How Much Do Touring Musicians Get Paid? Nashville 

I really wasn’t expecting the video to get the amount of reach it did. Really appreciate you guys checking out the channel and thank you for the kind words. Also, those of you that found the Venmo link in the description…you guys are too kind really appreciate it and going to try to up the production/camera work with those funds.

I played in a Country act in the late 90's and early 2000s'. We did about 300 shows a year. I got paid $300 a show. It didn't matter if we were playing a 10,000 seat venue or to bartenders at the Rusty Nail. I got $300 a show. Travel was taken care of. Hotels were taken care of. I was on my own for meals. $90,000/yr. I was in my mid 20's. No wife. No kids. No real responsibilities. It was fun. After that, I played on cruise ships for three years. That was really fun. The money was no where near as good, but the partying was insane! Now, I teach and do session work. Still beats working for a living!

I am honestly shocked. I did 62 weddings and private events last year in 2023 and never made less than $450 a show. Most of them were in the $600 range or up. It may not be Nashville, but combined with a teaching gig, I can support my family and that's the most important to me. Grateful to do what I love and make a living at it.

Back in the day when I dreamed of being on a bus, I would've done it for any pay, at first. I made $325-400/show with artists that had #1 hits, Grand Ole Opry member, etc. We were busy with 100+ shows a year, which may not sound like a lot, but that's a ton of travel when you add 1-2 days on either side of gigs. But there I was, having invested many thousands of hours into my craft, making ~$40k/year and hardly ever home. Was it worth it? There were thousands of people waiting in line behind me for my gig that thought it was. Later I ended up getting the Taylor gig, and that was a different ballgame. She paid salary from the very beginning, with healthy bonuses when we were asked to go above and beyond. But even then, the compensation was in no way comparable to other lines of work, as your video accurately describes. After a while, I tired of the "thrill" of the big stages. Don't get me wrong, I'm super thankful for the experiences I had. I know there are thousands of pickers better than me that deserve them more than me, but the gig still lost its shine. I was away from home 300+ days/year with Taylor, and that was no way to start and lead a family. I opted to resign and find other ways to make money with a more stable home life. That was the right decision for me, and looking back I'm thankful for the direction I took. You're right, the biz has changed big time. I came to town in 2004 and things were different in both touring and publishing. I'm thankful to have experienced some of the old Nashville, and thankful for how the experiences grew me. I hope your new venture does well!

I'm in a cover band in Florida. We average $150 - $200 each. Tips can be another $20 - $100. Add in the setup and tear down time, and it isn't a lot. You have to love it and I do. I'm 60 and have a real job as well.

One of my favorite sayings is, “We play for free, they pay us to move the equipment around.”

You’re a good presenter. Concise, thorough, and articulate. Thanks much!

Very real and grounded with no ego. Fantastic, may I say again, no ego. Just real talk from a veteran. Very educational

Who takes $10,000 worth of equipment in a $2000 car on a 150 mile trip to earn $150? Musicians and Scuba instructors

There are many important things that get missed by nearly all young, motivated, musicians pursuing success in the industry. And I was certainly among them in the mid to late 80's when my two brothers and me were in a regionally successful band under contract with a well known talent agency. We kept the roads hot playing clubs, festivals, race tracks, and sometimes colliseums and arenas opening for legacy artists as well as hot acts, some at their peak. I was intent on spending my life as a professional musician. Then I met a girl in my hometown, fell in love, got married, and we had our first daughter. Looking back now at 60, my daughter being born saved me from a direction that wasn't best for me. When I first held her on the day she was born, I knew that her wellbeing and her future depended upon me. I made the decision that day that I would not let her down. From that moment on, music would be my hobby. I still continued to perform on weekends. But I went about securing a future for my family which later became a family of five. I learned in my life that family and faith are more important than all the rest. Young musicians are so taken by the thrill of fame that it takes them many years to clearly see the real economy of their situation. They're typically getting ripped off in many ways and eventually realize it. They're living paycheck to paycheck with no health insurance, zero benefits, and no investment whatsoever toward retirement. They believe all that is so far off that they can worry with it then. But all too soon, the hot new hired guns become old news when the new crop of naive kids arrive on the scene. Then wrinkles start to show and the road becomes grueling. Then age 40 appears out of nowhere and brings along aches and pains. At age 50, your body slows down and starts telling you it's had enough of the road. And if you havn't taken it upon yourself to learn and prepare financially for your golden years, you suddenly realize you'll have to work until the day you die. Life in music is fun. But it is FAR more fun with a secure future for you and your family and with medical insurance, benefits, and a retirement fund. I'm thankful that God gave us children and blessed me with sense to make the right decision. I retired as a telephone lineman at age 57. I'm a much busier and far better musician now than I've ever been. I currently play in two 3 piece classic rock cover bands plus I have a solo acoustic act and I sing often at church. I enjoy live performing on MY terms. I stay as booked as I care to be. My grandchildren and family can come to my shows. I sleep in my own bed every night.

I gigged from '16 - '20 in my 50's. It was always a dream to play in a band and gig. I learned that being a gigging musician for a living would be insanely hard. I can see why doing it for the chicks might be a great young man's game but by the time of my gigging career, my wife never missed a show in over four years... yay. Making music for money is incredibly hard, humbling and so much harder than it looks. I learned having a Front Man that knew a ton of bar owners is the most important cog in that wheel. I learned playing in a studio is like walking into heaven. I learned that weddings definitely pay. I learned that four sets with a Les Paul is a workout. God Bless the Tele... Great post and thanks.

Right on man! Thanks for the perspective. Great channel.

I really appreciate the transparency. Good luck with the new website and recording projects!

Great info, man! A lot of folks keep the money details close to the vest and are reluctant to get into what an individual musician can expect to be paid. You are doing a real service to any musician seeking to make a living at it. Thanks for this!

One of the few videos I've watched that I'm bummed it ended so soon. I'm literally stunned that ANY huge stadium act pays less than $1,000... and it should be more. We, as simple fans that are now paying $50-$500 to see a huge act sell out an 18,000 seat stadium, and sometimes a 60,000 stadium always wonder about how much the take is.. along with expenses. All that money made for each show, and the musicians don't earn $1,000 - $2,000 each. Mind boggling tragedy. Thank you sir, for the humble, well stated info. Bravo.

Well done! The youngsters need to hear this…thx for your forthright explanation.

I'm not sure why your video/channel suddenly popped up on my general RU-vid screen, but I'm sure glad that it did. This was not only super informative and interesting, but you seem like a really nice, down-to-earth guy. I've subscribed and "liked" this video. All the best with your new focus there in Nashville, and with the family that you said you and your wife are trying to start. God bless!

What a great video!!! Thank you for an honest and sincere overview of musician salary. I wish you continued success!

Thanks for this vid, definitely an eye opener and good knowledge to have. All the best with the new plan!

Studio Musician here. I'm in Film and TV your pay scale is pretty much dead on... I make $500 for 3 hrs. and it's very fast paced. Covid changed things but the standard is still there if you can't play a piece of music at 98% or above you will lose that gig fast. A bit cutthroat but that's how it is. We also have to write lines ourselves at times on the fly. Best part is I'm home. Great Video! Glad I found your channel. 🤘🤘🤘🎸🎸🎸

Thank you for this video! I’m a follower now!! Best of luck in all your ventures. ✌🏻

I appreciate the honesty. Very enlightening.

Finally somebody covers this! Great video Nicky!

Great Video. Non musician here but LOVE music and this type of behind the scenes info! Thanks 🙏

Thanks for sharing this! I've been in the business as a session and tour bassist for over 50 years now, and these numbers (as averages) are very accurate. Making more (or less in some cases) usually comes down to the artist and any tenure earned with them or with other artists. I've personally found that loyalty to tour players by artists can many times be tied to a commitment to the show & material by the player, how easy to work with they are, how prepared they are and how much of a team player they prove to be. I'm very grateful to all the artists and opportunities I've had the pleasure to work with over the years.

Not a musician but am a huge live music fan. Thank you for sharing this as I've always wondered what musicians make out on the road. And my thanks go to you and all the other artists who fill the air with the songs that make life so much better.

NickyV, great video and very informative. You are the man!

Thanks for the video! Very informative. Much appreciation

Solid info here for those considering a career in music and Nashville as their base. Continued success, Nicky!

Great, informative video Nicky and you seem like a real stand up guy. Stumbled across this by accident. I was lucky enough to land a legacy artist gig years back and it also paid really well, with salary and per diems. Got to play the Opry, the Ryman, Las Vegas Casinos, TV shows and more. It was a dream come true. I would later come off the road to raise my family. In my opinion, the best takeaway for musicians is to recognize the industry's financial limitations and position yourself to diversify and find other income streams like you're doing. - Continued success to you!

That was a great video and it shows that it's a tough market out there. Also, the way you present yourself is awesome! Here's to many good years ahead!

Wow, musicians deserve more than that. This is surprising. Thank you for sharing. I'm wishing you well with all your endeavors. I liked, subscribed and am commenting just to support a fellow musician. All the best to you and your wife starting a family. That's huge.

Very insightful and happy for you dude

Cool info. Thanks for that. Good Luck in your new endeavor.

Much respect and an awesome and enlightening content! When I was in my 20’s I was at a crossroad and had to decide to pursue music full time or get a college degree.. fast forward 40 plus years later and never looked back.. the past few years, I’ve rekindled my passion as a singer and rhythm guitar player and now play occasionally at senior communities. I buy all the toys and gig when and where I want, and getting close to the low numbers you mentioned. I don’t do it for the money as I’m financially secured. I agree, once a musician, always a musician and we all do it for the passion. Cheers!

Great advice! Life's priorities should come first. Thanks for sharing!

I was blown away by how little the current popular artists are paying - but then, the artist has the upper hand, I suppose. That's truly a bummer. On the other hand, I'm a musician that FINALLY visited Nashville earlier this year. In addition to paying my respects at the Ryman (and chatting with Nick Cave's road crew), I was blown away by the music scene on Broadway. Every honky tonk had amazing players plying their craft. Now I understand why so many non-country musicians (like Peter Frampton) are settling there. It's a player's paradise. Much love!

Really enjoyed your insight, your integrity & honesty! ... as a semi professional musician, singer and writer it's nice to see real numbers instead of the BS. Thank you for sharing this and " Keep those strings hot."

Great video. Important information. Thanks for shsring

This is a great video man. I play bar gigs, weddings and occasional theatre gigs in Portugal and I’m making as much or more than the Stadium bands you mentioned. This video definitely puts that blessing into perspective, thanks for that 🙏

I always learn something from these videos. Thanks.

Great topic. Good luck with the new project!

Very insightful & Helpful. Thank you 🙏🏼

Very interesting. Had no idea the new acts were paying so little. Craziness. Thanks for the video.

I always regretted quitting the band and focusing on a solid career in information technology and raising a family. Now, after hearing this, I don’t regret it at all. I had no idea, professional musicians that work so hard at their craft makes so little.

Thanks for this video! Very informative.

Very informative! Great video! I moved to Nashville from LA 2 1/2 years ago and I love it! This is definitely a subject that needs to be talked about so I’m glad you’re doing it!🤘🏻🥁

Your video popped up on my feed. Glad it did. I'm subscribed and looking forward to more. Great video. Thanks!

Great information. Thank you!

Super interesting. Best of luck with your new venture, Nicky!

Great insight. I really enjoyed it.

Great video, very insightful! Client here, always great to see your content, and your recordings/parts for me just keep getting better and better with age.

Thx for this honest assessment. I’m 50 yrs old and wow I’m so glad I didn’t pursue a music career when I was young. I would be broke. Now im thankfully retired early… but I still wouldn’t do that work for that pay. You are better off being the artist… I was once offered $10 an hour (when I was free… like Saturdays) to be a studio musician via a studio… kind of a first call for the studio but paid by the studio… this was almost 20 yrs ago… I said thank you and declined… folks time with family is WAY more important.

Great insight brother Nicky. Looking forward to hearing more about your website too.

Really great insight. As someone who is looking to move to more touring work, this was super helpful!

Good insights. Thanks for the info. I’m content with the brewery and winery circuit. Met some great folks and enjoy performing. To each their own!

He's 💯 percent correct I am audio engineer and a electrician when I am out doing shows I am making $ 350 to $ 500 and when I am home wiring house , restaurants and so on i make the same cash flow

I’m watching. Blessings to you and your family.

Great video, Nicky! I started my music career in 1973 in the Army and have played semi-professionally until 2008. I never made it past the "Holiday Inn" circuit. I was in variety-type bands for most of the time, we were lucky to get $300 per week. The rooms were provided, food was on us. I left touring in 1986. In the 1990s, I was able to occasionally play behind some 1950's and 1960's acts who came into town, and made a little better money, but not enough to make me rich! I have subscribed and I look forward to more of your content!

Mad respect for you! Wishing you all the blessings that are to come to you and your family.

Too few musicians speak openly and honestly about this sort of thing. People can't fathom a musician NOT ending up a big famous rockstar after grinding in bands for 35 years, but it happens all the time. More importantly, none of that should diminish the musician's love for what they do or the fan's appreciation for the music. Thanks for sharing dude. See you out there.

music is like a fast food franchise where the hired musicians are like the minimum wage fast food workers, the household name star musicians are the franchise owners; the venue owners, record companies, etc. are like the franchising corporation.

Killer video man! Awesome info that many are reluctant to talk about 💪🏻

Hey Nicky, thanks so much for putting this together. This stuff is rarely talked about, really appreciate it. Cheers.

I remember when I was in High School how excited friends would be if they got a gig that paid $150-$200 for the whole band. These days, I don't think most of our local musicians are getting by just gigging. Most of them do 3-4 different things just to keep a steady income. Some friends of mine just sit in here and there because they enjoy playing live. They've given up trying to full-time gig/play live. You are spot on, you have to do it because you love it first. Thanks for sharing!

Dude, I opened for y'all in Joplin @ Guitars. You killed it!

Really eye-opening information! Thanks for sharing and keeping it real.

Very informative video. Thank you very much. Thank you Nick…

Thanks for this insight!

Thx Nicky.. great vid dude!

Hey love the video - transparency and honesty! It’s really a shame that us musicians are being beat down even more by the powers that be. Once you get a certain age, being home, playing what you want, when you want is just a better way. We have some great musicians that see it the way you see it. Build a brand online and work at your convenience. I am lucky I do it all, great job, play local, online content, collaborate with songwriters - it’s all possible!

Great video, thanks for sharing

I appreciate you making this video, it's very informative and as you say - you can't find any of this on Google. Anyway, as a European who is used to hearing about Americans making 2-5x as much money for the same job compared to ourselves (which has basis in several factors, I am not criticizing it), I am absolutely shocked at how poorly paid those gigs are. Even the top level ones. You are absolutely right that in any other field, the top 1% is much better compensated for their work. I can't imagine anyone who's not young, single and with no attachments that would be willing to take those gigs.

great video! Good info for all musicians.

I moved to Nashville in 1995 in hopes of being a studio drummer. I ended up spending a lot of my time with one band called Leslie Road. I think we should have been able do full time but It never happened. I did get to play the biggest shows in my lifetime with another band, Progressive Rock Band out of Chattanooga, Glass Hammer. I have never been out on a tour bus so I’m glad I found your video. I found it through a page on Facebook Nashville Rock. Great video!

Stumbled across this video and I'm glad I did. Very well done!

Very interesting video. Thanks for posting.

You are doing a great thing keep up the good work God bless

Awsome video. Thank you for educating us. Ive often wondered about the pay differences and much appreciate you helping understand this clearer. Ty

As an artist this is really valuable insight, thank you!

Good info. As a rock musician the most I ever made, (in the 90s- I don't tour anymore), was $200 a show. I starved, which is why I will not tour.

NIky, exellent content and well presented; that said the numbers you posited are shockingly low. I would have guessed giging Tier II-level musicians would be in the $800 to $1200 per show, your video disabused me of those numbers. When I think of what ticket prices are today I would have thought band members would be making more. You've started a really good thread; now, I would love to know what are the aggregated costs for not just the musicians, but the all the related tour costs, ( I.e. Promoters, Venue Owners, Management, Marketing & Promo, Hotel, Travel Costs, Insurance, Healthcare, etc.). A real world breakdown of these expenses by genre would make for sobering data when someone is contemplating making a livelihood as a professional musician. This topic deserves a lot more analysis and disussion.

Thanks for the clarity. This was my experience with many bands as well. I realized it's just not enough income to live a comfortable life. So, I personally would rather hang in the studio, build my youtube, teach lessons, build courses, and play select dates that I'd like to play. Really appreciate your insight!

This is an outstanding video, many thanks for making it. As a non-musician, it makes me that much more appreciative of many of the bands that I like. A lot of them are either indie bands or ones that left the major labels years ago. I really do admire the fact that they continue to write and record songs and play shows when and where they can even though it's so tough for many of them to make money doing it in the current marketplace. Getting insight into how the compensation works behind the scenes is helpful, and I'm glad that they have options to find what works best for them. Thanks again.

I’m a longtime musician and have seen hundreds (more like thousands ) of shows. When my non-musician friends ask me what I think the band makes, they’re usually shocked. I like your style. Subscribed.

Interesting & informative Nicky, as an ex semi pro guitar player, (25 years ago) the numbers didn’t surprise me but I’m sure they will shock a lot of folks who think every musician in big venues, makes a fortune! Interesting times as no one wants to pay for recorded music etc so more money is made from merch & touring these days! Good luck with your new venture, sounds like a winner!👍🎶🎶

Thats great information to know. Thanks for sharing.

So insightful and honest. Thanks for sharing

Great video. Thanks for sharing

Guys do remember that as we age brain workouts are just as important as diet and working out with weights and running. music seems to give me that at 73. playing with friends at about the same level of play. This has nothing to do with money but is an important aspect of music that does not leave me staring at a crossword puzzle. Great content Nick. You seem to be on top of what works for you and yours. Stay safe.

Absolutely fantastic information, and very well presented! Thanks for sharing! I am a "weekend warrior" in your "hometown" area, and we have actually shared a "stage" or two! You have definitely "paid your dues", and carved out a path for YOUR success! Congratulations on a "job well done", and I pray that you continue enjoying what you do! Sorry to hear about your resignation, but I am positive you will once again show up on a huge stage in the future! Enjoy your family, enjoy your life! Sounds like your head, and your heart are in the right place!

Great video---took alot of work, effort and knowledge to put that together. Nice work.

This is a masterclass in itself

In Pittsburgh, a good solo gig is $350-$400, weddings pay $275 to $425 and you get to sleep in your own bed at night. Most of my Nashville guitar buddies are doing what I’m doing, making RU-vid videos. (you as well) teaching, etc. I noticed that most of them are not on the road very often and obviously for good reason. That’s really a shame that the young country artists don’t value the pros. I have this conversation all the time with one of my longtime students. Musicians don’t get paid appropriately. Shanandoah Gig is sweet. That’s great!

Great insight, Nicky! Thanks for sharing all that information, man. Super useful for somebody like me who’s constantly wondering about whether to stick to gigs in town + studio work or hit the road, and how often to do that. This is gold!

I have been a proficient drummer for nearly 30 years. Played the local and non local scene for 15 years. Every weekend I gig’d out solid usually 4 to 6 shows monthly. For 10 years I played with the same band. On average being a 3 piece band we made $200.00 a piece plus tips, free drinks if we wanted, food, and one heck of a good time. We all worked normal jobs and reinvested our earnings towards lighting, upgrading our sound, PA, etc. We all knew we weren’t going to be rich, and we did it for the love of playing. We were extremely good and I really miss those days! We eventually called it quits on good terms, marriage, kids, etc came into the mix for all of us…. I still play/practice but have not on stage for the last 6 years. I’m 46 now and am finally an empty-nester. Starting to get the itch again to get back into it! The most we ever played in front of was 5000 people. I completely understand that feeling of a ton of people singing lyrics while you’re playing. It’s the most invigorating feeling ever. I always wanted to get that really big stage feeling 15k or bigger audience. At my age now I don’t think that will ever happen, however I’m extremely grateful and humble to have had the musical experiences that I have had in life. Some don’t even make it out of the garage. We were voted one of the top 10 bands in Ohio from MTV and the Cleveland Music festival and played the House of Blues, the Agora, and Blossom. Pretty cool for just being a local act. Thank you for sharing Nicky. Great stuff and very well put together/spoken.

Thanks for the honest explanation. Shocking to me. Impossible to survive at that rate.

Best of luck with your youtube channel, career, and family 😀

Very fascinating, thank you for taking the time to post this.

Great video, Nicky! I've been on the road with major and also local acts before and I know how strange and unfair the pay rate may seem to those not familiar with it. You explained everything really well. I think a lot of us start transitioning to prioritizing studio work/teaching more when we get to an age where we start and want to start having kids. That changed everything at least for me. I wish you great luck! Rock on!