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Just curious how much other Drummers make around the country.(World)   I live in Rapid City, SD (Mt. Rushmore area)  I make anywhere from $100 to 125$ per person for a 4 piece band.

its been a while since ive gotten more than drink tickets and $20 ... im happy to live in a town where i can play the stuff i dig on a regular basis (seattle, avant garde) i feel lucky to have that, but that dont mean it pays :)

I get paid nothing!!  But I dont do it for the money so its all good.  I do get a lot of free food and such though, so that pretty much makes it worth it.

I used to play in Tulsa, OK and we made about the same, the band now makes twice that though.
It seems smaller cities pay better for some strange reason.  Or maybe they just spread their cash over a wider area, as opposed to NYC or LA where the big bands get a ton, everyone else gets none.

I play in a "3 Peace" (name of the band) Rock band.  I walk away with no less than $165 per gig.  Not too shabby in my book, now if we could just get gigging more!!   ::)

id believe it.  i can play a gig in seattle proper and be lucky to get gas money, but get a gig in a little port town and pull $150.  i think a lot of it is the typical supply and demand thing.  in seattle you can go see a band in any genre any night of the week for the most part.  in anacortes (little port town) youll be lucky to see more than a standard bar/cover band, and maybe a folk singer.  so people are willing to shell out a little more to something ... ANYTHING ... else.

I feel somewhat fortunate I guess living in a smaller town.  Cost of living is low so I can get by living off my $900+ salary per month playing.  God forbid I should have to get a real job.  

BAnimalG-  just curious, are you not getting more gigs because the demand for gigs isn't there or because you don't take offers for less than 165?

Personally, I am not playing any venues that typically pay- currently I am just playing in church- possibility for something that could pay on the distant horizon as well

It depends.  Howz that for an answer!

Duh!  But  there are venues around here that are paying 800-1100 for hot original acts.  That is not the norm.

Anyways did you know that I was reading in the enquirer that Britany Spears has an estimated worth of 60 million????

And a fourth of that is probably from Pepsi alone!


I'm not going to give a direct answer to this question simply because I think it's VERY personal. I make a comfortable living ... and I have my minimum that I require to play. If the gig comes up and it doesn't meet my minimum ... I pass. Now, this is going to change for me as I move to Nashville. I stay busy enough here in Dallas that I can demand $$$ and I can be picky.

Basically, we all have to decide what our time is worth ... then adjust that to what the music market in our area can bare. Every part of the country is different, every club is different, etc.

So, if Nomad442 is really needing to know so he can adjust his income accordingly, only the musicians from Rapid City should be answering ... in my opinion. But as the case here, I think Nomad442 is asking for the reason he already stated ... "just curious" ... and there's nothing wrong with that. I just wanted to mention a few thoughts I had.

Sorry if I sound a bit crass, I don't mean to. I just have a step-father who makes a point to ask me very specific questions about my finances and my career. It always seems like I have to qualify for his approval, love and  acceptance. So I'm wanting to defend that by saying that an individual's worth as a human being has NOTHING to do with money or material things. We all have value ... and we should never allow how much (or how little) we get paid make us a feel better than others (or below others).

I've taken this thread a bit off topic, but it's all part of the bigger picture. Hope you are tracking with me here.

It is tough to live by that creedo though. I think americans are one of the fewer societies that actually place value on human life.

Anyways, you are right Bart, none of your darn bizz what I make as a player, but on the other hand, you might not want to move your drums for less than 100 a night.  Unfortunately with this bizz you might have to play some low paying gigs before the money starts rolling in....

I guess Bartman you are taking my curiosity totally out of context.  I was by no means trying to pry in your business.  As a musician/drummer I was only curious to see what other musicians were making around the country/world.  I guess this was a (touchy) subject and have gotten the (point).

I get paid money !

Ask what you're willing to accept as payment.  If the amount is not what you're willing to accept, don't take the gig.  What we make is irrelevant.

I have a feeling it's a personal question if it's about your main source of income; if you're more of a hobbyist, it's bragging rights. Bands I've been in have made anywhere from $12 to $250 for gigs. Chicago's a tough market.

IT depends on so many different things, who I'm backing, where, etc.  so it's not an easy question to answer, but I do have a minnimal I would play for.

I wasn't saying a Drummer's pay is irrelevant.
I was kindly saying none of your business what I make.

Now boys....   ;)

Nomad's question was innocent ... and I wasn't trying to come off as a jerk (I do that without trying), but I have to agree with kmgaines on this.

Perhaps the question could be worded a little more differently ... in such a way that Nomad get's the basic idea he is wanting, and it doesn't overstep the boundaries of others.

Something like this would have been received a little better I think:

"What is the average pay for a club date where you live? I live in Rapid City, SD (Mt. Rushmore area)  and when I play clubs, I make anywhere from $100 to $125.

The way it was originally worded had some of us thinking Nomad was almost asking what is our total annual income!  I know that was NOT his heart or intention; he was just wanting to know what the market was like around the country.

So we now have some clarity ... right?!  8)

Another option in all of this is if you're offended by the question and/or don't wish to reveal such personal things, don't reply to the thread.

Kind of like what I'm doing.  8)

Good point.

but youre rock star now! you should be bragging ;)

Probably more about embarrassment than bragging!  ;D  ;D  ;D

I appreciate everyone's post on this subject.  One of the reasons I was inquiring is that someday I would like to get out of this God aweful town and move somewhere where the music scene is a lot better.  I love (I mean absolutely love) to play Drums.  There is no cooler instrument in the world.  As my Father before me I strive to be a better drummer everyday.  I just want to know if Id starve relocating to another town trying to play for a living.  It sounds like no matter where you live musicians will always be underpaid unless you make it big time.  


"Will Drum for Food"  ;)

Nicely said, Bartman.  

I heard an interesting term recently.... 'Relative Deprivation Theory.'   It works like this....."I was happy and thought I was doing just fine until I found out how much you make"!    

Some of us measure ourselves against one another as a means by which to calculate success.....and often ultimately whether we deserve to be satisfied and/or happy with ourselves and our situations.

I'd rather not worry about what someone else has.....or in some cases 'has not.'    It makes me no better or worse

(unless I take theirs!!) 8) ;D  

It's great to see you posting again PJ...we were all living vicariously thru your wonderful success in the music bizz (if you aren't doing great, I don't want to hear about it).  Glad you have not forgotten about us!

Felix man -ya make me nervous when you're being so kind  ....like the calm before a storm!   No really, thanks dude.   Your cymbals are holding up well....and sound great on the new recording.   I might sharpen the edge on the A custom though so when I fling it at producers it'll start really leaving a mark.   Hope you had a great summer in O-hi-o.

My income- about 3 AM ;D

As covers band we play normally 3 sets in four hours with 3 ten minute breaks chucked in for $120 each.
Private work we charge a little more depending on gig.
Were nice to people having birthdays and weddings.
Do a lot of free gigs for local muso's club and spots in shows in the area.
Travel/ accomodation fee gets chucked in if we have to-dependant on the deal struck. Sometimes we can get meals, drinks ,accom for nil so keep our cost down.
Cost is not important but does help to keep gear in order and we enjoy all gigs, though were not in it for the $$$.
For the hours spent practising loading / un loading gear and travel you do need a little reward other than the special chance to play.You need to be reasonable and try to get a good business thing happening with the dude paying the $$$ and have some sort of simple contract.Trust- me don't trust anyone when it comes to the evil$$$$.

I've heard ya..and you ROCK Pops!!    You should be gigging!    

Wow ! Hope the irs doesnt read this thread ;)... I know some people are sensitive & I respect that, but I used to be curious too when I started out sooooo here goes...
 lets see, I have played for dinner + free drinks ( when I used to drink that sure added up...) + $100.00 + tips for a regular weekly gig that entailed playing in a crowded bar, & doing cover tunes til the wee hours.  
Have made as much as $500.00 + drinks & dinner & tips doing 2 gigs in 1 day ( only about 5-6 hours "work") with people who had never met me & I was playing with for the first time. That was a great moral booster.
Made $50.00 (+ loads of experience) for each song in the studio for a friends album. ( ironically working for the guy who used to own the music store -Cole Music Sonora ? Anyone ? Anyone? Bueller ? Bueller -I bought my drumset from when I was 13 & getting lessons there.. We laughed when I told him it was like him paying me back. ;D)
I have done Music festivals where I got a hotel room + money & a weekend backstage pass ( sometimes you can get passes for friends/ honeys) for the festival (Where I have met & hung out with alot of very cool bands like Leftover Salmon - Priceless!!!!)
And I have played sometimes for FREE! Thats right FREE! It is very liberating. Money just gets spent, but experience lives forever.. People are also too nice to turn down sometimes.
I believe it really depends on how much stock you put into playing & getting out there to make people dance & to groove with others. Experience ( especially LIVE) is PRICELESS!!!!!! Also exposure can take you farther than being so choosy you have no gig.
Money is no reason for becoming a musician. And
*climbs up on soapbox* ( Not to offend anyone), but if your in it to make money or be famous you are probably sh!t out of luck. Playing out of Love is the only way to be truely succesful. There are some exeptions ( always are) but I have been more miserable with money & a gig I hate or no gig, than I have with no money & playing for/ with people I Love & "fans" who have one hell of a good time listening & dancing. All depends on perspective. OUCH!!! I just fell off my soap box.  8)

There's a trick to making money in the music business.
You require $250 to play.
You require $1000 to stop playing.  

Shoot, I'm just happy to be making ANY money playing metal!  I make $70 a night for 3 sets of AC/DC, Metallica, Godsmack, etc. plus a few originals sprinkled in.  We're playing out-of-the-way places in central PA, so there's not a lot of money to be made around here.  Regardless, I'm having the time of my life & can afford a steady diet of heads & sticks, not to mention a bit of extra grocery $$$$ ;)

Tax man must be lurking, near 400 have looked at this thread and not said anything?. ;D

when we play out (when ever that is but not often) the only thing we ask for is all the drinks and food we want and gas money. other than that we dont really demand becuause we dont play out a whole lot and when we do its charished. the biggest gig we've played is a talent show of about 70 people and a fair with a crowd of about 150 people and thats about it, both free though

If I can add my 2 cents which is what I made on my last gig. I have to agree with the people who believe it depends on your area. Smaller towns that have fewer bands will most likely pay more due to demand. But I've recently learned that in cities that cater to musicians and the industry, where there are a million players, we usually end up playing for tips or enough to cover gas and a few beers.

I get paid anything from $100 a night for pub and club gigs, right up to $250 a night for weddings and big corporate gigs.

i get about 140 a week playing at my church (friday rehearsal, sunday service)

not that great....but not bad

ok i'm not really sure how to ask this...at college i will spending money, and my parents won't be giving me too much. Therefore, i'd probably have to get a job during the week doing something crappy that i hate such as at a campus bookstore or restaurant. But i've started thinking about it and i've thought about stuff i've read in posts on other forums about people playing in bands during college to make money, and stuff my old drum teacher used to tell me about about different kinds of bands he was/had been in. That would be really awesome if i could play in some cheezy cover band in skunky biker bars on the weekend and make say, $75 a night, it would be as much as i would make working somewhere else and would be wayy more fun and give me more free time. I am also definately open to other styles of music, my drum teacher told me that his best paying gigs were stuff like country and oldies/motown type stuff. He told me pretty much the same thing you guys said about rock gigs-that you're lucky to get some beer and gas money. But for country on the other hand, he said in the group he was in before that he was getting $500 a gig, and he was currently in an oldies type band where he was getting $300 for smaller weekend gigs at restaurants and stuff and $500 for larger parties/weddings. Although i don't really listen to either of those styles of music, i still think he would be a ton of fun to play in and band that played that stuff for my "job". I would also want to play in maybe a latin, or blues, or jazz, or whatever looked fun&payed well. Could some of you more experienced players give me some advice? (BTW, i live in northern VA right now and plan to go to college somewhere within a few hours of here, probably in Charlottesville of Williamsburg if that makes a difference)
                thanks

College towns tend to be glutted with musicians eager to play, who will often work cheap or even free. But it's not a bad gameplan - you might make some money, but I wouldn't count on a steady income.

Remember, you'll be competing with all the fulltime professional musicians for the kind of gigs you're talking about. And they may be very experienced in these styles - don't expect that you can play these styles as convincingly unless you pay your dues studying and listening to these different kinds of music. Use the radio, the library, and the internet to familiarize yourself with different styles of music - there's nothing worse than a jazzer who thinks country is easy but has no clue how to play it, or a rocker trying to bluff his way through a swing tune.  :P

No matter what,  you need to get gigging NOW, so that you're accustomed to the life, and versatile enough to cop the various musical styles.

I don't know how old you are or how long you have until college, but I think you should get out there and start gigging ASAP.

Also, here's a sad-but-true tip: When it becomes your JOB, it tends to be a little less fun than, say, jamming with your friends. It's still fun, but it also becomes an obligation, a fact that I've seen ruin the fun for some people.

Good luck.

mr. A, thanks for the advice, i'm 16 (sophomore) and have a couple of years til i go to college. I'll probably hold off at least about 6 months before i join a band and start playing gigs(until i have a car). But even then i'm not really sure where to start, i have several friends that want me to join their bands, but none of of them would be that serious, it'd just be us playing at the little cafes on friday night in out town. Ideally i'd want to do something somewhat serious with dedicated people(most likely older), and my dream would be to do what stefan lessard did. (hes the bassist for the dave matthews band, he joined in '91 when he was 16)

You mean you get payed to play :o
I love it so much I play for free!!

Truthfully, I feel that I'm too busy right now to join a band, and I really enjoy playing once a month at the church -- even if it is for free. Pretty soon my kids will be moving out on their own and my wife will retire and I'll likely get back into it.

Central Illinois is about like most Podunk places; if you can make a full time living here playing drums, then you are a rare bird indeed. I guess if you really want to make a living at it, you've got to move to where there's a market.

When I was playing fulltime, I would get around $800 - $900 a week... We would play 2 week enguagements usually. Now that I am a Youth pastor and (primarilly) church musician, I don't get paid for drumming as much. Every once in a while I'll get called for a gig here and there, but since most of the players around town know I don;t play bars, I usually only get called for openings, and holidays. I think I made around $200 for opening for Aaron Tippin. ( Not a country buff, but it was cool to hear my new drums all miked up.)

i think it's an interesting topic... To be honest, it gives a forum for some of us to talk about a subject that people we know have no business knowing.

Ive been playing at this local blues club for zip zero nothing for the past 3 weekends.  I think maybe I just love playing for the love of playing.

That has to be one of the top two reasons to play.

It's been an extremely interesting thread, not least for the fact that most people have been so honest about what they are paid.

A principal player in Czech Republic would get the equivalent of about $34,000 a year, a "rank and file" player anything from $24-28,000 which, as I understand, is considerably less than major American symphony orchestras (don't know about the smaller provincial orchestras in America).  We have a minimum union rate of about $30 for three hour rehearsal and as a "staff" player you do not play/rehearse more than 44 hours a week.  However, staff appointments always include a modest pension as well.

Cost of living is much less than in America, of course, although constantly increasing.  However, for example you can get a good quality five room apartment for $200 a month and a really high quality restaurant meal for $6-7 a head..so I suppose it is all very relevant. (And PROPER Budweiser is still only about 50c a pint!)

English musicians don't get paid as well as America either.  The BBC, for example, pay about £45-50,000 for a principal and as little as £18-20,000 for someone at no 14 in the violins.  Pay in the provincial orchestras is a lot less.

As a result all these "staff" musicians have to do a lot of additional freelance work and I have friends in London orchestras regularly doing 80-90 hours a week.

However, in England if they do recording work they sometimes get repeat fees....which we don't.  In the Czech Republic we only get paid on a recording if we actually play on it: I believe some of the American symphony orchestras have a deal whereby everyone on the staff list gets paid even if, for example, they are doing Barber: Adagio for Strings.  Good luck to them for getting such a good deal but in recent years it has (I think) bounced back on them: a lot of American work now comes to the Czech Republic and Russia because we are so much cheaper.

In general musical terms, I feel guilty about this but it is out of my hands and there is nothing I can do about it.    We are now, in turn, losing work to Russia because they are so desperate that they are only charging an absolute minimum fee for rehearsal...like $100 for an 80-piece orchestra!  

Of course music is heavily subsidised in the Czech Republic (and seat prices give everyone the opportunity of symphony/opera/ballet)....for some concerts you can still get "last minute" seats at some performances for about $1.  

I think classical/opera/ballet is a cultural asset to every country and a very good "advertisement" for that country.  American/English orchestras always get a good reception in the Czech Republic as we always have when we have toured.

So far as I can tell the best conditions for symphonic musicians are in Scandinavia.  There they are limited to a maximum of 34 hours a week (rehearsing/performance) and as a result usually have three principals for every instrument, for example.  They are paid about the same as America top orchestras I believe although I think the cost of living is also very high.

They get a special State Pension if they are "staff" musicians (which I think is non-contributory) and the Scandinavian countries pour money into music because they believe it is a cultural advertisement.  In Norway, the Simax CD label is state owned......it's a government way of promoting Norway.  

Recently a Scandinavian orchestra came to Prague and included Nielsen 4 (the symphony with the famous "battle" between two sets of timpani in the last movement) and for the first time in my life I saw a performance in which both timpanists were girls.  They played brilliantly.....it was absolutely thrilling...and found time to laugh at each other across the stage during theirbattle.

It was what music should be about....musicians having FUN at what they do.  It was marvellous to watch!

In the classical field we need to let our hair down a lot more (I let my hair down metaphorically because most of it has gone) if we are to encourage people to take an interest in it.  I'm not an elitist person in any way at all and always thrill to good drumming in any genre but we certainly need to promote symphony/opera/ballet because I can say that in Czech Republic and England fewer and fewer players are interested in classical repertoire.  

Knowing my repertoire, I think we can set pulses racing but we need to attract lots more people to come and listen to it and show them what we can do.  Universally, I think it is so important that it needs proper government help.

The most "important" thing I do is working in schools.  They are there to be "hooked" I believe: most kids love percussion and my huge Victorian ladies (timpani) fascinate them.  To see a kid pick up a stick and hit one of them and then to see the smile that goes across the face of that child as what THEY have just created booms out to everyone is a hell of a kick to me and if I hook just "one" of them to some future rock band.....that's fine by me.  

I always give them a clap.....whatever we play, whatever we do, whether we do pub/church if we are honest...we like people to clap.

We also mostly die poor but what the hell as Americans say.

Sheesh (I know some of the words you see) but I regret I cannot stand either Root Beer or Peanut Butter but the best performance of Fanfare for the Common Man I have ever heard was by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra with Mr Cherry as the timpanist.  


Kind regards,
Alan M. Watkins

I find it unusual that church drummers get paid.  This isn't a criticism, I just find it unusual.  I've played steady for 8+ years in two churches and getting paid never crossed my mind.  Not that I would mind.  It would be a great bonus, no doubt, but I'd play free for the rest of my life just for the love of it.  To me it's a ministry that encompasses playing for no fee in church, coffee houses, parks, amphitheaters, or anywhere else for that matter.

This is an interesting thread to be sure.  What I learned is that the average working drummer doesn't get paid enough $$ for what he/she does.  That's how I see it.

Tom