Musicat University of California-Berkeley
Graduates earn $14,166/yr in their first year — about 50.0% below the national Music average. Base-case 10-year earnings $390K; scenarios range from $379K to $378K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Berkeley
A Berkeley music degree signals a rigorous academic and artistic foundation, often attracting students deeply committed to the craft itself—whether performance, composition, or scholarly pursuits—rather than purely direct, high-earning vocational tracks. While the institution's overall prestige is undeniable, the initial career path for many music graduates reflects the competitive and often entrepreneurial nature of the arts industry. Many leverage their education to build diverse careers in teaching, sound design, or arts administration, often combining multiple roles. The Bay Area's vibrant cultural scene offers numerous opportunities, but also a high cost of living that can make initial salaries feel less impactful. Your success will hinge on proactive networking, building a diversified skill set beyond your core discipline, and strategically leveraging Berkeley's vast alumni network to create your unique niche in an evolving industry.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to UC Berkeley's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Music
How UC Berkeley stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC Berkeley
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC Berkeley, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Music offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Music trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Music at UC Berkeley
What does a 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at University of California-Berkeley?
At 19/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Music programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Music at University of California-Berkeley?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of California-Berkeley a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Berkeley's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.