The average number seems unbelievably low – until you look at the calculations below. And, the TuneCore figure is remarkably similar to a recent per-year payout calculation for CD Baby artists, which was $174 (as calculated in August of last year).

(1) Gross Revenues from December, 2008 through March, 2011 (28 months): $250 million
*source: TuneCore, in press release issued April 14th, 2011. Gross music sales were $150 million, associated publishing and songwriter revenues were an additional $100 million.
(2) Number of Accounts: 600,000
*source: TuneCore, in press release issued April 21st, 2011.
(3) Calculation:
$250 million / 2.33 years = $107.14 million overall gross earnings, per year, all accounts.
$107.14 million / 600,000 = $178.57 per artist, per year.
Wow , that sucks .
Sure does, I think.