National Gig Rates

Recommended minimum rates of pay for casual engagements in pubs, clubs and at functions, April 2026.

Single performance fees

• For musicians in groups performing in pubs and clubs of up to 3 hours: £167.16 per musician 
• For musicians in groups performing at functions of up to 4 hours: £222.88 per musician 

Setting up time

The engagement is payable at the full hourly rate from whatever time the musician is required to have his/her instruments and equipment set up.

Overtime

Hourly rate of £55.72 payable at time and a half, therefore £83.58 per hour (or part thereof).

Distance fees and travel expenses

• Distance fees: £13.23 per hour pro rata. Check travel time and mileage.
• Fuel fees: 56p per mile. Refer to HMRC travel rates.
• Congestion, toll changes, parking, all to be paid by the engager

Porterage

• Group A - £41.65 – Electric Guitar (inc’ Amp); Bass Guitar (inc’ Amp); Double Bass.
• Group B - £36.00 – Bass Sax, Tuba.
• Group C - £28.60 – Contra Bassoon; Baritone Sax; French Horn + 1 other brass instrument; Trombone + 1 other brass instrument or bag of mutes: Two Saxes; Cello; Bass Clarinet: Pedalboards.
• Group D – subject to individual negotiation – Drum Kit; Percussion; Harps: Keyboards: P.A.

Doubling/Trebling/Quadrupling

15% of fee for each additional instrument

Breaks 

Minimum of 15 mins per 2 hours playing

Late fees

Payable when time of return is between midnight and 2:00 am: £37.50

Overnight stay

Payable when return would be after 2:00 am: £147.00

Subsistence

Payable per day to cover meals and expenses: £65.80

Guidance notes

The MU’s live rates are based on an hourly rate which a self-employed musician needs to charge in order to earn an income, relative to their training, experience and expertise. Individual negotiations can be made based on these minimum rates.

• If you’re self-employed, you do not have a contract of employment with an employer. You’re more likely to be contracted to provide services over a certain period of time for a fee and be in business in your own right.
• You’ll also pay your own tax and National Insurance contributions.
• You don't have employment rights as such if you're self-employed as you are your own boss and can therefore decide how much to charge for your work and how much holiday to give yourself.
• You do have some legal protection.
• You must not be discriminated against and you're entitled to a safe and healthy working environment on your client's premises.
• Self-employed women who have recently left their jobs may be entitled to Maternity Allowance.