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Percussionist vs drummer

The differences between percussionists and drummers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a percussionist, becoming a drummer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a drummer has an average salary of $54,721, which is higher than the $52,924 average annual salary of a percussionist.

The top three skills for a percussionist include wind ensemble, musical styles and individual pieces. The most important skills for a drummer are NYC, EP, and worship services.

Percussionist vs drummer overview

PercussionistDrummer
Yearly salary$52,924$54,721
Hourly rate$25.44$26.31
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs8360
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age4545
Years of experience64

Percussionist vs drummer salary

Percussionists and drummers have different pay scales, as shown below.

PercussionistDrummer
Average salary$52,924$54,721
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $112,000Between $25,000 And $118,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between percussionist and drummer education

There are a few differences between a percussionist and a drummer in terms of educational background:

PercussionistDrummer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorMusicMusic
Most common collegeStanford UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Percussionist vs drummer demographics

Here are the differences between percussionists' and drummers' demographics:

PercussionistDrummer
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 89.1% Female, 10.9%Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 5.4% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 5.5% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between percussionist and drummer duties and responsibilities

Percussionist example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish placement in first group clarinet section.
  • Founder of various alternative rock groups-Multiple publish works-Regularly gain experience in songwriting, management, production, marketing, video and design
  • Collaborate with teachers and directors to assist in learning and memorization.

Drummer example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish placement in first group clarinet section.
  • Travel throughout the state and country co-teaching a class in gospel music workshops.
  • Founder of various alternative rock groups-Multiple publish works-Regularly gain experience in songwriting, management, production, marketing, video and design
  • Teach bible study for the college age students in the congregation.

Percussionist vs drummer skills

Common percussionist skills
  • Wind Ensemble, 57%
  • Musical Styles, 23%
  • Individual Pieces, 21%
Common drummer skills
  • NYC, 17%
  • EP, 16%
  • Worship Services, 16%
  • Church Services, 11%
  • YouTube, 10%
  • Facebook, 9%

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