First-call *players who are at the top of their field* can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, while second-call players *often earn less than $100,000*. Musicians in smaller or regional orchestras may only earn a few thousand dollars per year, while those in the top orchestras can earn over $200,000.
In addition to their base salary, philharmonic musicians may also receive additional compensation for overtime, rehearsals, and performances outside of the regular season. Some orchestras also offer benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans.
Here are some examples of philharmonic musician salaries from around the world:
- Berlin Philharmonic: Starting salary of €96,000 (about $115,000)
- New York Philharmonic: Base salary of $137,000
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Base salary of $132,000
- San Francisco Symphony: Base salary of $128,000
- Boston Symphony Orchestra: Base salary of $125,000
These figures represent the average base salaries for musicians in each orchestra, and actual salaries may vary depending on individual factors such as the musician's position and seniority.