So you’re getting into DJing, you’ve crafted some mixes, performed some sets at house parties or private functions and you may have even played out and about a few times. You might be wondering about whether you can turn this passion into a career.

A natural question to ask therefore is “how much do DJs make per show?”

Tricky question! First and foremost, this depends on what the show is, its size, purpose and your position on the bill.

The good news? Gone are the days where DJs would be expected to play for free. Events are big business and they need DJs to fill slots to help get punters through the doors. The more DJs, the more attendees, the more drinks sales, tickets, etc!

The bad news? You will need to work hard – there’s no way around it!

Overall though, as a DJ, you can expect to get offered something for any show, even if that something is free entry and an opportunity. Being asked to play for free when you start out is to be expected. If you turn free opportunities down, it might hurt your progression. Rest assured, from humble beginnings, it is certainly possible to become a professional DJ.

So, what are the main amounts we can expect from different shows?

1) Local Gigs

Local gigging is the fundamental basis from which you’ll build a repertoire. If you live near lots of clubs, bars and pubs, or small venues, etc, then that’s awesome. You’ll probably already know where to go, or might even know some people who can help you get slots. You could try and approach venues and promoters/organizers yourself in person or by sending them a message, or you could ask a DJ if they want to share a slot in what is called a back-to-back.

Tips:

Opportunities are there for the taking – don’t say no!
Local gigs get you up the ladder, make sure you make an impact with quality sets
Never be afraid to ask

Potential Earnings

Earnings: Local gigs don’t pay much, usually. This stage of DJing is about a love of the game, not about getting paid. With any form of art and media, you don’t jump straight into earning a salary! It’s just the way it is. If you’re offered anything, it’ll be free entry and drinks, maybe travel compensation. Use the opportunities to build a head of steam and momentum, and your confidence. If you’re offered a small amount then be very grateful as this certainly doesn’t happen everywhere. Of course, if the venue is quite upmarket or posh, or perhaps the event is a private function (e.g. a wedding or birthday), then you’re more likely to get paid, even as a beginner.

2) Intermediate Gigs / Local Headliner

Once you’ve climbed the local ladder or have netted yourself some bigger slots elsewhere away from small towns and venues, you can expect to make a little more. Earnings can skyrocket even at this stage but it will take work and promotion. Always create mixes to upload across SoundCloud and MixCloud, send links out, use social media – back yourself! If you’ve got a good reputation building then you can often branch out to paid opportunities like private events or functions, for example, some restaurants might have DJs to perform background music over the course of a night.

Tips:

Perfect the art of mixing and tweak your sets to absolute perfection
Forge a musical signature or creative style
Promote on social media
Message events pages and promoters from bigger town or cities

Potential Earnings

Earnings: Intermediate DJs can ask for hundreds per set. If you’re well known in your area, have a following or small fan-base of those who will follow you to events and have mixes or music uploaded which get good traffic and plays then you’re well on your way to making some cash. Of course, not every opportunity will be paid and you’ll always have to be prepared to make sacrifices to get on the bill at some gigs. Private events can be quite lucrative at this stage so try and market yourself wisely.

3) Well-Known Touring DJ

Beyond the small town headliner is the city DJ who is known by those both circles of DJs and artists and by thousands of fans. DJs who run regular residencies at events and radio shows, etc, can earn really healthy salaries. We’re not talking about fame here, but you will definitely need a large social media presence with thousands of plays/hits and plenty of interaction on your music. This is where you can consider yourself a real professional DJ.

Tips:

Look into music production and contact labels
Contact radio shows for residencies
Consider paid social media promotion

Potential Earnings

Earnings: Earnings per show at this stage can grow hugely. In summer, for example, you may do a few festivals and tons of outside gigs, etc. Over one summer, you could easily make $100,000 or more if you’re a very well known DJ. Of course, it’s a tough journey to the top but some people always have to make it there – who’s to say it can’t be you?

4) World-Wide Fame

Finally, the world famous DJ is a millionaire, it’s as simple as that. The music industry provides for its biggest performers – you’re not asked to perform in front of audiences in the thousands for free!

In fact, DJs like Deadmau5, Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, Carl Cox, etc, can earn over $100,000 for just one two to three-hour set! Repeat that 10 to 30, 40 or even more times just over summer alone…pretty mind-blowing, right?

There will always be a demand for new talent even at the very top of the scene. It’s inevitable that some DJs will reach this tier – it could be you – you just really need to start grafting and go through the gears.

And most importantly, never give up!

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