Booking Agent Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
What does a Booking Agent do?
A music booking agent secures and manages live performances or appearances for artists. Booking agents work closely with promoters, venues, festivals, record labels, and the artists’ manager. An agent may also work independently or for a booking agency that represents a roster of artists.
How much does this career make?
According to Ziprecruiter, Booking Agents maintain a national annual salary of $41,304 an hourly wage of $19.86. Entry-level agents start around $26,000 annually. Senior-level agents make a yearly average of $45,000. The range in salary widely depends on factors including skill, seniority level, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the music industry?
Booking Agents are vital to the touring sector of the music industry. They negotiate and secure deals between artists and venues for performances. When working on behalf of musicians, they are pivotal in developing their fanbase.
What is the job outlook for this career?
Forecasts show that music revenue will double to about $131 billion by 2030. In addition, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in the field (including agents) are expected to grow at a rate of 9% during the 2019-2029 decade (www.bls.gov).
How to kick-off your career:
- Intern at a concert promotion company
- Explore the Clive Davis Institute at NYU x Billboard’s Music Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Music Career Guide
Learn from:
Jalen James Acosta
Music Industry Essentials contributor, Founder & CEO, World Artists United
Related Careers:
Live Sound Mix Engineer | Live Sound Systems Engineer | Promoter | Tour Manager | Events Manager | Festival Organizer | Booking Agent | Lighting Director | Tour Manager | Stage Manager | Crew | Club Manager | Box Office
