Vienna Orchestra

How much does an orchestra player earn?

I was thinking about getting a degree in performing music in an orchestra or something like that. I play a B flat clarinet if it helps any. I also play alto sax and have been playing the clarinet for almost six years now (since 4th grade). I started alto last year for jazz band.

Public Comments

1. Depends on whether or not he is Union , and whatever the contract reads for the gig ....... Scale per hour, a piece of the Gate ...??? Both???
2. Just so you know, you'll have to practice alooooooooooooooooooooooooooot... like, I knew of this one girl that was trying out for orchestras...to be good enough to get into one, she had to practice for 3-5 EVERY DAY.
3. It depends on the orchestra and the player. The NY Philharmonic probably pays more than the Hoboken Summer Symphoney, and a player with advanced credentials and skills probably can command a higher rate than a less skilled one. If your instrument is in high demand the rates may vary too. Most major orchestras probably have web sites. Check a couple out.
4. Most orchestras pay on a per service basis. Services usually count as rehearsals and performances. Service pay varies: $80 is what I hear on average. Plus they usually pay for travel. Services per year also vary. Top orchestra's usually pay salaries. The Cleveland Orchestra pays at least $88,000 (figure from around 2003). The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra I believe is around $110,000. These jobs are SUPER competitive. I know lots of incredible musicians who do not play with major groups. Most musicians free lance, which means they play for whatever they can, (churches, regional orchestras, chamber music, ballet, opera, musicals, weddings, etc.) often driving 3-5 hours one-way from their homebase for jobs. To supplement their playing income, most teach private lessons which pay $30+ per hour or teach at a university $35,000+ per year. Again university jobs are competitive and most require a doctorate degree in music. All this will also depend on what instrument you play. In addition to clarinet, work on saxophone, and bass clarinet, it will make you more competitive. Good Luck!
5. Im not sure myself; I am 15 and even though I can join the youth orchestra, I cant get paid. I know for a fact however that most musicians get paid a lot. Most people think that musicians get paid minimum wage, but actually they can get paid a sh*tload of money depending on what orchestra they join, and how many gigs they do. The New York Philharmonic gets paid $2,000 a week. Now try telling me musicians don`t get paid haha. The general rule is the bigger the orchestra the more you get paid.
6. It depends on the orchestra and what player you are e.g. first clarinet would earn more than a second clarinet Orchestras are VERY hard to get into though. Every musician in the country wants a permanent spot in an orchestra. Even with a degree in performance it takes a minimum of 10 years to be a casual player. These musos have practised 8-10 hours a day for 10 years. It is an enormous commitment. You need to play all clarinets e.g A, Bb, Eb and bass to be considered. Good luck with your dreams!!
7. Symphony orchestra (approximate earnings $300-$1,200 per week (22-52 weeks)