America’s Most Musical States Revealed

A Report on America’s Most Musical States

6 min

Our most recent study has unveiled the most musical states in America, highlighting where music professionals flourish. By leveraging data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, this analysis provides an in-depth look at the concentration of musicians, singers, musical directors, and composers employed across various states.

Main Points of CasinoAlpha’s Research:

  1. Top Musical States: Hawaii, Tennessee, and Oregon lead with the highest number of employed music professionals per 10,000 jobs.
  2. Employment and Wages: Detailed insights into the number of music professionals and their average wages in these states, which exceed $42 in some cases.
  3. Importance of Music Professionals: The critical role of music professionals in sustaining a vibrant cultural landscape and how that affects the current culture.

By leveraging data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, this analysis provides an in-depth look at the concentration of musicians, singers, musical directors, and composers employed across various states.

Top 10 States with the Highest Employment Rates for Musical Professionals

Rank State Employment per 10000 jobs
1. Hawaii 16.54
2. Tennessee 6.47
3. Oregon 6.09
4. Montana 6.06
5. Nevada 5.71
6. Connecticut 5.21
7. New York 4.34
8. California 4.27
9. Maryland 3.88
10. Washington 3.87

CasinoAlpha experts compiled this data by analyzing 2023 statistics from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, focusing on the number of employed musicians, singers, musical directors, and composers per 10,000 jobs in each state.

Hawaii: The Pinnacle of Musical Employment

Hawaii stands out as the most musical state in America, boasting 16.54 music professionals per 10,000 jobs. This high concentration of musicians, singers, musical directors, and composers reflects the state’s thriving cultural scene.

Hawaii is home to approximately 1,020 full or part-time music professionals, who earn an impressive average hourly wage of $50.17.

Cultural Richness and Musical Diversity

Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage and diverse musical influences contribute significantly to its musical prominence. The state’s unique blend of traditional Hawaiian music, contemporary genres, and a robust tourism industry creates abundant opportunities for music professionals.

From local performances at luau events to high-profile gigs at luxury resorts, Hawaii’s music scene is as dynamic as its landscapes.

Tennessee: A Hub of Musical Heritage

Tennessee, renowned for its deep musical roots, ranks second with 6.47 music professionals per 10,000 jobs. The state is home to around 2,080 music professionals, earning an average hourly wage of $42.62.

Cities like Nashville and Memphis are central to Tennessee’s rich musical history, making them vital hubs for music professionals.

Nashville: The Epicenter of Country Music

Nashville’s impact on the music industry is unparalleled. Known as “Music City,” it attracts aspiring musicians and established artists alike.

The city’s vibrant live music scene, recording studios, and music festivals create an ecosystem that nurtures talent and offers numerous opportunities for music professionals.

Oregon: A Nurturing Environment for Musicians

Oregon ranks third, with 6.09 music professionals per 10,000 jobs. The state hosts approximately 1,190 full or part-time music professionals, who earn an average hourly wage of $44.47.

Oregon’s diverse music scene, from indie rock in Portland to classical performances in Eugene, highlights its eclectic cultural fabric.

Portland: A Creative Sanctuary

Portland, Oregon’s largest city, is celebrated for its thriving indie music scene. The city’s numerous live music venues, record stores, and festivals provide a supportive environment for musicians.

Portland’s inclusive community and creative spirit make it an attractive destination for music professionals seeking a vibrant and nurturing scene.

Arkansas: The Least Musical State

In contrast, Arkansas ranks last with only 0.60 music professionals per 10,000 jobs. The state employs approximately 80 music professionals in full or part-time roles, earning an average hourly wage of $60.08.

This significant disparity highlights regional differences in the concentration and support of music professionals.

The Significance of Music Professionals in America

Music professionals play an indispensable role in enriching America’s cultural landscape. Their contributions extend beyond entertainment, influencing education, community engagement, and the economy.

These professionals help sustain the nation’s artistic soul, from concerts and festivals to music education programs.

“Employment numbers may increase in the future.”

Anca Iamandi, senior author for CasinoAlpha New Zealand commented on the findings: “It’s great to see states from all corners of America making the top ten ranking. The employment of musical professionals is essential for maintaining a nation with concerts, festivals, and other music events. It’ll be interesting to see whether employment numbers increase in the future.”

CasinoAlpha’s Take: How Will the American Music Scene Evolve?

  1. This study offers a detailed snapshot of the musical landscape across the United States. Hawaii, Tennessee, and Oregon emerge as the leading states where music professionals are thriving, reflecting their vibrant cultural scenes.
  2. Music professionals play a crucial role in sustaining and enriching America’s cultural heritage, and their presence is essential for a nation brimming with concerts, festivals, and music events.
  3. As we look to the future, it will be intriguing to see how the employment numbers and geographic distribution of music professionals evolve.
  4. With the continuous growth of the music industry and the increasing influence of digital platforms, opportunities for music professionals are likely to expand, potentially reshaping the musical map of America.
Anca Iamandi
AuthorAnca IamandiSenior Author & Editor at CasinoAlpha

Anca's analytical skills developed in Generative Linguistics allow her to bring you clear casino content. Her texts will help you understand online casinos, bonuses, fees, and essential rules, in order to forget about the gambling myths that pull you down. She's a strong advocate of safe gambling.