Musicians

It is difficult to make a living solely as a musician, and this will continue because competition for jobs will be as intense as it has been in the past. Most musicians must hold down other jobs while pursuing their music careers. Thousands of musicians are all trying to make it in the music industry. Musicians are advised to be as versatile as possible, playing various kinds of music and more than one instrument. More importantly, they must be committed to pursuing their craft.

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment of musicians and singers is projected to grow by 2 percent from 2023 through 2033. This is more slowly than the average for all careers. The demand for musicians will be greatest in theaters and restaurants as the public continues to spend more money on recreational activities. The outlook is favorable in smaller, community-based arts groups, but less favorable at churches and other religious organizations and at classical music venues. The increasing numbers of cable television networks, streaming channels, and new television programs will likely cause an increase in employment for musicians. Digital recording technology has also made it easier and less expensive for musicians to produce and distribute their own recordings. However, few musicians will earn substantial incomes from these efforts. Popular musicians may receive many short-term engagements in nightclubs, restaurants, and theaters, but these engagements offer little job stability. The supply of musicians for virtually all types of music will continue to exceed the demand for the foreseeable future.