How much do professional classical musicians make per year?
Remember that Symphony Orchestras are (mostly) supported by the community and big patrons of the art. For that reason the area where the orchestra calls “home” will be a determinig factor in salaries paid. I am a resident of the SF/Bay Area and have two friends that play with the local(s) orchestras – San Francisco – Oakland – The musicians in this area are members of the Union and therefore their scale is partly negotiated which includes benefits (other than salaries) that must be taken into consideration. One of the players (in 2006) his salary- before other fringe benefits-was in the 80 – 90K category. I can possible estimate that his “fringe” benefits will add in, monetary value, another 20Ks a year. The second musicians with a smaller (less famous world-wide) orchestra was still making (in 2006) in the 60 – 70K a year Plus fringe benefits. Neither one of these players was 1st chair. In addition they were teaching private-students in the off-season. That could mean another source o
