Session Musician salary in China

Average Yearly Salary of Session Musician in China is approximately 102,173 CNY (12,715 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Session Musician do?

A session musician is a professional musician who is hired to perform in recording sessions or live performances for various artists and bands. They are skilled in playing multiple instruments and have a versatile musical ability to adapt to different genres and styles. Session musicians are often hired by record producers, music directors, or individual artists to add depth and richness to their recordings or performances. They are proficient at sight-reading music and can quickly learn and play new songs with precision and accuracy. Session musicians may also be involved in the creative process, contributing their ideas and expertise to enhance the overall sound of a project. They possess excellent communication and teamwork skills, as they need to collaborate with other musicians and follow directions from producers and artists.

Skills: session musician, professional musician, recording sessions, live performances, versatile musical ability, sight-reading skills
Job industry: Music

How much does Session Musician make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Session Musician a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Session Musician is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Session Musician?

High salary for Session Musician would be somewhere between 112,390 CNY and 148,151 CNY. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Session Musician in China?

Living in China the approximate monthly expenses are: 514 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 102,173 CNY
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,514 CNY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,965 CNY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 49 CNY per hour
By working as Session Musician a person can save up to 546 USD per month or 6,547 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in China, see costs of living in China.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Vietnam, North Korea.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Session Musician

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in China

Data as of 2025

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