How To Become A Record Label Manager
If you’ve got great organisational skills, can communicate clearly, and have a passion for music, then a career as a record label manager could be right up your alley. In this guide, we’ll break down what a record label manager actually does, what kind of salary you can expect, what education or experience can help you get there — and how to take your first steps into the live music business.
We’ll also explore how Industri Education’s Live Music Business course and industry connections can help you build the skills — and the network — to launch a meaningful and sustainable career in music licensing..
What Do Record Label Managers Actually Do?
This role is so diverse that it can’t be summed up with a standard list of duties. Every label is different, and the scope of the job can change from one day to the next. That said, there are some core responsibilities you’ll almost always find in the role.
Record label managers are the people behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly for the artists on their roster. They oversee the business and strategic side of releasing music, while supporting each artist’s creative vision. That might involve coordinating album rollouts, setting up distribution, managing marketing campaigns, working with designers and publicists, balancing budgets, and building timelines — all while keeping artists informed and inspired.
It’s a job at the intersection of creativity, logistics, and leadership. No two days are ever quite the same — and that’s part of the appeal.
Why Networking Is a Game-Changer
Networking isn’t just helpful in this industry — it’s how people land their first opportunities. Many roles in music are never publicly advertised. They come from personal connections, chats at shows, or people remembering you from a previous project.
Whether you’re helping promote a local gig, interning at a label, or working on a DIY release with friends, every interaction helps you grow your reputation. At Industri Education, you’ll tap into our professional network from day one. You’ll be learning from the people who shape Australia’s live music industry — and building relationships that can open doors down the track.
The Skills You’ll Need
To summarise the skills needed, you might just say ‘a lot’. You might be building a release timeline, juggling budgets, briefing a graphic designer, or negotiating terms with a publicist. You’ll also need people skills — being approachable, showing humility, and knowing when to step back and support someone else's idea goes a long way. And when things go off-script (they will), your ability to think on your feet matters.
Marketing and audience development are a big part of the job too. Understanding how to grow an artist’s reach through social media, streaming playlists, and media coverage is essential. And since this is a business role, being comfortable with contracts, royalty splits, and rights collection agencies like APRA AMCOS will help you stand out.
Do I Need a Qualification to Become a Record Label Manager?
While formal qualifications weren’t always essential in the past, the music industry has become increasingly competitive and fast-paced. Having up-to-date knowledge, practical training, and a professional network gives you a real advantage — and allows you to step into your first role with confidence.
At Industri Education, our Live Music Business course is designed by the people who live and breathe Australia’s music scene. It’s a hands-on and practical course tailored to reflect how the industry actually works — not just how it looks on paper. You’ll build your portfolio, gain real experience, and start growing your network from day one.</p>
Real Pathways Into the Music Business
One of the best ways to get started in this career is by jumping in wherever you can. That might mean interning at a label or management agency, helping a friend release a single, or starting your own DIY project with local talent. Even managing one release well can show that you’ve got the initiative, skills, and drive to go further.
At Industri, we support you with real-world opportunities — from internships and live briefs to work placements and guest lectures from working professionals. Whether you’re shadowing an experienced label manager, assisting on an event, or collaborating on a project, you’ll be gaining meaningful experience that counts in the real world.
Many successful record label managers got their start by promoting local shows, running small independent labels, or volunteering at community radio. Others transitioned from publicity, content creation, or live production. There’s no single path — just a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a love for music that keeps you pushing forward.
How Industri Education Can Help With Your Music Industry Career
Industri Education is where practical learning meets real industry experience. We’re not here to give you cookie-cutter training — we’re here to help you build a career with purpose, guided by the people who live it every day.
Our Live Music Business course is designed to give you a backstage pass to how the music industry really works. You’ll learn how to manage releases, promote artists, plan campaigns, and understand the business models that power the live and recorded sectors of the industry. You’ll work on real client briefs, collaborate with artists, and attend exclusive sessions with guest speakers who’ve built their careers in music management, events, artist services and beyond.
Whether you’re aiming to join an established label or build your own from the ground up, we’ll give you the tools, the guidance, and the connections to help you make it happen.
Salary Expectations and Career Progression
As with most industries, salary can vary depending on experience, the success of your projects, and whether you're working independently or as part of a larger team. Entry-level roles or freelance work may start around $50,000–$60,000 per year. As you gain experience and start managing bigger artists or working with major labels, that figure can grow to $90,000–$120,000+, especially when bonuses or commissions are involved.
Many label managers begin as assistants, A&R interns, or digital marketing coordinators before progressing to management roles. Over time, you might step into label director, strategist, or even founder roles. This is a career that rewards creativity, consistency, and good instincts.
Final Thoughts
Being a record label manager means helping shape the sound, stories and careers of the artists you believe in. It’s a job that mixes business with creativity — and offers the chance to be part of something that matters to people’s lives.
If you're ready to explore this path, check out Industri Education’s Live Music Business course and see how we can help you take the next step. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, we’re here to help you turn your passion into a purpose-driven career in music.
Visit our Live Music Business course to learn more about how you can start your journey with Industri Education today.
