Tour Manager Salary: How Much Do Tour Managers Earn?
Tour managers play a crucial role in the music industry. They are responsible for ensuring that every aspect of a tour runs smoothly, from booking hotels and transportation to managing the band’s finances and making sure they are where they need to be at the right time. But how much do tour managers actually earn? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the tour manager’s salary and what factors can affect it.
What Is a Tour Manager?
A tour manager is a professional who is responsible for managing the logistical and financial aspects of a concert tour. They work closely with the band or artist to plan the tour, book venues, and hotels, organize transportation, and manage the budget. During the tour, they are responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly, from setting up equipment to managing the crew and handling any issues that may arise.
How Much Do Tour Managers Earn?
Tour manager salaries can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including the size and popularity of the band, the length of the tour, and the experience level of the tour manager. According to Glassdoor, the average tour manager’s salary in the United States is around $49,000 per year. However, this can range from as low as $30,000 per year for an entry-level position to over $100,000 per year for a highly experienced tour manager working with a major artist.
It’s important to note that tour managers often receive additional compensation beyond their base salary, such as per diems to cover meals and travel expenses, as well as bonuses based on the success of the tour. This can significantly increase their overall earnings.
Factors That Affect Tour Manager Salary
There are several factors that can affect a tour manager’s salary:
- Experience: Tour managers with more experience in the industry are generally able to command higher salaries.
- Size of the band: The size and popularity of the band can also have a significant impact on the tour manager’s salary. A tour manager working with a major artist can earn significantly more than one working with a smaller, independent band.
- Length of the tour: Longer tours typically require more work and may pay more as a result.
- Type of tour: Different types of tours may require different levels of expertise and pay accordingly. For example, a tour manager working on a stadium tour may earn more than one working on a small club tour.
- Geographic location: Tour manager salaries can also vary depending on the location of the tour. A tour manager working in a major city like Los Angeles or New York may earn more than one working in a smaller town.
Career Outlook for Tour Managers
The career outlook for tour managers is generally positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 6% growth rate for meeting, convention, and event planners, which includes tour managers, from 2019 to 2029. However, competition for jobs in this field can be fierce, and having a strong network and relevant experience is key to landing a job as a tour manager.
Education and Training for Tour Managers
While there is no specific education or training required to become a tour manager, having a background in music, event planning, or business can be beneficial. Many tour managers start out in entry-level positions and work their way up through the industry, gaining experience and building their network along the way.
There are also several educational programs available that can help aspiring tour managers gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field. For example, the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program covers a wide range of topics related to the music industry, including tour management, and can be a great way to gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Key Takeaways:
- Tour managers play a crucial role in the music industry, managing the logistical and financial aspects of a concert tour.
- Tour manager salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, the size of the band, and the length of the tour.
- The career outlook for tour managers is generally positive, but competition for jobs can be fierce.
- While there is no specific education or training required to become a tour manager, having relevant experience and a strong network is key.
- Consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program to gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a tour manager.
