Music Business

Broadway Orchestra Wage Scales: What Musicians Earn

The Music Telegraph | Text 2025/07/23 [14:01]
Music Business

Broadway Orchestra Wage Scales: What Musicians Earn

The Music Telegraph| 입력 : 2025/07/23 [14:01]

© Unsplash (photo by Kael Bloom)



Broadway Orchestra Wage Scales: What Musicians Earn

 

Broadway is widely known for its dazzling performances, world-class talent, and multimillion-dollar productions. But behind every great musical is an orchestra of highly skilled musicians whose contributions are essential to bringing the show to life. While actors and directors may be in the spotlight, pit musicians work just as tirelessly, and their compensation is structured by detailed union agreements. Here's a look at how orchestral wage scales work on Broadway.

 

Most Broadway musicians are represented by 'Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM)', which negotiates standard wage scales and working conditions. As of the most recent agreement (2023 - 2024), the minimum base weekly salary for a Broadway pit musician is $2,143.10 per week. This rate applies to musicians working full-time in Broadway productions and is considered the baseline for compensation. However, musicians can earn more depending on their responsibilities and roles.

 

Many Broadway shows require musicians to play more than one instrument—commonly referred to as "doubling". This is particularly common in reed books, where a single player might be required to perform on flute, clarinet, saxophone, and more. Musicians who double receive the following additional compensation:

  • First double: +$267.89 per week
  • Each additional instrument: +$133.95 per week

These rates recognize the extra skill and preparation required to perform multiple instruments at a professional level.

 

Extra pay is added for certain performance-related tasks:

  • Onstage performance: +$104.18
  • Costumes/choreography; +$69.47
  • Body paint: +$100.71
  • First-chair trumpet (section leader): +$100

 

Broadway conductors earn a minimum weekly salary of $3,750.43, reflecting their critical leadership role in guiding the orchestra and production. Substitute musicians, often called "subs", are typically paid per performance, with rates around $300 per show. Unlike regular orchestra members, subs do not receive a fixed weekly salary but play a vital role by stepping in whenever regular musicians are unavailable, ensuring the show runs smoothly without interruption.

 

 

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