Income. Opera singers work under contract for a particular performance or a series of performances. Star singers in the United States can make anything from $1,000 to over $15,000 for a performance.They sing between 50 and 75 performances each year.According to an article in the French newspaper Le Figaro, certain leading sopranos are paid 15,000 euros per performance in Europe. That would amount to $18,780 in U.S. dollars as of publication.Rising star sopranos could expect 2,000 to 12,000 euros for each performance or the equivalent of $2,500 to $15,000.ccording to an article in the French newspaper Le Figaro, certain leading sopranos are paid 15,000 euros per performance in Europe. That would amount to $18,780 in U.S. dollars as of publication. Rising star sopranos could expect 2,000 to 12,000 euros for each performance or the equivalent of $2,500 to $15,000.