Money, how much money.

[Dwonka27]

Spin for the grin, not the green.

1000000000++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++

[Patch]

All this talk of pay is getting me down.

It's not worth worrying about when you're starting out.

TRUST ME - you're gonna get robbed more than once. Promoters will bail out before you finish up, you'll get a bill from the bar for your "free" drinks, your cut from the door will be held back because the door "didn't cover the cost of the gear hire"... The list goes on.

Go into it with your eyes open - but don't think you'll turn up, play records and walk out with a pocket full of cash.

[victoryrisen]

OP,

To answer your question, for local events: $100 max, significantly more if you're a "brand" or a bigger DJ in the area; but expect to do shows for free if you're an unknown and/or smaller DJ.

For travel events: Gas cost + plus hotel cost (if applicable) + food cost + (maybe) some extra (for a profit); ex: I'm a resident at a bigger place about 4 hours from my home; I charge $150 because that's what it cost's to get up there and back home, and I decide not to (ask for more and) take a profit because they helped me break into the scene and build my "brand"

For "Special" events: Travel costs (if any) + how ever much you think is fair/what you can get. Ex: DJing a wedding won't cost you $1000 to DJ, but people are willing to pay that for a wedding DJ, because it's an expected industry standard. Also, I'm going to put on a "rave" for a frat in another city and school; the travel cost will be about $100, but I'll make $250, because I've done an event with them before and I know they'll pay that.

[IznremiX]

All this talk of pay is getting me down.

It's not worth worrying about when you're starting out.

TRUST ME - you're gonna get robbed more than once. Promoters will bail out before you finish up, you'll get a bill from the bar for your "free" drinks, your cut from the door will be held back because the door "didn't cover the cost of the gear hire"... The list goes on.

Go into it with your eyes open - but don't think you'll turn up, play records and walk out with a pocket full of cash.

very true. its important to take these experiences and learn from them though. when dealing with clubs/promoters, be sure the terms are clearly set out. also, always always always always always have a close friend doing cash at the door if your hosting your own event

[djchriswoods.co.uk]

Personally I feel that this chart is a little high, but it also depends on the market you are trying to work yourself into.

a little high? someone needs to catch their self on! £150-£350 a night is pretty standard here depending on venue for a gig of about 4 hours....theres a reccession on ya know...

[sss18734]

a little high? someone needs to catch their self on! £150-£350 a night is pretty standard here depending on venue for a gig of about 4 hours....theres a reccession on ya know...

Rates are very geographically diverse. It seems that club DJ's in Europe/Australia/NewZealand command substantially better rates than most club DJ's in the US. That chart is certainly wrong for most cities in our market. Local Radio/Pro DJ's do not make more than #2 on that chart.

Here in the midwest, a top local DJ is only bringing home $250-$400 per night, with the high end of that figure being a rarity and during holiday parties. The rest of the mediocre guys average $100-$200.

Are we strictly talking club DJ's here? The game is totally different with mobile DJ's.

[coupon]

$50/hour for starting out

[guiltyblade]

I get about 200-300 a night if I'm playing a club where I'm established. I just moved to SF so I am playing for free now, I have to, but as I get more known and playing less shitty gigs, I up the charge and up reduce where I say I will play.

I don't play where ever anymore. I play where my music fits and where they need me. I want it to be mutual and grow with the club.

[pmf2000]

I do not play for free. I may reduce my fee but my time is valuable to me. If you get nothing now, you will get next to nothing later.

[deevey]

One Hundred Million Dollars