What are the annual (average) salaries for musicians in a symphony orchestra?

Question:It depends on which orchestra and how famous they are. I live in Australia and I often see positions advertised that state the yearly salary is about $50,000 - $60,000.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: It depends on which orchestra and how famous they are. I live in Australia and I often see positions advertised that state the yearly salary is about $50,000 - $60,000.

As a professional musician I can answer this question best for you. If you are a musician and you have to ask this question- my advice to you is don't go into the music business. There arent a lot of well paying symphony jobs. The majority of orchestras have musicians that do other jobs besides play- such as teach. Unless you are in the New York Phil, for example (which you probably have a better chance at winning the lottery) youre not going to make a lot of money. Its not worth it if you do it for the money. I never would have lasted if I was in it for the money. I make a very good living now, but I struggled like so many others for a long time. I am much happier than friends of mine who arent so happy with their 9 to 5's. Good luck!