Thomas Rhett, born Thomas Rhett Akins Jr., was destined for a career in country music. As the son of famous country singer Rhett Akins, Thomas grew up surrounded by music royalty.
From a young age, he was exposed to country music legends such as Tim McGraw and Brooks & Dunn, which gave him a head start in the industry.
Early Career and Musical Beginnings
Thomas’s musical journey began early. He learned to play the drums in his youth, and by junior high, he was already performing on stage alongside his father.
However, Thomas didn’t take the conventional path to stardom. At the age of 20, he decided to drop out of college to pursue a full-time career in music.
He initially signed a publishing deal with Big Machine Label Group, where he began writing songs. His first major success as a songwriter came when he co-wrote Jason Aldean’s hit “I Ain’t Ready to Quit” for Aldean’s 2010 album.
This partnership was crucial in launching Thomas’s career as both a singer and a songwriter.
Shortly after, he signed a recording contract with the Valory Music Group division of Big Machine, and his professional music career officially began.
Breakthrough in Country Music
Thomas Rhett’s rise to fame was marked by a series of successful releases. In 2012, he dropped his debut singles, “Something to Do with My Hands” and “Beer with Jesus,” both of which charted in the top 30 on the Hot Country Songs charts.
His third single, “It Goes Like This,” reached No. 2 on the Hot Country Songs chart and further solidified his place in country music.
His debut album, It Goes Like This (2014), was a commercial success, with tracks like “Get Me Some of That” and “Make Me Wanna” climbing to No. 1 on the charts.
These hits made Thomas a household name in the country music industry, and he quickly gained recognition not only as the son of Rhett Akins but as a talented artist in his own right.
Net Worth
Thomas Rhett has an estimated net worth of $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his diverse career as a singer, songwriter, and performer.
While his famous father undoubtedly helped him gain access to the music industry, Thomas has carved out his own path with impressive accomplishments that have contributed to his financial success.
Earnings as a Singer and Songwriter
Thomas Rhett’s income is primarily derived from his work as a singer-songwriter. His success as a recording artist and his extensive touring schedule have been major sources of revenue.
In addition to performing his own hits, Thomas has also written songs for other artists, which generates additional income in the form of royalties. He has penned hits for major country stars, further boosting his income.
In 2023, it is estimated that Thomas Rhett earns around $600,000 annually.
How Much Does Thomas Rhett Make Per Year?
Thomas Rhett’s reported yearly earnings of approximately $600,000 come from a variety of music-related activities, including album sales, songwriting royalties, and touring.
Touring is a major revenue stream for most artists, and Thomas is no exception.
His earnings can vary depending on factors such as album releases, single success, and the extent of his touring. With each new project, Thomas is able to increase his annual income.
Earnings from Touring
One of the most significant sources of income for Thomas Rhett is his touring. According to Forbes, in 2018, Thomas earned around $250,000 per night during his tours.
While this number is a bit dated, it is reasonable to assume that his touring earnings have increased since then. As of now, Thomas likely earns several hundred thousand dollars per concert.
It’s important to note that the reported figures for a performer’s earnings are often the gross amounts, and they do not account for the share taken by management, agents, the venue, and other tour staff.
Despite this, touring remains one of the largest revenue sources for Thomas Rhett and other artists in his genre.
Total Song Releases
Throughout his career, Thomas Rhett has released 28 singles, including five in which he appeared as a featured artist.
His extensive catalog also includes six studio albums, one extended play (EP), and around 117 songs in total (counting both his own and featured tracks).
This impressive body of work has contributed significantly to his wealth and reputation in the country music world.
The Role of His Father in His Career
Thomas Rhett has been very open about the influence of his father, Rhett Akins, on his career. Early on, his dad helped him develop his songwriting skills, and the two collaborated frequently.
Thomas has credited his father with teaching him how to write songs, but his dad also encouraged him to branch out and explore his own style.
Rhett Akins was responsible for helping Thomas score his first two No. 1 hits, but he also pushed his son to work independently.
He encouraged Thomas to build relationships with other songwriters, learn from his peers, and make mistakes along the way.
Thomas later acknowledged that these lessons were essential for his development as an artist.
