Singer

A singer performs vocal music in live or recorded settings, interpreting songs across genres such as classical, jazz, popular, or musical theatre. They develop and maintain vocal technique, prepare repertoire, and work with accompanists, producers, or orchestras to deliver performances that meet artistic and commercial standards. Singers may perform in concert halls, studios, venues, or for broadcast media, and often engage in promotion and career management.

Develop and refine vocal technique through exercises, breath control training, and practice routines to maintain vocal health and range. Prepare and rehearse musical repertoire with accompanists, conductors, or band members to achieve artistic interpretation and timing. Perform songs live before audiences in concert halls, theatres, clubs, venues, or other performance spaces. Record vocals in studio settings using microphones and recording equipment, working with sound engineers and producers to achieve desired sound quality. Interpret lyrical content and melodic phrasing to convey emotional meaning and connect with audiences. Collaborate with composers, arrangers, or conductors to understand musical intent and incorporate feedback into performances. Manage vocal warm-up and cool-down routines before and after performances to prevent injury and maintain vocal longevity. Audition for singing roles, performances, or recording contracts by performing prepared material for casting directors, agents, or producers.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

Most singers never earn a full-time income from singing alone. You'll likely juggle teaching, hospitality, or other work for years while building a reputation. Even established performers face irregular income, no job security, and unpaid rehearsal and practice time. Your voice is fragile: injury or illness directly threatens your ability to earn.

Regional Australia has limited opportunities outside touring productions. Realistically, full-time performance contracts cluster in capital cities.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2112, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Active Listeningcore
• Adaptability and Flexibilitycore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivitycore
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligencecore
• Goal Setting and Planningcore
• Negotiationcore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Workload Self-Managementcore
• Attention to Detail
• Digital Literacy
• Group Facilitation
• Inclusive Practice
• Professional Boundaries Maintenance
• Research and Analysis
• Written Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026