Career Outlook for Workers
Career uncertainty is widespread. Nearly 1 in 3 workers may relocate or step back from the industry due to instability.
OVER THE NEXT ONE TO FIVE YEARS, WHAT IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF…
Leaving Washington to further your career?
Moving to a different location within Washington to further your career?
Suspending your professional musical endeavors altogether?
32.9% of workers think it’s possible or likely they will suspend their music industry careers altogether.
Over 32% of workers say its possible or likely they will leave Washington to further their music careers.
Without career stability, Washington risks losing a critical part of its cultural workforce.
Housing Outlook for Workers
High housing costs may push workers out of their neighborhood or even the state altogether.
OVER THE NEXT ONE TO FIVE YEARS, WHAT IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF…
Leaving Washington due to housing costs?
Moving to a different location within Washington due to housing costs?
Roughly half of music industry workers say they will move to Washington due to housing costs
Just under 40% of workers say they may have to leave Washington due to housing costs
Housing affordability is one of the greatest threats to retaining creative workers.
Career Outlook for Musicians
Over 70% of musicians say they’re unlikely to sustain their careers, yet many are exploring opportunities elsewhere.
OVER THE NEXT ONE TO FIVE YEARS, WHAT IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF…
Leaving Washington to further your career?
Moving to a different location within Washington to further your career?
Suspending your professional musical endeavors altogether?
Most musicians plan to stay the course, but 1 in 4 may step away.
1 in 3 musciians may leave the state to further their careers.
Without career stability, Washington risks losing a critical part of its cultural workforce.
Housing Outlook for Musicians
While 1 in 3 musicians might relocated to advance their careers, an even larger share (40%) of musicians said they might move due to high costs of housing.
OVER THE NEXT ONE TO FIVE YEARS, WHAT IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF…
Leaving Washington due to housing costs?
Moving to a different location within Washington due to housing costs?
40% of musicians may leave Washington due to housing costs.
44% expect to relocate within the state for the same reason.
Musicians are being priced out of the very communities where they perform and create.
Desirable Destinations
Oregon is the top choice for potential relocation among musicians (35.9%). California (19.4%), New York (17.5%), and Illinois (17.5%) are the top domestic alternatives, pointing toward major music hubs.
SHARE OF Musicians Living in Washington who would consider moving to …
Where Workers Might Go
Workers weight relocation to major creative hbs and/or affordable regions. California (38.7%), Oregon (19.4%) and Tennessee (16.1%) lead among domestic alternatives.
SHARE OF WORKERS LIVING IN WASHINGTON WHO WOULD CONSIDER MOVING TO…
All Call To Action
Washington stands at a tipping point: nearly 1 in 3 creative workers may leave the state, and over 70% of musicians say they’re unlikely to sustain their careers here. Without intervention, we risk losing the very talent that fuels our culture and economy. But we have the tools to change course.
By investing in relocation grants, affordable housing, venue stabilization, and career pipelines, we can turn this moment of risk into a new era of opportunity. These strategies aren’t just about keeping music alive—they’re about building stronger communities, powering local economies, and ensuring Washington remains a place where creativity thrives.
Solutions Snapshot
- Relocation & Launch Grants – attract and retain creative professionals and businesses
- Affordable Housing for Cultural Workers – dedicated units, mixed-use hubs, and cooperative models
- Capital Grants & Stabilization Funds – sustain venues, studios, and rehearsal spaces
- Education & Workforce Pipelines – mentorship, coaching, workshops, and skill-building programs
- Microgrants & Stipends – seed support for early-career creative projects
