dickie100
Please forgive me for my consistent amount of questions. But how much are DJ's paid these days? Is it true it varies depending on the area? I'm based in the Midlands, UK.
Posted Sun 09 Oct 11 @ 7:33 pm
SBDJ
It depends on many many things, not least of which is the market you target.
Posted Sun 09 Oct 11 @ 9:26 pm
Rickd423
It really just depends on your area/market & what style of music you play & the types of clients that you deal with.....For example when I started out less than a year ago I had a friend who has been doing it since I was a kid he was charging $150 tops for 5 hours because here in my area & the types of clients we deal with they will try & talk you down so u know sometimes we would do it for $120 & then here about 3 months ago I told him that I will not even put the speakers in my car for less than $200 & I told him anything over 4 hours is $50 more an hour...I am not in desperate need of the money because I don't live off of my dj money it HELPS A LOT but I just got tired of ppl trying to talk me down. I lost a wedding at the beginning of September because I told them that my fee is $200 for up to 4 hours & they wanted me to come down some because they only wanted me for 3 hours....I told them that even if there event is 3 hours that I will be working an extra 2 hours because I have to load everything up drive there unload, setup, play the music, break it back down, load it back up & then unload it & put everything up in my house so I'm sorry I think $200 is a very reasonable price for all that is involved...I said it in a respectful way but I'm sure they went with someone a lot cheaper....but oh well..
Posted Sun 09 Oct 11 @ 9:36 pm
jbart19
It would be foolish to say there is a set standard rate because events are different, areas have different expectations, competition, and your own personal skills will dictate what you can charge.
Don't over charge for your skill level and equipment, but also do not low-ball your prices as it is a bit of an insult to other working DJs if you pull down the prices for everyone.
Typically a bar or pub gig will pay less than a private event or wedding. But different types of events give you different opportunities and levels of responsibility so don't discount something just because it pays less - sometimes you can learn a lot about your style and other aspects of the business and those insights can be just as useful as cash.
In my area prices can fluctuate drastically based on the venue and the skills and reputation of the DJ
For example bar/pub/club gigs can range anywhere from $100 - $500 a night depending on if it is a neighborhood bar or a downtown club and the skills or following you can bring to the venue. That would be a typical setup time from 10pm ->2am.
Private events and weddings are a whole different animal. Quotes for those events in my area generally begin at 4hrs in length as a standard and range anywhere from $300 -> $1800 with most people charging $500->$1000 depending on reputation, equipment and if they are doing more than just music like lighting other effects.
We are in a relatively "middle of the road" part of the country probably a little on the lower end as far as pricing is concerned.
The best thing to do is feel out your local market - see if you can find advertisements for DJs in your area and get a consensus based on what you bring to the table without undercutting the local market norms.
Good Luck :)
Don't over charge for your skill level and equipment, but also do not low-ball your prices as it is a bit of an insult to other working DJs if you pull down the prices for everyone.
Typically a bar or pub gig will pay less than a private event or wedding. But different types of events give you different opportunities and levels of responsibility so don't discount something just because it pays less - sometimes you can learn a lot about your style and other aspects of the business and those insights can be just as useful as cash.
In my area prices can fluctuate drastically based on the venue and the skills and reputation of the DJ
For example bar/pub/club gigs can range anywhere from $100 - $500 a night depending on if it is a neighborhood bar or a downtown club and the skills or following you can bring to the venue. That would be a typical setup time from 10pm ->2am.
Private events and weddings are a whole different animal. Quotes for those events in my area generally begin at 4hrs in length as a standard and range anywhere from $300 -> $1800 with most people charging $500->$1000 depending on reputation, equipment and if they are doing more than just music like lighting other effects.
We are in a relatively "middle of the road" part of the country probably a little on the lower end as far as pricing is concerned.
The best thing to do is feel out your local market - see if you can find advertisements for DJs in your area and get a consensus based on what you bring to the table without undercutting the local market norms.
Good Luck :)
Posted Mon 10 Oct 11 @ 12:59 am
dickie100
This is a regular questions which comes across my mind very often.
Should I charge per night OR, per hour?
Like 4hrs £25 each. Leading me up to around £100 a night.
OR... Just a ultimate price at the end of the night after working out my traveling costs etc?
Should I charge per night OR, per hour?
Like 4hrs £25 each. Leading me up to around £100 a night.
OR... Just a ultimate price at the end of the night after working out my traveling costs etc?
Posted Mon 10 Oct 11 @ 5:40 am
jbart19
You have to remember when you do your pricing there is more involved than just the time you spend at the venue. You need to factor in, travel, setup, breakdown, practice time, event planning, client meetings(if any), time you spend and money you spend getting up to date music, and possibly several other factors.
so if you want to get paid $25/hour ( sorry don't have the GBP sign on keyboard) you need to at least double the number of hours the event will take to be compensated properly the add a percentage of your equipment costs.
Lets say you depreciate your equipment over 3 years. to use round numbers we will say all of your equipment including music collection costs you $6,000. $2000 for speakers, $1000 for a controller and cables, $1,000 for a laptop and $2,000 for music. This is pretend y'all so don't look at the low $ for the music and bitch at me ok ;)
And lets say for every hour you play at events you have at least 1 hour, ( more likely more) that you spend on other DJ related business.
Now lets say you are decently popular to be starting out and are able to book a 4hr event every other weekend. so 26 events a year
($2000 for equipment/26 events) = $80 per event for equipment + travel so $100 per event minimum for equipment and travel then $25 per hout time 8 for the number of hours you actually work for that event = $200
Total $300
So your minimum average rate would need to be $300 per event in order to make the hourly wage you are seeking and pay off your equipment - now some costs continually accrue like adding to your music collection and others will eventually disappear like paying off a good set of speakers. you may be able to pay off a good set of speakers in 3 years and use them for 5 or 6 or longer. That is where your eventual profit comes in to buy replacement gear.
Now if you only book once a month you have to account for almost $200 in equipment cost or get lesser gear- which will mean you get fewer contracts, can charge less etc.
Figuring out your price has a lot of variables.
so if you want to get paid $25/hour ( sorry don't have the GBP sign on keyboard) you need to at least double the number of hours the event will take to be compensated properly the add a percentage of your equipment costs.
Lets say you depreciate your equipment over 3 years. to use round numbers we will say all of your equipment including music collection costs you $6,000. $2000 for speakers, $1000 for a controller and cables, $1,000 for a laptop and $2,000 for music. This is pretend y'all so don't look at the low $ for the music and bitch at me ok ;)
And lets say for every hour you play at events you have at least 1 hour, ( more likely more) that you spend on other DJ related business.
Now lets say you are decently popular to be starting out and are able to book a 4hr event every other weekend. so 26 events a year
($2000 for equipment/26 events) = $80 per event for equipment + travel so $100 per event minimum for equipment and travel then $25 per hout time 8 for the number of hours you actually work for that event = $200
Total $300
So your minimum average rate would need to be $300 per event in order to make the hourly wage you are seeking and pay off your equipment - now some costs continually accrue like adding to your music collection and others will eventually disappear like paying off a good set of speakers. you may be able to pay off a good set of speakers in 3 years and use them for 5 or 6 or longer. That is where your eventual profit comes in to buy replacement gear.
Now if you only book once a month you have to account for almost $200 in equipment cost or get lesser gear- which will mean you get fewer contracts, can charge less etc.
Figuring out your price has a lot of variables.
Posted Mon 10 Oct 11 @ 6:12 am
ianmelville
Also like jbart said don’t forget to make sure you are covered by the right insurance and licenses, which will also add costs to you.
Posted Mon 10 Oct 11 @ 6:43 am
Charlie Wilson
rd423 wrote :
It really just depends on your area/market & what style of music you play & the types of clients that you deal with.....For example when I started out less than a year ago I had a friend who has been doing it since I was a kid he was charging $150 tops for 5 hours because here in my area & the types of clients we deal with they will try & talk you down so u know sometimes we would do it for $120 & then here about 3 months ago I told him that I will not even put the speakers in my car for less than $200 & I told him anything over 4 hours is $50 more an hour...I am not in desperate need of the money because I don't live off of my dj money it HELPS A LOT but I just got tired of ppl trying to talk me down. I lost a wedding at the beginning of September because I told them that my fee is $200 for up to 4 hours & they wanted me to come down some because they only wanted me for 3 hours....I told them that even if there event is 3 hours that I will be working an extra 2 hours because I have to load everything up drive there unload, setup, play the music, break it back down, load it back up & then unload it & put everything up in my house so I'm sorry I think $200 is a very reasonable price for all that is involved...I said it in a respectful way but I'm sure they went with someone a lot cheaper....but oh well..
This is the professional way, well done.
You will loose booking but overhaul you will re-coupe your losses over the course of a year and you'll be working in better environments.
@ Dickie,
I'm don't give to many in depth answers and this is another example:
You charge by the night, period!
For a noob like you in the UK right now your looking at about £100
Charge an hourly rate for each extra hour they want you to work, e.g. £30ph
Invest every penny you earn, make sure you seek advise from us first and try to buy quality used.
I don't want to hear you talking about Numark speakers again lol, Seriously I can sort you out if you get that desperate, pm me for my number and give me a call when your ready to make purchases and put a rig together.
Posted Mon 10 Oct 11 @ 8:17 am
djsherz
Get friendly with your local disco shop - not only will a decent dealer be happy to give you advice on what the local area is like, and give discounts on package deals, he may even be able to put a little work your way.
Posted Mon 10 Oct 11 @ 10:20 am
rob.mccombe
Hi,
I am from the east midlands and i charge £150 a night
Mostly i dj for private functions and most of these finish around midnight.
I find that this is the best money that can be earned around my area but only for private functions.
The local clubs and bars want to pay less than that so i just stick where the money is.
I once got asked to do karaoke on a thursday night at a local pub and i said yeah im up for that until they told me they only wanted to pay £80.
I am from the east midlands and i charge £150 a night
Mostly i dj for private functions and most of these finish around midnight.
I find that this is the best money that can be earned around my area but only for private functions.
The local clubs and bars want to pay less than that so i just stick where the money is.
I once got asked to do karaoke on a thursday night at a local pub and i said yeah im up for that until they told me they only wanted to pay £80.
Posted Mon 10 Oct 11 @ 11:21 am
Charlie Wilson
Your in a prime location Rob you should be able to get more than that, hell my deposits are £150.
I live in know-where-vill amidst sheep n cows!
I live in know-where-vill amidst sheep n cows!
Posted Mon 10 Oct 11 @ 11:44 am
Tear Em 'Up
As Scott pointed out, there are a lot of variables. The short answer is, what is your time worth, to you? No one decides how much value your time but you.
Posted Mon 10 Oct 11 @ 3:01 pm
Abbey Lane
Anyone offering packages?
Posted Mon 10 Oct 11 @ 9:04 pm
eapresley1935
Hi Guys,
I,ve only been freelance for the past five years, and gettin a bit long in the tooth at the same time. I'm based on the south coast of East Sussex, Uk.
And therefore only have in the region of 180 degrees of catchment area making life just that bit more challenging.
As a rule of thumb I have a set price for a four hour set, and an hourly rate for each or part thereof after the contracted time. I also would add on a mileage over fifteen miles, and also would consider parking and dinner.
Within fifteen miles radius:-
Monday to Thursday £125.00
Friday £160.00
Saturday £180.00
Wedding packages start from £300.00
These are my starting prices, and are definately not negotiable, they can go up if extras are requested such as Bubbles, Smoke, projections screens and VDJing. But never down. Deps are always taken and balance paid before the event is completed.
Regular pubs pay the same price for a one off booking. The only exception being a contract block booking, then I would consider a reduction on the mid week pricing. I wouldn't be interested in the same venue every Friday or Saturday when there is such a bouyant market in the private sector all to keen to book a decent DJ for there function.
Hope this helps
My prices are due to be revised for 2012 anyway as I have been using the above for over two years without increase. So I'm definately under pricing myself at mo (for what I believe my show is worth), with cost of living and fuel etc:
I,ve only been freelance for the past five years, and gettin a bit long in the tooth at the same time. I'm based on the south coast of East Sussex, Uk.
And therefore only have in the region of 180 degrees of catchment area making life just that bit more challenging.
As a rule of thumb I have a set price for a four hour set, and an hourly rate for each or part thereof after the contracted time. I also would add on a mileage over fifteen miles, and also would consider parking and dinner.
Within fifteen miles radius:-
Monday to Thursday £125.00
Friday £160.00
Saturday £180.00
Wedding packages start from £300.00
These are my starting prices, and are definately not negotiable, they can go up if extras are requested such as Bubbles, Smoke, projections screens and VDJing. But never down. Deps are always taken and balance paid before the event is completed.
Regular pubs pay the same price for a one off booking. The only exception being a contract block booking, then I would consider a reduction on the mid week pricing. I wouldn't be interested in the same venue every Friday or Saturday when there is such a bouyant market in the private sector all to keen to book a decent DJ for there function.
Hope this helps
My prices are due to be revised for 2012 anyway as I have been using the above for over two years without increase. So I'm definately under pricing myself at mo (for what I believe my show is worth), with cost of living and fuel etc:
Posted Tue 11 Oct 11 @ 2:46 am
WWDJdk
When I'm out, I offer 2 types of setup...
1. A 4-5 hours gig starting at 5000 dkr / £586,21 / $916,31
or
2. A 12 hours gig (incl. dinner music) starting at 8000 dkr / £937,94 / $1466,09
These are the basic solutions, then if people like a bigger sound setup, more lights etc., the fee goes up. But all is incl. (transport, setting up and so on)
People likes the 12 hour gig a lot, and when this year has past, I'll be on my 121 gig this year (by the look of my calender so far)
1. A 4-5 hours gig starting at 5000 dkr / £586,21 / $916,31
or
2. A 12 hours gig (incl. dinner music) starting at 8000 dkr / £937,94 / $1466,09
These are the basic solutions, then if people like a bigger sound setup, more lights etc., the fee goes up. But all is incl. (transport, setting up and so on)
People likes the 12 hour gig a lot, and when this year has past, I'll be on my 121 gig this year (by the look of my calender so far)
Posted Tue 11 Oct 11 @ 8:59 am
tayla
And you still can't find a reason to invest in VDJ Pro....
Posted Tue 11 Oct 11 @ 9:14 am
jbart19
bazinga!
Posted Tue 11 Oct 11 @ 9:44 am
dickie100
So it's best to do only a minimum of 2 hours etc? To make it worth while? Unless it's local. Yeah, pay outs to cover the equipment make sense.
Are there any websites to register online for licenses etc?
I will possibly charge approx £30+ an hour.
Would you say you have to be a pro to charge £150 a night?
I can see the sense in also charging by distance, dinner? I think half of the time I'd head through the drive thru of McDonald's any how, after a hard nights work. On the way home. =')
Does charging £500 work? Seems very tiring to be doing it all that time, but is a HUGE INCOME!
I will buy VDJ... it's just no use to me now, if I'm not using it as it's intended for yet, which is for career use.
Posted Tue 11 Oct 11 @ 11:36 am
WWDJdk
Should i understand this as, if I'm not buying VDJ Pro, I can't be allow to post an answer to a question in the forum ?
If so, it's a sad world of censorship we live in...
If so, it's a sad world of censorship we live in...
Posted Tue 11 Oct 11 @ 12:26 pm
djnutz
When you post here, many, myself included, assume you are using the Virtual DJ software.
Posts are welcomed by ANYONE regardless of which version of the software you are using. The criticism comes when someone downloads the Free Home Version or an ILLEGAL cracked or pirated copy then goes out and performs publicly. This could be a gig for a neighborhood block party or in a big nightclub, or anything in between. It does not matter if you get paid for the gig or not. In order to play "live" for anything other than just yourself, you need at least the LE edition.
You are stating that you have done over 100 gigs this year, yet you haven't registered your Pro serial. There is really only ONE reason a person doesn't register: They haven't purchased a LEGAL Pro license from this website. In my opinion, any DJ who STEALS their software most likely STEALS their media as well. SO, those of us who support this software and its future development by making sure we have PURCHASED and REGISTERED our Pro serial numbers aren't very likely to respect or help someone who is willing to show such DISRESPECT to the software developers and musical artists.
If you have truly done $120,000 worth of gigs, then you certainly should be able to afford a $300 Pro Serial.
Posts are welcomed by ANYONE regardless of which version of the software you are using. The criticism comes when someone downloads the Free Home Version or an ILLEGAL cracked or pirated copy then goes out and performs publicly. This could be a gig for a neighborhood block party or in a big nightclub, or anything in between. It does not matter if you get paid for the gig or not. In order to play "live" for anything other than just yourself, you need at least the LE edition.
djppdkk wrote :
When I'm out, I offer 2 types of setup...
1. A 4-5 hours gig starting at 5000 dkr / £586,21 / $916,31
or
2. A 12 hours gig (incl. dinner music) starting at 8000 dkr / £937,94 / $1466,09
These are the basic solutions, then if people like a bigger sound setup, more lights etc., the fee goes up. But all is incl. (transport, setting up and so on)
People likes the 12 hour gig a lot, and when this year has past, I'll be on my 121 gig this year (by the look of my calender so far)
1. A 4-5 hours gig starting at 5000 dkr / £586,21 / $916,31
or
2. A 12 hours gig (incl. dinner music) starting at 8000 dkr / £937,94 / $1466,09
These are the basic solutions, then if people like a bigger sound setup, more lights etc., the fee goes up. But all is incl. (transport, setting up and so on)
People likes the 12 hour gig a lot, and when this year has past, I'll be on my 121 gig this year (by the look of my calender so far)
You are stating that you have done over 100 gigs this year, yet you haven't registered your Pro serial. There is really only ONE reason a person doesn't register: They haven't purchased a LEGAL Pro license from this website. In my opinion, any DJ who STEALS their software most likely STEALS their media as well. SO, those of us who support this software and its future development by making sure we have PURCHASED and REGISTERED our Pro serial numbers aren't very likely to respect or help someone who is willing to show such DISRESPECT to the software developers and musical artists.
If you have truly done $120,000 worth of gigs, then you certainly should be able to afford a $300 Pro Serial.
Posted Tue 11 Oct 11 @ 12:48 pm
