UK Musicians Face Stark Financial Challenges, Survey Finds
A recent survey by Key Change, conducted with the Musicians' Union, has revealed stark financial challenges faced by working musicians in the UK. Published on September 11, 2023, the census involved nearly 6,000 musicians and painted a concerning picture of their earnings and job security.
Almost half of UK musicians earn less than £14,000 from their music, with only 18% earning above £34,000 solely from music. The average annual income stands at £20,700, over £12,000 less than the average UK salary. This financial strain is compounded by 17% of musicians being in debt and 23% not earning enough to support themselves or their families.
To make ends meet, 53% of musicians need to source other forms of income outside of music. This additional work can negatively impact their long-term mental health. Despite these challenges, 81% of respondents expressed their commitment to remaining in the music industry in the next five years.
The gender pay gap is also evident among top-earning musicians, with 79% of those earning £70,000 or more being men. LGBTQ+ musicians and disabled musicians face further pay gaps compared to their heterosexual and non-disabled counterparts. Musicians' pay has not kept pace with inflation, particularly in areas where public funding has stagnated or reduced. These findings highlight the urgent need for change to ensure a sustainable future for musicians in the UK.
