08.01.2026: UK Music’s This Is Music report into the financial health of the sector has revealed that employment across the industry in 2024 was higher than ever.

According to the report, the UK music industry employed 220,000 people in 2024, up 2% from 216,000 in 2023.

Growth in employment lags growth in GVA and exports, and there were differing experiences across the sector. The number of music creators, which includes artists, musicians and performers, composers and songwriters, and music producers and engineers, grew steadily to 157,800, up 2.9% from 153,400 in 2023.

Average earnings amongst musicians who earn 100% of their income from music were £30,000 per annum, but earnings vary, with 43% earning less than £14,000 a year from music, meaning many are left supplementing their income.

Employment across the rest of the music industry was more variable. The music retail sector experienced a second year of decline as restructuring continued. There was a small decline in the recorded music sector as some labels restructured their UK operations, and employment in the live sector was flat.

Smaller businesses report significant challenges, citing additional costs such as increased National Insurance contributions and other operational costs, including export costs.

AIM (Association of Independent Music) has reported a decline in its members’ participation in its apprenticeship scheme owing to increased costs.

Music publishing registered a noticeable increase in employment relative to other sectors as music publishers grew their headcount again, following some reorganisations in 2022 after the pandemic.

Slower employment growth in the industry is also a consequence of increased productivity across the sector. Companies are using existing staff roles more efficiently, and freelancers and the self-employed are increasingly moving towards portfolio careers, particularly music creators who comprise the largest employment group within the music industry.

You can find out more on the report and read it in full here.