Texas releases 2025 report on economic impact of its music industry

Governor Greg Abbott has unveiled the 2025 Texas Music Industry Economic Impact Report, a biennial publication from the Texas Music Office (TMO). This report provides an analysis of the growth within the state's music sector, encompassing music businesses, education, and for the first time, music-related tourism. The economic impact is assessed through annual earnings, job creation, and statewide economic activity.

"Live music lives in Texas," stated Governor Abbott. "A thriving Texas music industry draws visitors from around the globe, attracts a skilled workforce across industries, and supports continuing business recruitment and expansion efforts. With support from the Texas Music Office and employers across the state, the Texas music industry employs hundreds of thousands of Texans and generates more than $31.7 billion in annual revenue throughout the state. Working together, we will continue to create good-paying jobs and build a stronger, more prosperous Texas than ever before."

Chip Adams, Director of TMO, expressed enthusiasm about releasing this latest study: "This report not only underscores the immense positive impact music has on the quality of life in Texas; it also highlights the economic vitality of our state's diverse and thriving music industry." He noted that TMO has been assisting communities in boosting local job creation for 35 years.

Adriana Cruz from the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office highlighted music's role in attracting business investments: "Music is key to the Texas brand and a magnet for attracting new business investments to communities across our great state."

The report's findings reveal significant contributions by various segments of the industry:

- Over 86,000 permanent jobs

- Nearly $4.9 billion in annual earnings

- More than $12.5 billion in annual economic activity

In 2024 alone:

- 196,000 permanent jobs were created

- Annual earnings reached $10.5 billion

- Total economic activity amounted to $31.7 billion

Since its inception in 1990 as part of Governor Abbott's Economic Development & Tourism Office initiative—the first such office nationwide—TMO has worked towards fostering growth within this vibrant sector by promoting both local job creation as well as drawing international visitors attracted by Texan talent.