Overall, DJ-ing is well paid, but earnings from DJing can vary dramatically, not only from DJ to DJ but from gig to gig. There are many variables that can affect how much a DJ can charge. At the higher end of the spectrum, big names like Calvin Harris can charge around $400,000 per gig. A resident club DJ in the US can expect to earn up to $500 per night, but this may be considerably more in other locations such as Las Vegas or Ibiza. A DJ playing at a standard corporate event or wedding could charge anything between $450 - $1500, depending on who is booking them (and other factors such as whether they are also supplying the equipment and what preparation they may need to do). How much you earn as a DJ will depend on a range of factors:
- What music you play (or what music you are prepared to play!)
- How versatile you are. If you use a wide range of equipment or scratch, you could potentially secure different types of gigs (e.g. performing with live bands or singers/rappers etc).
- How good you are at negotiating prices. If you are represented by a reputable agency/label/manager you may be able to earn more than if you negotiate payment yourself
- How big your profile is as a DJ/music artist
- What industry contacts you already have
- How good you are at networking and seeking out new opportunities
- How reliable you are and what your reputation is in the industry. DJs who can be depended upon to do their job well and get on with those they are working with are more likely to get the bookings than those who may have a negative reputation or make unreasonable demands.
- Whether you have your own sound system/s which can also be rented out alongside your DJ fees
- What other ways you can monetize your talents (e.g. selling merch, Live streaming DJ sets, gaining commissions for recording mixes/remixes, teaching/mentoring others).
If you have a high profile, perhaps because you have released successful tracks in the past, have a successful radio show/podcast, or have built up a loyal following of fans, then you can command greater fees for DJ gigs as your name will attract paying customers and you will therefore be an attractive prospect for promoters to book. Some gigs may be lower paid whereas another may command a much higher fee due to the type of event. Independent club nights, often run on a small scale, may not be as lucrative as a large corporate event with a much larger budget.