> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.hypebot.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# How much would gigs pay if adjusted for inflation?
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/how-much-would-gigs-pay-if-adjusted-for-inflation/
- Published: 2024-05-31T13:35:30.000Z
- Updated: 2024-05-31T13:35:34.000Z
- Description: Discover how inflation impacts musician earnings and expenses and what today’s gigs would pay if they adjusted alongside the rest of the economy….
- Author: Alana Bonilla
- Tags: DIY Advice & Tips, Live & Ticketing, DIY, DIY musicians, music, music industry, musician, musicians, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 11:15

Discover how inflation impacts musician earnings and expenses and what today’s gigs would pay if they adjusted alongside the rest of the economy.

*by *[Chris Robley](https://blog.reverbnation.com/author/chrisrobley/?ref=hypebot.com)* of [Reverbnation Blog](https://blog.reverbnation.com/inflation-adjusted-gig-money/?utm%5Fsource=rss&utm%5Fmedium=rss&utm%5Fcampaign=inflation-adjusted-gig-money)*

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3a/95/3a957c06-c825-4057-9939-0a274cc16d23/content/images/www-hypebot-com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cash-3487046_960_720.png)

[The $5-cover](https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2016/04/06/a-musicians-case-against-the-5-cover-charge/?ref=hypebot.com) has been standard **since the 1970s.**

So has the usual pay at local bars that don’t charge a cover: $100 per musician.

These rates have stayed the same for decades. Why!?

The costs of OTHER goods and services have increased since then. And if inflation can drive wages up as well, then **why haven’t local musicians gotten a “raise”** in the past 40-50 years?

Well, here’s *my* theory (in the video below).

Plus an estimate of **how much you WOULD be making** if musician wages for local gigs were adjusted for inflation:

### Time to step outside the *live-music* “supply game”

Want to earn more money from your gigs? Play better venues? Rock bigger crowds?

**Here’s a list of resources to help you earn more from your live shows:**

- [The key to booking better gigs](https://blog.reverbnation.com/booking-better-gigs/?ref=hypebot.com)
- [How to fill the venue every time](https://blog.reverbnation.com/sell-out-show/?ref=hypebot.com)
- [Are you charging too much (or too little) for your shows?](https://blog.reverbnation.com/concert-ticket-price/?ref=hypebot.com)
- [How to make touring possible (and profitable) for emerging artists](https://blog.reverbnation.com/profitable-touring/?ref=hypebot.com)
- [How to book your first music festival slot](https://blog.reverbnation.com/book-your-first-music-festival/?ref=hypebot.com)
- [Everywhere to announce your next show](https://blog.reverbnation.com/everywhere-to-announce-your-next-show/?ref=hypebot.com)