(CelebrityAccess) — The National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), a trade group representing independent talent agencies and management companies, has released an analysis detailing how the cost of a concert ticket is distributed. Using a $100 ticket as a baseline, NITO found that the majority of the price covers show expenses, with artists retaining only a small fraction as profit.
According to NITO, ticketing fees account for over 20% of the total price, or about $22. These fees have risen significantly in recent years, now averaging 28% of the ticket’s face value nationwide. Ticket fees are split among the venue, promoter, and ticketing company, with artists excluded from this share.
Another 30% ($30) of the ticket price is allocated to staging costs, such as production, venue staff, sound, and security. The remaining $48 is divided between the artist, who typically receives 85%, and the promoter or venue, which takes 15%. However, artists must cover their own expenses—such as band salaries, travel, per diems, equipment, commissions, and visa/immigration fees—from their share. According to road managers consulted by NITO, these expenses consume 75-85% of the artist’s portion, leaving them with only $8.16 in profit from a $100 ticket.
NITO emphasized that these figures are estimates and can vary widely depending on the tour.
“NITO wants to educate music fans and concertgoers about how much—or how little—of their money actually reaches the artist,” the organization stated. “This knowledge can help us all take steps toward creating a healthier music ecosystem.”
NITO supports the Fix The Tix initiative, which advocates for reforms in U.S. event ticketing. The initiative proposes limiting speculative ticket sales and bot usage, requiring upfront itemization of ticket prices and fees, and enforcing these measures to promote transparency and fairness.
