Occupations · Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media

Musicians and Singers

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

O*NET 30.3 Database (USDOL/ETA) · occupation code 27-2042.00

▲ 1.1%projected change, 2024→2034

19,400openings a year, incl. replacements

Typical education to enter: No formal educational credential · BLS Employment Projections 2024–34

What people in this job actually do

Ordered by how important the work is rated.

Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.
Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.
Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.
Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.
Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals.
Play from memory or by following scores.
Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches to develop voice and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles.
Research particular roles to find out more about a character, or the time and place in which a piece is set.

O*NET 30.3 task ratings, importance scale

Skills that matter most

Importance, rated 1 to 5.

Speaking3.4

Active Listening3.2

Monitoring3.2

Reading Comprehension3.1

Critical Thinking3.0

Writing2.8

Active Learning2.8

Learning Strategies2.6

Mathematics1.9

Science1.1

O*NET 30.3 skills, importance scale

Software and tools

A dot marks what O*NET flags as in demand.

Facebook●Microsoft Excel●Microsoft Office software●Microsoft Word●SAP software●Acoustica MixcraftApple GarageBandAppointment scheduling softwareAudacityAvid Technology Pro ToolsAvid Technology SibeliusBlogging softwareCantovation Sing & SeeEmail softwareFinancial tracking softwareInstagramMakeMusic FinaleSnapchatTUBA softwareTwitterWeb browser softwareYouTubeiZotope Ozone

O*NET 30.3 software skills · hot-technology flag

What this work is actually like

Conditions rated against the average across all occupations — only what makes this job different is listed.

4 / 5Considerable preparation — a four-year degree plus several years in the field.

O*NET 30.3 Job Zones

Working conditions that stand out

Telephone Conversations−2.0 below average

Health and Safety of Other Workers−1.8 below average

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals−1.7 below average

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets−1.5 below average

Exposed to Contaminants−1.2 below average

Physical Proximity+1.2 above average

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment−1.0 below average

O*NET 30.3 work context, frequency scale · observed 2022-08

How people actually get in

Share of workers by the education they hold.

Bachelor's Degree29%

Less than a High School Diploma19%

Master's Degree17%

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)12%

O*NET 30.2 education, training and experience · observed 2022-08

What kind of person the work suits

Occupational interest profile, rated 1 to 7.

Artistic6.7

Enterprising3.4

Social3.4

O*NET 30.2 occupational interests (RIASEC)

What you take with you

Skills rated for how well they transfer into other occupations.

Social Perceptiveness3.1

Coordination3.0

Service Orientation2.9

Time Management2.9

Systems Analysis2.8

Persuasion2.8

Judgment and Decision Making2.6

Negotiation2.6

O*NET 30.3 transferable skills, importance scale

Knowledge the work draws on

Fine ArtsEnglish LanguageForeign LanguageEducation and TrainingCommunications and MediaCustomer and Personal Service

Abilities it leans on

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionHearing SensitivitySpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionAuditory Attention

O*NET 30.3 abilities and knowledge, importance scale

How this job is advertised

The same work is posted under many titles — this is what to search for.

TenorBuglerOboistCantorRapperSingerSoloistFlutistViolistCellistPianistHarpistBaritoneVocalist

O*NET 30.3 job titles reported for this occupation

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What changed since 2015

Comparing O*NET release 20.1 (2015-10-01) with 30.3 (2026-05-01). Signs, not colour alone, carry the meaning. 1 entries that were only relabelled between releases are left out.

Now listed 5

+Microsoft Office software+TUBA software+Microsoft Word+Microsoft Excel+SAP software

No longer listed 1

−Singing Success

Diff across the O*NET releases held here in full since October 2015, following occupations through merges and retirements. O*NET re-surveys occupations on a rolling cycle, so “no change” can also mean “not re-surveyed”.

O*NET 30.3 related occupations

Also called

TenorSingerArtistBuglerRapperCantorOboistFlutistHarpistViolistSoloistCellist

O*NET 30.3 alternative titles

The same work in Europe

ESCO occupation	ISCO	Match
variety artist	2659.2.6	broader
musician	2652.3	broader
singer	2652.3.2	broader

Official ESCO ↔ O*NET crosswalk (ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA)

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