The average annual income of U.K. musicians from music work is £20.7k ($26k), although nearly half earn less than £14k, according to research from the Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians.

Nearly a quarter (23%) of 6k U.K. musicians surveyed by the orgs said they don’t earn enough to support themselves or their families, while nearly half (44%) said a lack of sustainable income is a barrier to their music career.

Over half of respondents (53%) sustain their career by sourcing other forms of income outside of music. Nearly two thirds (62%) of these generate additional funds from alternative employment, but other sources of financial support include support from family and friends (14%) and Universal Credit or other benefits (12%).

The average income of those making 100% of their earnings from music is around £30k ($37.5k)—slightly less than the average median income in the U.K. of £33,280.

The majority of musicians (80%) reported at least one or more career-restricting barrier. Forty-six percent report cost-related challenges, with cost of equipment (30%), transport (27%) and training (18%) limiting their careers. Other barriers include no clear route for career progression (36%), not knowing anyone in the industry (25%) and unsociable working hours (22%).

The findings come from the first ever U.K. Musicians’ Census, which can be found in full here.