other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes or reference tables.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Conduct surveys to ascertain the locations of natural features and man-made structures on the Earth's surface, underground, and underwater, using electronic distance-measuring equipment, such as GPS, and other surveying instruments.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Collect information needed to carry out new surveys, using source maps, previous survey data, photographs, computer records, or other relevant information.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Identify and compile database information to create requested maps.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Enter Global Positioning System (GPS) data, legal deeds, field notes, or land survey reports into geographic information system (GIS) workstations so that information can be transformed into graphic land descriptions, such as maps and drawings.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Compare topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Complete detailed source and method notes describing the location of routine or complex land parcels.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Trace contours or topographic details to generate maps that denote specific land or property locations or geographic attributes.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Answer questions and provide information to the public or to staff members regarding assessment maps, surveys, boundaries, easements, property ownership, roads, zoning, or similar matters.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Research and combine existing property information to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties, taking into account parcel splits, combinations, or land boundary adjustments.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Provide assistance in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Prepare topographic or contour maps of land surveyed, including site features and other relevant information, such as charts, drawings, and survey notes.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Compare survey computations with applicable standards to determine adequacy of data.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Analyze aerial photographs to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Search for section corners, property irons, or survey points.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Supervise or coordinate activities of workers engaged in surveying, plotting data, drafting maps, or producing blueprints, photostats, or photographs.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Record survey measurements or descriptive data, using notes, drawings, sketches, or inked tracings.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Set out and recover stakes, marks, or other monumentation.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Perform calculations to determine earth curvature corrections, atmospheric impacts on measurements, traverse closures or adjustments, azimuths, level runs, or placement of markers.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Adjust and operate surveying instruments such as prisms, theodolites, electronic distance measuring equipment, or electronic data collectors.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Trim, align, and join prints to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Prepare cost estimates for mapping projects.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Assist engineers or scientists with research.
Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.
Create maps.
Determine geographic coordinates.
Develop software or computer applications.
Document technical design details.
Enter codes or other information into computers.
Estimate costs for projects or productions.
Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
Explain project details to the general public.
Gather physical survey data.
Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
Operate computer systems.
Prepare maps.
Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
Survey land or properties.
Verify mathematical calculations.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Analyze environmental or geospatial data.
Activity: Assess characteristics of land or property.
Activity: Assist scientists, scholars, or technical specialists with projects or research.
Activity: Create visual designs or displays.
Activity: Design computer or information systems or applications.
Activity: Document technical designs, procedures, or activities.
Activity: Estimate project development or operational costs.
Activity: Evaluate designs, specifications, or other technical data.
Activity: Evaluate the quality or accuracy of data.
Activity: Gather data about operational or development activities.
Activity: Monitor operations to ensure compliance with regulations or standards.
Activity: Operate computer systems or computerized equipment.
Activity: Process digital or online data.
Activity: Provide information or assistance to the public.
Activity: Supervise personnel activities.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Bentley MicroStation
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcGIS software
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Widely Used Tech Skills
Geographic information system:
Geographic information system GIS systems
Emerging Tech Skills
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Development environment software:
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
Document management software:
Microsoft SharePoint
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Object or component oriented development software:
Python
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Process mapping and design software:
Microsoft Visio
Web platform development software:
Hypertext markup language HTML
JavaScript
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below):
CARIS HIPS
CARIS SIPS
Coordinate geometry COGO software
Datalog with guidance DLWG software
Digital elevation model DEM software
ESRI ArcGIS ArcPy
Foresoft CDS Cogo
Foresoft CDS Model
Low-level driver LLD software
MicroSurvey FieldGenius
MicroSurvey OfficeSync
Modeling software
PCI Geomatics software
QuickCogo
Trimble Geomatics Office
Trimble Total Control
Tripod Data Systems software
Triton Elics International Isis
Categorization or classification software:
PCI Geomatics eCognition
Computer aided design CAD software (scroll table below):
3D Nature LLC Visual Nature Studio
3D Nature LLC World Construction Set
Autodesk 3d Studio Viz
Autodesk AutoCAD Blue Sky
Autodesk AutoCAD Map 3D
Autodesk CAiCE Visual Transportation
Autodesk Land Desktop
Bentley GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite
Carlson SurvCADD
Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
MENSI 3Dipsos
MicroSurveyCAD
Trimble Terramodel
Tripod Data Systems Foresight
TRS Software TomCADD
Data base reporting software:
MicroSurvey Star*Net
Data base user interface and query software:
Database software
Desktop publishing software:
QuarkXPress
Development environment software:
Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
Software libraries
Electronic mail software:
Email software
Microsoft Exchange
Geographic information system (scroll table below):
ESRI ArcCatalog
ESRI ArcEditor
ESRI ArcGIS (analytical or scientific feature)
ESRI ArcGIS Spatial Analyst
ESRI ArcIMS
ESRI ArcInfo
ESRI ArcSDE
ESRI ArcToolbox
ESRI ArcView
ESRI ArcView 3D Analyst
ESRI Maplex
ESRI MapObjects
ESRI Personal Geodatabase
Geographic information system GIS software
Trimble TerraSync
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe FreeHand MX
Bentley GeoPak Bridge
Graphics software
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Map creation software (scroll table below):
Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
Carlson Survey
Desktop digital photogrammetry system DDPS
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
Hexagon Geospatial Imagine Photogrammetry
Hexagon Intergraph
IMAGINE OrthoBASE
Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
MapInfo
Mapping software
Muncy Plat Pronto
RockWare ArcMap
SiteComp Survey
TELEDYNE CARIS
Traverse PC
Trimble Digital Fieldbook
Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office
Tripod Data Systems COGO
Mobile location based services software:
Global positioning system GPS software
Word processing software:
Adobe Acrobat Writer
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 21.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 13.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 13.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 12.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 11.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 10.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 7.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 2.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Frequency of Attainment: 1.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Cadastral Mapping Specialist External Link
Certified Survey Technician Level I External Link
Certified Surveyor Technician: Level II External Link
Certified Surveyor Technician: Level III External Link
Certified Surveyor Technician: Level IV External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
International Map Industry Association (IMIA) External Link
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Surveying and Mapping Technicians". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Surveying and Mapping Technicians". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Surveying and Mapping Technicians". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Surveying and Mapping Technicians


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Surveying and Mapping Technicians" occupation.






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