Reading this string makes me a little concerned. I use to often say that I play professionally for the love of the music. Early in my career I knew then that all I earned went back into the music. I was lucky to be employed full-time in another profession making a solid living. Seeing what is posting here makes me wonder sometimes about the industry and where its going, or not going.
I stopped gigging in bands around 2002 and in a 4 or 5 pc. band we would each normally clear $100 - $300 each night plus a percentage of the door. While most of my time was prior to the heavy DJ scene, it still hits me hard that the industry hasn't seemed to improve for you current players. You can guarantee that everything, and I mean everything, associated with playing out in bands has increased in costs; gas, food, sticks, heads, repairs, upgrades, lights, sound, etc.; that is unless that kind of stuff is provided in sponsorship or the gig contract.
The little work I've done in studio has improved some, but not a lot. I think this kind of work is strongly based on the budget of the studio and producer versus their desire to have you on the recording as well as you or your managers ability to haggle your worth (smile).
As far as orchestra work, I've found that many have 1 - 2 percussionists they might pay and the rest are retired music teachers or musicians who volunteer their services. Now that may be totally different, depending on your location (New York, L.A., etc. versus smaller district or regional orchestras).
Brothers and sisters currently playing out for a living, I hope your earning conditions continue to improve and adjust to current cost of living standards. If a totally unskilled 16 yr old working fast food can easily earn $60-$70 for 4-5- hours work flipping burgers and fries, then a skilled percussionist with their own equipment and experience should easily double that as a starting minimum and actually earn much more (IMHBO).
