Nearly half of working UK musicians earn less than £14,000, census finds
The new data “paints a challenging landscape for musicians”, who now work between three and four jobs in the industry on average
A new census has revealed that nearly half of working UK musicians earn less than £14,000 a year.
The inaugural Musicians’ Census surveyed almost 6,000 professionals, making it the largest ever of its kind, providing new insight into the economic challenges faced by working musicians in the UK today.
Data revealed that despite high levels of education and training among professional musicians – 70% have a degree or higher, and 50% have a music degree – the average annual income of a working UK musician stands at just £20,700, with 43% earning less than £14,000 from their craft.
As such, UK musicians now work between three and four jobs on average, with even those whose entire income comes from making music earning only an average of around £30,000 a year – over £4,000 less than the average median UK salary for the financial year ending 2022 (according to the Office for National Statistics).
Nearly a quarter (23%) of musicians stated they do not earn enough to support themselves or their families, with nearly half (44%) citing a lack of income as a barrier to their music career. Other barriers reported include a lack of clear route for career progression (36%), cost of equipment (30%), and unsociable working hours (22%).
The Musicians’ Census also revealed significant racial inequalities, with a third of global majority musicians earning less than 25% of their income from music, compared with a quarter of white respondents. Issues with debt were also found to disproportionately impact Black musicians and those with mental health issues – 17% of musicians reported being in debt, rising to 28% and 30% respectively for those groups.
This means many musicians are left supplementing their income in other industries – known as ‘portfolio careers’ – which has a significant impact on the longevity and sustainability of music professions in the UK. Three quarters (75%) of those who have other income in addition to music report only seeking this work for financial reasons.
The survey also revealed that more needs to be done to encourage social mobility, with 25% of UK musicians saying that not knowing anyone in the industry was also holding them back.
Naomi Pohl, general secretary of the Musicians’ Union, said the data “paints a challenging landscape for musicians”, but affirms that “the MU has never been in a better position to tackle them head on.”
“As the UK’s trade union for musicians, this Census will help us be more effective at representing our members and tackling the nuanced challenges different communities of musicians face,” she continued.
“Whether that is working with the industry to improve diversity, negotiating better pay and conditions, or lobbying governments to secure the support our members need and deserve, the Musicians' Census gives us the vital data to take on these challenges on behalf of our members.”
Last year, a survey conducted by the charity Help Musicians showed that half of UK musicians were concerned they would be forced to leave the industry due to the cost-of-living crisis.
The first report from the Musicians’ Census 2023 has been published and is available to read now.
