Raksha
If you’re planning a music project, knowing the cost of making music is essential for setting a realistic budget. Music production involves many different specialists, from composers and producers to vocalists and session musicians, each with their own pricing structures.
Below is a breakdown of music creation rates so you know what to expect when hiring music professionals for your next track, album, or score.
Typical Music Professional Rates
Here’s an overview of common music professional prices, broken down by role and experience level:
Music Professional Pricing Guide
Role | Hourly Rate | Per Project Rate |
Entry-level Music Composer | $20 – $150/hr | $500 – $5,000 |
Mid-level Music Composer | $100 – $300/hr | $5,000 – $25,000 |
Experienced Music Composer | $200 – $500/hr | $15,000 – $100,000+ |
Singer/Vocalist | $50 – $300/hr | $200 – $5,000+ |
Songwriter | $50 – $300/hr | $500 – $10,000+ |
Music Composer | $75 – $500/hr | $1,000 – $100,000+ |
Sound Designer | $50 – $200/hr | $500 – $20,000+ |
Audio Engineer | $50 – $150/hr | $300 – $5,000+ |
Music Producer | $75 – $300/hr | $1,000 – $50,000+ |
Session Musician | $50 – $200/hr | $200 – $5,000+ |
Arranger | $50 – $200/hr | $500 – $10,000+ |
Orchestrator | $75 – $250/hr | $1,000 – $20,000+ |
Audio Editor | $40 – $100/hr | $200 – $2,000+ |
Foley Artist | $50 – $150/hr | $300 – $5,000+ |
Mastering Engineer | $50 – $150/hr | $100 – $1,000+ per song |
Drummer/Percussionist | $50 – $200/hr | $200 – $2,000+ |
Guitarist/Bassist | $50 – $200/hr | $200 – $2,000+ |
Pianist/Keyboardist | $50 – $150/hr | $200 – $1,500+ |
Music Teacher/Instructor | $30 – $100/hr | $40 – $100+ per lesson |
How Much Does It Cost to Make Music?
The total cost of making music depends on the scale of your project. A single track with basic mixing might cost a few hundred dollars, while a fully produced album or film score can run into tens of thousands.
Typical Music Project Cost Breakdown
Project Type | Estimated Budget | Includes |
|---|---|---|
Indie Song Demo | $500 – $2,000 | Basic recording, minimal mixing, possibly one session musician |
Studio Single (Radio/Streaming Quality) | $2,000 – $10,000 | Producer, mixing, mastering, multiple musicians, vocal production |
EP (3–5 songs) | $5,000 – $20,000 | Recording, mixing, mastering, production, session musicians |
Full Album (8–12 songs) | $10,000 – $100,000+ | Full production team, professional studio time, multiple revisions |
Commercial Jingle (30–60 seconds) | $1,000 – $15,000 | Composer, session musicians, vocalist, mastering |
Film/TV Soundtrack | $10,000 – $100,000+ | Composer, orchestrator, session musicians, full mixing/mastering |
If you’re commissioning custom work, factor in not only the composer but also session musicians, mixing, mastering, and possible revisions.
Tips for Budgeting Your Music Project
Budgeting for music production can feel overwhelming, but these steps help you stay on track:
- Define your project scope
Decide whether you need a single track, a full album, or background music for film/ads. This will determine which roles are essential. See our guide on how to write the perfect music composer job description. - Prioritize roles that add the most value
Not every project needs an orchestrator, Foley artist, or high-profile session musician. Focus on the professionals who directly impact your sound. - Request bundled services
Many producers offer packages that include recording, mixing, and mastering, which can be more cost-effective than hiring separately. - Factor in revisions
Always ask about revision policies. Multiple changes can add hidden costs, especially with composers and producers. - Balance experience with budget
Hiring an experienced composer or producer often costs more but can save money long-term by reducing errors and speeding up delivery. - Leave room for extras
Don’t forget licensing fees, studio rentals, or additional musicians if your project expands.
Final Thoughts
Hiring music professionals is an investment in the quality of your project. Whether you need a single track polished or a full soundtrack, knowing the cost of making music helps you plan effectively and avoid surprises.
Ready to hire? You can find vetted music professionals on Twine who fit your budget and bring your vision to life.
If you’d like any extra help, here are a few other articles we’ve written on the topic:
- Find out what makes a good project brief
- How to write the perfect music composer job description
- Find out the cost of hiring music composers
Need talent ? Find music professionals here.
