Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Musicians and Singers
Occupation · SOC 27-2042.00
Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
Also called: Choir Member · Musician · Singer · Violinist · Chorister · Gospel Singer · Opera Singer · Orchestra Musician · Percussionist · Vocalist · Accompanist · Bandperson
Job family: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
Take this to your AI
A source-stamped Markdown brief of this occupation — paste it into an agent, or fetch
/roles/role-27-2042-00/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- About average employment outlook (+1.1% by 2034)
- 19,400 openings/yr
- Low AI exposure
- Work is mostly on-site (not teleworkable)
38th-percentile task overlap — yet about 19,400 openings a year (+1.1% projected, BLS) . What exposure means →
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) Moderate | 48th | -0.0 | |
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) Moderate | 48th | 0.6 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) Low | 25th | 0.1 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.2), with simple added tooling (β 0.4), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.6). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
This job mostly cannot be done remotely (Dingel–Neiman) — its hands-on tasks sit outside what software-based AI reaches.
Historical automation estimate (2013)
A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
Frey–Osborne probability 0.1 · 25th percentile among occupations · Low
How AI is actually used in this job
Among measured AI assistant conversations mapped to this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15), these task types came up most. These are shares of observed AI conversations — not shares of the job, of worker time, or of what could be automated.
| Compose songs or create vocal arrangements. | 1.6% | |
| Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest. | 1.5% | |
| Seek out and learn new music suitable for live performance or recording. | 0.6% | |
| Collaborate with a manager or agent who handles administrative details, finds work, and negotiates contracts. | 0.6% | |
| Research particular roles to find out more about a character, or the time and place in which a piece is set. | 0.3% | |
| Transpose music to alternate keys, or to fit individual styles or purposes. | 0.3% |
Job outlook
Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.
| Outlook | About average · +1.1% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 19,400 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 169,800 → 171,600 |
“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.
Where this work sits on the global GenAI gradient
The ILO's 2025 global study scores generative-AI exposure on the international ISCO-08 occupation system, not US SOC. Bridged through the published (and approximate, many-to-many) IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 crosswalk, this US occupation corresponds to the international occupation below. Exposure here means how much of the work's tasks today's AI can attempt — task overlap, not automation, adoption, or jobs lost.
Musicians and Singers sits at the 52nd percentile of 427
occupations on the global GenAI task-exposure gradient
— exposure eased from 2023 to 2025. Each dot is one occupation; the
ringed one is this work. Exposure is task overlap, not automation or jobs lost.
28% mean task exposure (2025)
52nd percentile of 427 placed occupations
−9 pts shift 2023 → 2025
| International occupation (ISCO-08) | Task exposure (2025) | Most tasks fall in |
|---|---|---|
| Musicians, Singers and Composers · 2652 | 28% | Not exposed |
Read the whole six-band gradient on the GenAI exposure gradient page. The crosswalk is approximate: a US occupation can map to several international ones, and the ILO scores describe the international occupation, not this exact US role.
Tasks
All 30 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings. Core · importance 4.7
- Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment. Core · importance 4.7
- Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest. Core · importance 4.6
- Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music. Core · importance 4.6
- Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group. Core · importance 4.6
- Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation. Core · importance 4.6
- Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions. Core · importance 4.5
- Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands. Core · importance 4.4
- Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals. Core · importance 4.4
- Play from memory or by following scores. Core · importance 4.3
- Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches to develop voice and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles. Core · importance 4.2
- Research particular roles to find out more about a character, or the time and place in which a piece is set. Supplemental · importance 4.0
- Listen to recordings to master pieces or to maintain and improve skills. Core · importance 3.9
- Learn acting, dancing, and other skills required for dramatic singing roles. Supplemental · importance 3.9
- Teach music for specific instruments. Core · importance 3.8
- Provide the musical background for live shows, such as ballets, operas, musical theatre, and cabarets. Core · importance 3.8
- Audition for orchestras, bands, or other musical groups. Core · importance 3.7
- Seek out and learn new music suitable for live performance or recording. Core · importance 3.5
- Make or participate in recordings in music studios. Core · importance 3.4
- Promote their own or their group's music by participating in media interviews and other activities. Core · importance 3.4
- Transpose music to alternate keys, or to fit individual styles or purposes. Supplemental · importance 3.3
- Direct bands or orchestras. Supplemental · importance 3.3
- Compose songs or create vocal arrangements. Supplemental · importance 3.3
- Make or participate in recordings. Core · importance 3.2
- Arrange and edit music to fit style and purpose. Supplemental · importance 3.2
- Improvise music during performances. Supplemental · importance 3.1
- Collaborate with a manager or agent who handles administrative details, finds work, and negotiates contracts. Supplemental · importance 3.0
- Compose original music, such as popular songs, symphonies, or sonatas. Supplemental
- Perform in television, radio, or movie productions.
- Practice performances, individually or in rehearsal with other musicians, to master individual pieces of music or to maintain and improve skills.
Work activities
- Perform music for the public.
- Study details of musical compositions.
- Practice athletic or artistic skills.
- Train others on performance techniques.
- Audition for roles.
- Perform for recordings.
- Promote products, activities, or organizations.
- Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.
- Create musical compositions, arrangements or scores.
- Coordinate musical rehearsals or performances.
- Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Knowledge
| Fine Arts | 4.5 | |
| English Language | 3.1 |
Abilities
| Oral Comprehension | 3.9 | |
| Oral Expression | 3.9 | |
| Hearing Sensitivity | 3.8 | |
| Written Comprehension | 3.5 | |
| Memorization | 3.5 | |
| Auditory Attention | 3.5 | |
| Speech Recognition | 3.5 | |
| Speech Clarity | 3.5 | |
| Originality | 3.4 | |
| Near Vision | 3.4 | |
| Speed of Closure | 3.3 | |
| Written Expression | 3.1 | |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.1 | |
| Manual Dexterity | 3.1 | |
| Finger Dexterity | 3.1 | |
| Fluency of Ideas | 3.0 | |
| Information Ordering | 3.0 | |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.0 | |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 3.0 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 2.9 | |
| Deductive Reasoning | 2.9 | |
| Inductive Reasoning | 2.9 | |
| Category Flexibility | 2.9 | |
| Selective Attention | 2.9 | |
| Visualization | 2.8 |
Essential skills
| Speaking | 3.4 | |
| Active Listening | 3.3 | |
| Monitoring | 3.3 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.1 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 | |
| Writing | 2.8 | |
| Active Learning | 2.8 |
Transferable skills
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 | |
| Coordination | 3.0 | |
| Service Orientation | 2.9 | |
| Time Management | 2.9 | |
| Persuasion | 2.8 | |
| Systems Analysis | 2.8 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Tools & technology
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 4 — Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Typical entry-level education
- No formal educational credential · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Preparation level
- SVP (7.0 to < 8.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Visual and Performing Arts . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.
Education of current workers
Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.
| Bachelor's Degree | 29.1% | |
| Master's Degree | 17.1% | |
| High School Diploma | 12.1% | |
| Doctoral Degree | 9.3% | |
| Some College Courses | 8.6% | |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 3.3% | |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 0.8% | |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 0.3% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Interest areas
| Music | 7.0 | |
| Performing Arts | 6.6 | |
| Media | 4.6 | |
| Public Speaking | 4.4 | |
| Marketing/Advertising | 2.6 | |
| Applied Arts and Design | 2.6 | |
| Humanities | 2.4 | |
| Teaching/Education | 2.3 |
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Artistic | 6.7 | |
| Enterprising | 3.4 | |
| Social | 3.4 | |
| Realistic | 2.9 |
Work styles
| Achievement Orientation | 5.0 | |
| Social Orientation | 4.0 | |
| Perseverance | 3.0 | |
| Self-Confidence | 2.4 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | — |
| 25th percentile | — |
| Median (50th) | — |
| 75th percentile | — |
| 90th percentile | — |
| People employed | 38,350 |
Industries that employ this occupation
Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.
| Industry | Workers | National median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation · Sector | 24,770 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) · Sector | 7,650 | — |
| Educational Services · Sector | 4,400 | — |
| Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters · National industry | 2,520 | — |
| Accommodation and Food Services · Sector | 450 | — |
| Information · Sector | 410 | — |
| Health Care and Social Assistance · Sector | 70 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing · Sector | 60 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 60 | — |
| Retail Trade · Sector | — | — |
Where this work is most concentrated
Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).
| Industry | Concentration | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters · National industry | 139.96× | 2,520 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation · Sector | 37.69× | 24,770 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) · Sector | 6.95× | 7,650 |
| Educational Services · Sector | 1.3× | 4,400 |
| Information · Sector | 0.57× | 410 |
| Accommodation and Food Services · Sector | 0.13× | 450 |
Related occupations
Part of the Arts, Entertainment, & Design career cluster.
- Music Directors and Composers · 27-2041.00 Compare →
- Actors · 27-2011.00 Compare →
- Choreographers · 27-2032.00 Compare →
- Dancers · 27-2031.00 Compare →
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary · 25-1121.00 Compare →
- Talent Directors · 27-2012.04 Compare →
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners · 49-9063.00 Compare →
- Music Therapists · 29-1129.02 Compare →
- Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers · 27-3043.05 Compare →
- Producers and Directors · 27-2012.00 Compare →
- Sound Engineering Technicians · 27-4014.00 Compare →
- Self-Enrichment Teachers · 25-3021.00 Compare →
Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Musicians and Singers — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- No formal educational credential · typical entry level
- Job zone 4 — Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Visual and Performing Arts · field of study
Zoom out
On the global GenAI exposure gradient this work sits around the 52nd percentile of 427 international occupations.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Musicians and Singers show 38th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 19,400 annual U.S. openings
- Musicians and Singers rank in the 38th percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
- The occupation is projected to see about 19,400 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- BLS projects employment to be about average (+1.1%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
Copy the whole kit
Musicians and Singers show 38th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 19,400 annual U.S. openings • Musicians and Singers rank in the 38th percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) • The occupation is projected to see about 19,400 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • BLS projects employment to be about average (+1.1%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) Source: Singulariki — "Musicians and Singers". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-27-2042-00 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
Sources for this page
Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27) Anthropic
- Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
- AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans academic
- ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025 International Labour Organization
- IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022 Institute for Structural Research (IBS)
- Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation academic
- Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Musicians and Singers." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-27-2042-00
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Musicians and Singers. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-27-2042-00
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-27-2042-00,
title = {Musicians and Singers},
author = {{Singulariki}},
year = {2026},
note = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-27-2042-00}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.