Number of Music Publishers Businesses in the US (2000–2023)
As of 2023
3,321
music publishers businesses in the United States
Number of Firms Over Time
Total Employment Over Time
Key Insights
- •The music publishers industry has grown 30.7% since 2000 (from 2,540 to 3,321 firms).
- •The peak year was 2023 with 3,321 firms.
- •Recent trend (last 5 years): the industry is growing (+16.9%).
- •Employment: 24,861 workers in 2023 (5.9% change since 2000).
- •Estimated 5-year survival rate: 44%.
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Firms | Establishments | Employment | Entry Rate | Exit Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3,321 | 3,535 | 24,861 | 16.5% | 15.2% | -2.6% |
| 2022 | 3,263 | 3,495 | 25,616 | 20.4% | 16.2% | +8.7% |
| 2021 | 3,086 | 3,326 | 23,400 | 20.8% | 15.3% | -3.1% |
| 2020 | 2,897 | 3,107 | 23,896 | 14.5% | 12.3% | +5.2% |
| 2019 | 2,841 | 3,046 | 22,835 | 15.1% | 12.8% | -1.6% |
| 2018 | 2,786 | 2,972 | 23,108 | 13.2% | 12.2% | +3.9% |
| 2017 | 2,734 | 2,939 | 23,285 | 12.5% | 11.9% | +0.3% |
| 2016 | 2,737 | 2,933 | 22,793 | 12.2% | 12.5% | -20.0% |
| 2015 | 2,737 | 2,943 | 28,687 | 13.5% | 13.2% | +2.3% |
| 2014 | 2,743 | 2,947 | 27,902 | 11.5% | 13.6% | +20.0% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS). Entry/exit rates refer to establishment openings and closings.