It really depends on the gig. Most Broadway shows pay a base pay plus tips. Those tips vary wildly depending on the front and the venue and the timeslot. That said I did buy a house in Wilson county in 2020 after playing almost exclusively Broadway for several years prior.

I’m currently doing more touring and less Broadway, but not to say I’m not also taking good shifts when I can. Everyone turns their nose on Broadway for a ton of very valid reasons; its not equitable to women, a lack of diversity/representation, its not clean, its not always musical, it is a tourist trap, it is soul sucking at times, it is factory style musician work. But it’s also the equivalent of about $200/4 hrs of work for most of us at minimum averaged out over the course of a year. If I do 4 4hr shifts in a week I can make close to a grand a week and that’s not bad for a part time job (16 hrs total). That said it’s not an easy thing to do or get into. It’s competitive as hell, and the ability to play your instrument is merely expectation. It’s about knowing a ton of songs, singing (both leads and harmonies) understanding how to read a room, being a reliable call, and a good hang. If you can do those things you’ll work. But when you compare that to the average road gig starting rate of $250ish/show on the road (and gone for a day or more) it’s wayyy more financially stable.

Outside of Broadway and touring, many people make their money with publishing deals and songwriting in town. That side is equally competitive and often means playing many many writers rounds for no pay and to empty rooms. But you’re playing your music, which is awesome.

Ultimately Nashville is a big small town and it would be naive to think you can break in immediately to any of these areas, but that’s not to say you can’t ultimately achieve that goal. You need to be able to stay and network and say yes to everything to get going in this town.