How much should an amateur DJ charge hourly?
By amateur I don’t mean I’m new it’s more that this is first big thing I’ve gotten asked to do (beside a few small parties I’ve done). It’s and open house for three friends of mine and they plan on inviting our entire senior class so it could be around 200 people. I’m mainly doing it for the exposure but I’d still like to make some money.
House party.
With friends.
Wants money.
Throw out a tip bucket.
I mean you can always talk to the owner of the house/party to see if they’re going to make moeny off it, but I doubt that’s going to work tbh.
If it’s close friends, I usually won’t charge. Just some free liquor and if they are making money off the party I will ask for $50-$100 for my time..
If it is some people I don’t know well, I will charge about 50/hour. They usually complain until the end of the night when they realize I turned the party from typical to “the best party ever”.
If they want to throw you something, let them, but if it’s just a house party with a bunch of good friends, I say you do it for almost nothing. Plus, you will look like a god amongst all the 17 yr old girls there 
And that is priceless. haha
I did a a party for a close friend and asked $40 for a few hours of DJing just because it covers gas + any inconveniences. Obviously 10-13 dollars an hour isnt an actual wage but if its a friend and you want money, ask for a pretty low amount.
I think 40 bucks are a good average.
50 bucks
All depends if they’re making a profit or not, and if you were invited to the party. If they ARE making a substantial profit from the event you should get a payout. If you were not invited to the party other than to DJ, you should also charge a small fee. However, if their goal is to break even at best, and you are a friend who was initially invited to attend the party, I don’t think it would be right to charge them.. take the exposure, give out your number and hope for free beer
I would request a full tank of gas and help moving the equipment. Real friends will realize there is transportation and real labor involved. They’ll probably pay next time.
giving my current situation when ever i am asked to perform for friends i never ask for money… i just ask if i could please get an hour in after the rest of the lineup. i should also state that 2/3 of my friends are musicians.
The good/bad thing is that I’m the only one at my school serious into djing/producing so I often feel a bit alone since people dont know all the artist I talk about
I ask 25 an hour if i dont have to bring lights and sound, at that point its worth going to the party.
What do you mean by X?
House Party Fee
If they’re making money off of the event, ask for 20% of the profit. It’s only fair as having a good Dj definitely takes the party up a few notches. If they’re not making money, a few free drinks and help carrying the equipment is more than enough. Until you have paying bookings to replace those free gigs for friends, play out as often as possible! It’s the easiest way to build your initial following.
