Post job

What is an orchestra conductor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an orchestra conductor. For example, did you know that they make an average of $25.57 an hour? That's $53,183 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 2,700 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreOrchestra ConductorUS Average
Salary
4.2

Avg. Salary $53,183

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.5

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%

Asian 5.27%

Black or African American 5.62%

Hispanic or Latino 9.49%

Unknown 4.75%

White 74.69%

Gender

female 36.36%

male 63.64%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an orchestra conductor

  1. Explore orchestra conductor education requirements

    Most common orchestra conductor degrees

    Bachelor's

    73.1 %

    Master's

    19.2 %

    Diploma

    3.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific orchestra conductor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Private Lessons100.00%
  3. Complete relevant orchestra conductor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New orchestra conductors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an orchestra conductor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real orchestra conductor resumes.
  4. Research orchestra conductor duties and responsibilities

    • Manage entire music program, schedule ministers, concerts, and prayer services.
    • Generate weekly on-air playlists from daily analysis of listener feedback.
    • Generate weekly on-air playlists from daily analysis of listener feedback.
  5. Apply for orchestra conductor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an orchestra conductor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first orchestra conductor job

Zippi

Are you an orchestra conductor?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average orchestra conductor salary

The average orchestra conductor salary in the United States is $53,183 per year or $26 per hour. Orchestra conductor salaries range between $27,000 and $103,000 per year.

Average orchestra conductor salary
$53,183 Yearly
$25.57 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do orchestra conductors rate their job?

Working as an orchestra conductor? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs