The "weekend warrior" drummers, who play in cover bands in the suburbs, are most likely going to make more money than those trying to make it in original bands in downtown clubs. However, both of these examples depend on dividing the spoils amongst the other band members, manager, promoter, or whomever else deserves a cut based on the booking arrangement. The actual dollar amount received in these situations depends entirely upon the market in which the band plays and the booking arrangement. Some venues pay out by attendance and some pay a guaranteed fee. An individual show can bring in anywhere from zero dollars to $1,000 and sometimes even more. Furthermore, it may be different in a rural area than in a metropolitan area. A drummer will most probably not be able to make a living in this field alone.
Drummers who have the chops to play in a studio setting will make considerably more than a drummer simply gigging around town. The key to earning money as a paid studio musician is talent. Engineers want to work with a drummer who can easily play to a click track, accurately play on tracks they have never heard, be musically flexible and get the job done in as few takes as possible. Paid studio drummers can make anywhere from $250 to $450 per song, but this varies from market to market.
Some drummers choose to augment their earnings by teaching lessons. Even drummers with moderate skills can teach beginners the basics to playing the drums. Some drummers choose to give lessons independently out of their homes, but others make the decision to work through existing music stores and programs. Generally when the lessons are done through such a program or store, a small portion of the pay is forfeited to the host. However, when done independently, the teacher must provide his or her own space as well as extra equipment and advertising. A drummer can usually charge ten to fifteen dollars per half hour when starting out, but can increase the fee with further experience.
When a drummer is a member of a band, album sales can sometimes provide a modest amount of proceeds. This money must also be split up amongst the band account, the individuals in the band and the other arrangements the band has decided upon. Again, this will likely not provide a steady form of income, unless the band has met with large commercial success.
When a band is associated with a licensing organization such as ASCAP or SESAC, the authors and composers receive royalties for qualified plays of their songs. This includes some radio airplay, use in a television commercial or similar things. However, a drummer will likely not earn any of these royalties unless he or she is specifically documented as a writer or co-writer of the song and/or lyrics. Simply performing on the recording is not enough. Many drummers will not make any money at all from licensing.