How Much Do DJs Make? (Updated 2024)

how much do DJs make per show?

DJs who play at clubs and other places usually make money on a per-night basis, but this can vary.

Club DJs are paid a fixed amount, instead of a percentage of sales. This means that they make the same amount of money for the whole time they DJ.

Wedding DJs earn a bunch of money, they can make hundreds for a short show.

Here's a ranking of most to least show earnings per type of DJ:

• Festival DJ
• Wedding DJ
• Radio DJ
• Resident DJs
• Club DJ
• Party DJ

A client may want to set a budget for entertainment at their event and then negotiate with club DJs until they find one that fits their price range, then hire them.

People who work as club DJs usually make about $200 a night.

DJs are not rich, they also aren't struggling to make ends meet.

Club DJs make a lot per show when you factor in the fact that they only work for 2-3 hours.

Many also get tips from customers who are happy with their service!

Getting tipped as a DJ generally happens at daytime events rather than nighttime.

Tips can really help a DJ make more money per show!

However, most DJs who play in clubs get paid per night, so they won't get tips unless there is a tip jar or some other way for people to pay them.

When club DJs are hired for big events, their pay is usually worked out with the clients before the event.

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Do DJs make a lot of money?

Being able to play music for a group of people and make them happy is a powerful thing.

So what's the answer?

A DJ with a large network and many gigs lines can make upward of 6 figures. DJing for private events and festivals is a lucrative way to make over $400 a day.

That being said, even though DJs make a lot of money, there's more to it.

Here are a few factors that go into your DJ earnings:

• How many tickets you can sell

• Your experience as a DJ

• How well do you mesh into the club culture

• How good your mix is (duh)

• Your availability

As a DJ, you can meet people and make new friends.

DJs can also make money.

There are a LOT of DJs that make a crap ton of money from their shows.

Many club DJs make a full-time living from their work, and they can even become millionaires in the process.

As well, there's something about being on a stage and spinning music that makes you feel great.

DJing is an art form, and there is so much power in being on stage and connecting with people.

How much do club DJs make?

DJs are living the dream life.

They play several shows during the week, travel around the world, meet people from all over the world, and bring new music to your favorite places all week long!

So how much money do club DJs make?

The average club DJ makes between $100-$200 per night. Pay can depend on the DJ's level of fame, club location, or club fame. Higher-end DJs make over 6-figures.

Some club DJs can make six-figure sums!

Club DJs can make more than $100,000 a year if they work for a company.

During their free time or when they are done working at their full-time jobs, many club DJs make extra money.

How to negotiate a higher DJ fee

If a DJ's fee is too low, it can make the company that hired them look bad and hurt the DJ's profits.

Clients might not be willing to pay a DJ's fee if it is too high, so they might hire someone else instead.

Top DJs may be able to make more money at a big event like a wedding than they usually do.

Because each customer would have a choice of music, there could be three or four DJs who are paid to play at the same time.

A customer could give each club DJ a different hourly rate.

DJs who play at big events and venues tend to make the most money.

Club DJs who teach lessons or play in smaller venues can still make a lot of money by working as club DJs part-time.

The hourly rate for club DJs can change based on where they play and how often they play.

Radio DJ salary

How much do radio DJs make?

People who work for commercial radio stations get paid a set amount for their work. Radio DJs make different salaries based on their experience and the radio station they work for, just like other jobs.

A radio DJ might have to work on the weekends, or overtime so the pay doesn't correlate to workload as much as you'd think.

A DJ at a music radio station is more likely to be on the air more often.

People who work for themselves have to make their own money.

Here are common radio DJ salaries based on location:

Radio DJs can be anyone who can speak into the microphone and play a DJ set. People who can do this can become radio DJs.

the average salary for a radio DJ (updated 2024)

How much does the average Radio DJ make?

A full-time radio DJ can make anywhere from $35,000 to $60,000 a year. Experience and the station they work for affect earnings. Freelance radio DJs set their hours and make a few hundred dollars per show.

Most radio DJs spend between 15 and 40 hours a week on the air.

Mobile DJs can even earn more than Club DJs in some cases!

Since mobile DJs don't get paid per hour, they have non-linear earning potential.

They can make extra money from guest DJ gigs and sponsored shows.

This is how some DJs make extra money.

Can you be a radio DJ without a degree?

Are degrees needed?

If you have a bachelor's degree in radio, it will be helpful, but it is not required for the job. Those who don't have a college degree can still work in the radio business.

If you want to be a DJ, there are a lot of radio stations and DJ jobs.

If you want to be a DJ, the job market is always changing.

It's a good idea to stay up to date on the latest trends and news in the music business.

How to become a popular DJ

It's hard to become a radio DJ but it's possible!

Here are some tips to grow as a DJ:

1. Call only the events that are right for you now

2. Find a DJ agent

3. Work for free

4. Create a press kit

5. Network your butt off

Agents may call you as you build up a good name in your area.

If you want to make this a job, make a list of music festivals you want to go to. 

The best thing to do is to offer free services.

Connect with events, clubs, and friends in your area.

With a headshot, you can free up a busy organizer.

A great picture could make or break a festival DJ deal. It's simple and quick. It was also cheap.

How old do you have to be to DJ?

There are a lot of established DJs and producers who are getting younger and younger.

It's becoming more and more difficult for these newcomers to join.

In most nightclubs, you have to be at least 21 to go in. All-ages or 16+ events are becoming rarer. So young producers have to use connections, bribe bouncers, and sweet talk venues to let them in.

If you want to perform at clubs... Get a fake ID.

(I've done it and got busted. I've also done it and got in so proceed at your own risk.)

You still have wedding venues and other events that you can play at during the day!

How to become a festival DJ

There are no music festivals the same!

To become a festival DJ you must reach out to the right people.

The management of a lot of events is done by other people.

Taking over a field, park, or zone is easy for groups.

A smaller group than the people who plan events.

Professionals also like to show off their involvement on Linked In. You can talk about your musical history and any events you've been a part of, to show your skills.

This part of your job will change as your career moves on.

It's good to have a press for DJs. If you have a well-designed press kit, you might be able to get a job!

You can also put a message about a festival on the cover.

That helps you show off your brand and skills. All DJs can use this.

How to Become Wedding DJs

Becoming a wedding DJ is all about delivering the best music to people and leaving lasting impressions on the crowd that they will never forget.

This is what makes wedding DJs so great.

How can you become a wedding DJ?

Network with people who go to weddings. Reach out to other DJs for help, take classes to learn more, make a business plan, and get the right equipment.

As a DJ, you are in charge of one of the most important events in a person's life.

Entertainment is the smallest part of most people's wedding costs, but it makes up 38% of what their guests remember.

Wedding DJs are the most common professional DJ and they generally do house parties as well!

Having a good wedding DJ is very important for the success of a party.

Avoid playing the wrong thing at the wrong time and messing up the mood you've set.

And most importantly... Wedding DJs have more fun than club DJs. 😝

Comprehensive contracts cover everything from canceling to replacing damaged equipment.

Announce your song switches, don't make people feel awkward by cutting them off in the middle of their Dougie, worm, or moonwalk.

DJ Job requirements

There are a lot of requirements before you start looking for a job as a DJ.

DJing is not something to romanticize. Grind it out, discover communities, experiment, practice, record mixes, and get ready to spend money upfront.

Some careers are both simpler and more enjoyable than being a DJ.

Sometimes you'll DJ happy hour at a bar where no one asks for requests and get a bar tab the size of a Coke can.

It's fantastic if there's a crowd, but not 100% of the time.

Even if you use a laptop, a set of decks, or a midi-controller, you'll need to buy something to get started.

After you learn how to DJ, you'll want to start making friends with people in your area who run clubs.

The best way to do that is to contact promoters on social media with links to your SoundCloud or Mixcloud.

It will be difficult for you to stand out if you do that, so I recommend you network in the "real world."

You should go to as many gigs as you can and get to know the people who throw house parties, rent sound systems, make music, design gig posters, and even work the door or the bar.

Each of these people is likely to be in the music business and can help you get a gig!

Cost to become a DJ

It's possible to find cheaper options, but nothing will help you start DJing faster than a high-quality setup. DJing is a lot of work even if you don't have a DJ set up.

Here are the 3 main expenses for becoming a DJ:

• Equipment

• Lessons

• Song Licenses

You still need to practice your sets and learn how to mix.

You don't need anything fancy, but you must have a computer that can run software that runs in the background.

You also need the ability to spin vinyls!

Pads and an MP3 player are also very important. If you have a spare computer and an audio interface, you can start DJing with a few different software tools.

#1. Equipment Costs

Make sure you have a computer that can run software that runs in the background.

5 DJ equipment you'll need to begin your journey:

1. Decent computer

2. Mixing board

3. Mixing software

4. Headphones

5. Speakers and subwoofers (optional)

How much do DJs make?

To become a superstar DJ you need to pay for your equipment.

With a spare PC, a few different software tools can help get you going!

Many stores like Long & McQuade sell mixing boards, but check out Amazon or eBay as well!

The best DJ training programs are online, but you’ll also need to spend a lot of time in clubs or private settings practicing your skills.

A typical club DJ walks into the club and has the mixer ready for them.

Mixers allow you to choose between two or more music sources and combine them with effects, such as beat slicers and filters.

Nothing will help you start DJing faster than a good setup.

You still need to work on your sets and learn how to mix and mix, though.

The best way to get started is by finding a local DJ friend who is willing to help you get started.

How to find a DJ coach:

1. Search "clubs near me" on Google

2. Enter the clubs on Instagram

3. Check their posts for their tagged DJ

4. Follow the DJ and build rapport

These days many club DJs use technology to make their craft more accessible to people who want to become a DJ.

#2. Lessons Costs

Learning how to DJ is hard. It's not something you can just shove into your head and be done with it.

How long does it take to get good at something?

If you want to become a DJ, you have to spend a lot of time learning how to DJ.

It will cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars to get better at being a DJ.

Top DJs use them to improve their skills.

Consider becoming a mobile DJ!

Mobile DJs make a decent amount of money, and mobile DJs make their money from home!

DJs earn only relative to their skills.

The highest-paid DJs have the highest skills - so increase yours!

You might consider hiring a DJ coach to show you the ins and outs, you'll save so much time!

Now tea gets me onto my next point.

#3. Music Licensing costs

To play music for money if you didn't make the music, you need to buy the songs.

Beatport is a site where DJs can buy music to play at events. I think it's great.

Most of the DJs play music at random and don't have a setlist of songs to play.

A lot of times if you're not drunk, people like to listen to all of the new hit songs.

When they're drunk, people will dance to the cheesiest songs ever. 😂

Sometimes, we have to look at the people who are there and decide whether or not to play music.

You should buy licensing for a variety of music and genres, just to make sure everything is accounted for.

Some club DJs make their remixes and play them, as well as remixes made by other club DJs!

Not a bad idea to play royalty-free music as well, just make sure it's catchy.

If you produce your music, it should be added to their playlists to see how people react to the new track and even to make it a hit.

Becoming a DJ at 30+ years old

To become a DJ, you'll need to know how to make sounds that work with other musicians!

Can you be a DJ when you're over 30?

You can be a DJ at any age but as you get older, keep up with current music and cultural trends. This lets you connect with the younger club crowd and leads to more gigs!

DJing is not just for people who are rich and well-known.

It's not just about how much money DJs make, you also must consider your music producer skills.

Your music production skills need to be good. If you're a DJ playing crap music, or simply a beginner DJ then you won't make anything per hour.

It isn't unusual for a DJ to work three to four hours a day and still have another job.

People who want to be DJs should do what they enjoy, have a positive attitude, and play good music to be successful.

You'll also need to be able to pick up on things in the room, like the mood of the crowd, the type of music you're playing, and how your audience reacts.

Ideally, you can find a promoter to help you in the beginning with selling tickets, as you build your following.

There are many ways to find these people.

Instagram is the most popular way.

Most DJs belong to clubs or events that already have people to play for.

At these places, you should look for club DJs who play the music that you like.

how much do electronic dance music DJs make?

Do EDM DJs make as much as hip-hop DJs?

Today, EDM DJs are paid the most. DJs who play in the Techno, Deep, and Tech House for a 2-3-hour set can make anywhere from $5K to $20K, depending on the stage of their tour and the venue size.

Is it based on the DJ's experience and how well they're known in the scene?

Every aspiring DJ duo wants to be a millionaire, but sadly there aren't that many superstar DJs.

The more music they make or work with, the more valuable they become in the scene.

You can pretty much rely on the popularity of the music they make or spin to figure out how much money they are worth.

It does vary from state to state and country to country, but the combination of ability and popularity always works together every time.

How much do DJs get paid at Tomorrowland?

The goal for every DJ in the music industry is to eventually perform at Tomorrowland!

How much does Tomorrowland pay their DJs?

DJs can make more than $100,000 a night at some Tomorrow, but it's not always the case. Smaller artists make between 50k-70k performing at Tomorrowland, which is not bad for one night!

That being said... Most DJs aren't hired for Tomorrowland.

Preferences are given more weight to the uniqueness and popularity of the DJ.

You can send your festival mixes through the "The Sound of Tomorrow" site!

How much do Ibiza DJs get paid?

How much do DJs make playing in Ibiza?

The success of your DJing in Ibiza is based on how well-known you were before you went there. some Ibiza DJs get paid from US$20 to US$1,000 an hour, and others make 6 figures or more.

Even for the biggest DJs, it's rarely the same.

There are always new people who want a piece of the Ibiza pie.

In the end, it still takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and a real love for music to make things happen.

9 Highest Paid DJs in the music industry 

If you want to know "how much DJs make" then look at the top.

Club DJs' earnings pale in comparison to those of top-level professional DJs.

9 highest-earning DJs in the world are:

• Marshmello

• Diplo

• Zedd

• Afrojack

• Skrillex

• David Guetta

• Steve Aoki

• Tiesto

• Calvin Harris

These are the highest-paid DJs in the world, and they make a crap ton!

The best dance recordings and songs come from these guys!

#9. Marshmello ($40 million net worth)

He is known as the Marshmello because he was born in 1992 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Marshmello's wealth is more than $40 million.

During shows, he is known for having a big marshmallow-shaped head that looks ahead.

His debut album titled "Joytime" took this guy to stardom!

These DJs earn 7 figures!

For a while, people didn't know who he was. Now, every dance recording he has is mega-famous.

He made $21 million in the 12 months before June 2017, Forbes lists him on their annual list of the world's highest-paid DJs.

Marshmello is one of the best DJs performing these days.

A wicked record producer, with the best dance recording skills out there!

#8. Diplo ($40 million net worth)

In the US, Diplo (Thomas Wesley Pentz) is one of the most dynamic and talented musical geniuses in the country, gaining international praise.

DJs earn money per hour, but Diplo earns per song and per set.

Major Lazer is the name of a project started by this American rapper, musician, singer, and songwriter.

Major Lazer's first album had a lot of Jamaican dancehall influences and made mash-up mixtapes.

It wasn't long before he was known as a master of electronic dance music in Philadelphia!

#7. Zedd ($50 million net worth)

Anton Zaslavski is a Russian/German record producer, a DJ, and a musician who plays a lot of different instruments.

Zedd has a net worth of $50 million as of 2022.

Zedd is best known for making music that is very hard to listen to.

His first single, "Spectrum," climbed to the top of the "Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs" chart, making him an instant hit.

Many DJs want to be like this famous DJ.

His single with Selena Gomez, "I Want You to Know," came out in February of 2015 and was nominated for "Choice Party Song" at the Teen Choice Awards!

#6. Afrojack ($60 million net worth)

One of Afrojack's Grammy Awards is for Best Remix of Madonna's "Revolver."

Afrojack has a net worth of $60 million, which is a lot of money!

The other Grammy Award is for Best Rap/Hip Hop Track for his work on Chris Brown's "Look At Me Now."

In 2012, he started his "Jacked" tour in North America with sold-out shows featuring his growing group of Wall artists.

This DJ plays bangers all the time! Many DJs strive to be like Afrojack.

Then, he did the same thing in Europe.

#5. Skrillex ($80 million)

Hyper-digital jazz is what Skrillex does.

It's all about the improvised and the unknown, but it also makes electronic storms that can't be imagined.

Skrillex has a fortune of $80 million.

Sonny John Moore is an established DJ, starting at local gigs but is now producing music with the likes of Justin Bieber.

Skrillex makes more than five figures a show, which is a lot of money.

DJs earn lots of money, but Skrillex blows them out of the water.

Skrillex is always playing music and is one of the, if not the largest American DJs.

It's all about community, creativity, and commitment for the 24-year-old electronic artist.

He started at a warehouse party in Los Angeles and now has a big part in the modern zeitgeist.

Bonus: Skrillex founded the record label that creates famous DJs such as Marshmello!

#4. Steve Aoki ($130 Million)

Steve Aoki is a well-known DJ and record producer in the United States who was born in Miami, FL.

He has a net worth of $130 million.

As an American DJ, Steve Aoki ain't no wedding DJ.

With the help of his friends at college, he made his record label called "Dim Mak."

It released music by bands like "The Bloody Beetroots."

The acrobatic stunts that he did on stage made him famous.

He toured with different artists and put on shows across the United States, Canada, China, and Japan, where he became well-known.

He is the person who started the "Steve Aoki Charitable Fund," which helps people in need and does medical research.

#3. David Guetta ($160 million)

During the early 2000s, a group of top DJs who mixed Daft Punk-style house music with a little bit of electroclash made a name for themselves.

David Guetta was at the top of the group.

He's always featured in DJ mag as a mobile DJ.

David Guetta has a net worth of $160 million!

During the late 2000s, the EDM boom, One Love, and Nothing But the Beat were two of the most popular songs in the world.

It was in 2020 that he came out with his first album, New Rave, and teamed up with Sia to make "Let's Love," which was a big hit around the world.

#2. Tiesto ($180 million net worth)

He was born Tijs Michiel Verwest on January 17, 1969, and he is a Dutch DJ.

Tiesto is now worth $170 million.

DJ mag reposts Tiesto all the time!

A Dutch DJ and record producer of electronic dance music, he is also known as a DJ. "World's No. 1 DJ" was the title he held from 2002 to 2004.

At the 2004 Olympics, he was the first DJ to play live on stage at an Olympics.

His remixed recording, non-classical, was named Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the 57th Grammy Awards.

Tiesto changed the definition of how much DJs make.

#1. Calvin Harris ($300 million net worth)

It's Calvin Harris at the #1 spot.

Calvin Harris is rich, he has a net worth of $300 million.

He is a Scottish DJ, singer, songwriter, and producer who lives in Scotland.

Later, he was signed by the Three Six Zero Group, which made him a member.

It's a lot of Harris' money comes from royalties from his music.

Calvin Harris is not a mobile DJ, but if he was... How would that change how much DJs make?

In addition, he makes a lot of money by performing at different events.

It has been said that Harris makes about $400,000 per show! 

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