For Educators: Military Resources
Military Musicians
Median Salary
80,893
Workforce Count
1,083
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Musicians in the Military perform for members of their own service branch and to engage the public. They play indoors in theaters, concert halls, and at dances, and outdoors at parades and open-air concerts. They perform many types of music, including marches, classical, jazz, and popular music. They also travel regularly and may lead or direct other musicians. There are many kinds of musicians, including instrumentalists, vocalists, and music composers and arrangers.
What is the work environment like?
Musicians play indoors in theaters, concert halls, and at dances; outdoors at parades and open-air concerts. They also travel regularly.
How many people have this role in the Military?
1,083
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$108,117
2 Years
$80,218
6 Years
$108,117
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Although musicians must be musically proficient to enter the service, music training is given to new band members. Training length varies depending on musical specialty. Musicians in the Military will gain skills through regular rehearsals, individual practice, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:
- Music theory
- Group instrumental techniques
- Individual instrumental fundamentals
- Sight-reading musical scores
- Dance band techniques
- Sight singing and ear training
- Percussion techniques
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Music, General
- Musical Theatre
- Music Performance, General
- Music, Other
- Music Pedagogy
- Voice and Opera
- Keyboard Instruments
- Jazz/Jazz Studies
- Stringed Instruments
- Percussion Instruments
- Brass Instruments
- Woodwind Instruments
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Fine Arts
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Philosophy and Theology
- Communications and Media
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Artistic
You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.
Enterprising
You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test