Room for Improvement: MusiCares Shares Annual Wellness Survey Results

MusiCares has released the results of its 2026 Wellness in Music survey. More than 3,300 music professionals responded, in English and Spanish, representing every U.S. state and Puerto Rico and over 40 professions. It examined 100+ indicators in areas of financial security, physical and mental health, access to health insurance and preventive care, substance use and confidence in sustaining a music career.

Per its findings, financial instability, limited access to health care and persistent mental health challenges remain significant obstacles in the music industry. Between 46% and 50% of music professionals earn less than $50,000 annually, while only 30% say they can comfortably cover their expenses through work in music. Finances continue to be the leading single source of stress, anxiety and depression in all demographics.

Over the last five years, the percentage of music professionals who report having accessed therapy has remained relatively steady at 57% to 59%. Among those interested in therapy who haven’t received it, 45% cite an inability to pay as the primary barrier. Suicidal ideation among respondents has also consistently measured two to three times higher than the general population. Approximately 85% of music professionals report having health insurance compared with 93% of the general population, with coverage levels lower among Black and Latino music professionals, at 79% and 80.6%, respectively. Only 30% of music professionals receive health insurance through an employer.

As part of the survey and with support from Live Free 999, the nonprofit founded by Juice WRLD’s mother, Carmela Wallace, MusiCares also reached out to music professionals ages 18-24. Within the overall survey sample, 203 in that age group responded. Among them, 68.8% earned $25,000 or less in the previous year and 86.4% earned $50,000 or less. Seventy-nine percent said they couldn’t cover their expenses through work in music, compared with 70% of respondents overall, and 72.7% reported low or very low confidence in their ability to cover future expenses through music work alone. Health insurance was also problematic in this demo, with 57.4% needing coverage through a parent.

MusiCares has distributed more than $146 million in financial assistance to the music community since its founding in 1989. Findings from the Wellness in Music survey help the organization identify where needs are most urgent and inform how it responds.

Remember when that rabble-rouser Chappell Roan said this while accepting her Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2025? Whatever happened with that?