Tour musicians are contracted and paid as independent contractors. While the specific terms and amount of pay can vary depending on the artist, tour, and record label, they typically receive compensation for their services in several forms:
1. Salary or Per-Show Fee: Musicians may be paid a fixed salary or a per-show fee for their participation. The amount can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars or more per show, depending on the musician's experience, skill level, and popularity.
2. Performance Royalties: Musicians often earn royalties from the sale of live recordings, merchandise, or other products sold during the tour. These royalties are typically a percentage of the profits from these additional revenue streams.
3. Session Fees: If the tour involves studio work or recording sessions, musicians may receive additional fees for their contributions to the recording process.
4. Travel and Accommodation: Musicians' travel expenses, including transportation, lodging, meals, and incidentals, are typically covered by the artist's tour budget.
5. Per Diems or Stipend: Some musicians receive a daily per diem or stipend to cover meals and other personal expenses during the tour.
6. Merchandise Sales: Musicians may receive a percentage of the sales from tour merchandise, such as t-shirts, posters, and accessories, sold at shows.
7. Bonuses or Incentives: In some cases, musicians may receive bonuses or incentives based on performance metrics, such as attendance or album sales.
It's important to note that tour musicians do not receive a consistent or fixed salary throughout the year, as their income is primarily tied to the performance season. However, successful musicians who tour frequently can earn substantial amounts of money during their active touring periods.