Opera singing is a unique musical profession with its own set of challenges and rewards. These artists deliver the libretto, the words of an opera, accompanied by the orchestra's score. Their extraordinary vocal skills and resonance fill the performance hall without relying on microphones, making their bodies the natural amplifiers.
Opera singers often dedicate their lives to this craft by honing their voices from a young age, undergoing rigorous training, and even pursuing professional higher education in the arts. Their career progression may involve debuting in smaller operas or as part of a choir, gradually working their way up to prominent opera theaters.
A novice opera singer's starting salary in Germany is approximately 15,050 euros per year, equating to 1,254.17 euros per month. This figure pales in comparison to the German national average income, reported by the Federal Statistical Office to be 4,010 euros gross per month.
The artist's remuneration often varies based on factors such as experience, the size of the employer, and the specific opera production collaborated on. For instance, renowned opera singers with extensive backgrounds and multiple notable performances tend to earn more, while less established performers might begin with less well-compensated opportunities.
As in many other professions, the magnitude of the employer plays a significant role in influencing the salary. Opera productions with generous budgets are better equipped to compensate their vocal talent.
Insights
- The average opera singer's income in the United States is $119,458 annually[1].
- Opera singers can earn a substantial weekly wage of £1000 to £2000 ($1500 to $2500) through cruise ship jobs[2].
- Opportunities for opera singers extend beyond German borders as they can perform on cruise ships worldwide[2].
[1] Performance Arts Degrees, Salary & Career Guide: Opera Singer, CareerTrend,
[2] Gröner, A., & Tracy, B. (2016, April 26). What it's really like to sing on a cruise ship, The Telegraph,
