Record label CEOs manage their companies. The CEO determines the general direction of the marketing, the music distribution and other matters. Most managers earn 10-25% of the artist’s income, typically 15-20%.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $97,500 and as low as $20,500, the majority of Record Label Executive salaries range between $30,000 to $63,500, with top earners making $88,000 across the United States. Record labels typically set contract terms in their favor. In most cases they control the type of music artists record, including song lyrics and album art.
Many successful CEOs have unconventional backgrounds. Some were artists of their labels. The typical candidate has mid-level jobs within the industry. Many CEOs studied business as well.
CEOs of independent labels might spend time answering phones and updating social media. A CEO at Sony Music oversees production, distribution and marketing worldwide.
For major labels, promotion costs about 20% of the amount invested per artist. Independent labels spend about half that. It’s paid by the artist’s advance but not recouped if they don’t profit.
To start a label costs $200-$50,000 on average. For large labels, it’s $100,000-$500,000 on average. Executives work in senior management at labels overseeing strategy, vision, administration and operations.
What is the boss of a record label called?
A CEO manages the company, determines the direction for marketing, distribution, and other areas of focus, typically earning 15-20% of the artist’s income. Salaries vary widely, and label CEOs often exert significant control over the creative aspects of the music.