DJs are needed across a variety of jobs – of which performance and pay are dependent on venue, location, and what you need to do.
The average salary of a DJ will be determined by a lot of factors, some of which are the venue and the geographical area of where the DJ is playing, the experience level of the DJ, the length of time the DJ will be playing, and a few more.
That said, how much do DJs make? Let’s find out!
How much do DJs make on average?
By Event
DJs can find quality Gigs in the wedding industry, bars, clubs, lounges, modern restaurants, and on radio stations.
As reported by the bureau of labor statistics, “DJs earn an average of $31,990 annually.”
The top 10% earned up to $72,500 annually, while the lowest 10% earned up to $16,590.
Club DJs and wedding DJs would probably earn more figures than the average annual wages, according to BLS. But let’s get more detailed.
Radio DJs
Getting a job as a radio DJ can be extremely difficult. Radio DJing is much more than spinning records and taking listeners’ requests. Today, radio Djs host radio talk shows, interview guests, and discuss the latest happenings in town.
As would be expected, a radio DJ in larger cities earns more than their counterparts in smaller cities.
According to Ziprecruiter, the average salary of a radio DJ in the United States is $58,320, with more reputable radio DJs earning more.
Wedding DJs
On average, the nightly wages for wedding DJ is between $800 to $2000 in 2019, according to a recent weddingdjprices.org report. This cost covers four to six hours of playing, including the time dedicated to setting up and closing the event.
Wedding DJs will schedule a pre-wedding meeting with the couple to discuss the necessary wedding arrangements and the couple’s choice of playlists.
Club DJs
The average rate for club, restaurant, or lounge DJs varies depending on venue and location.
On average, the average annual salary of a club DJ for a nightly set, depending on expertise and experience, is $46,461, as reported by ziprecruiter.
Most times, clubs and lounges pay DJs a commission per night, depending on how much the establishment earned that night.
Freelance DJs usually get these gigs. The club or lounge supplies the needed sound equipment.
House party DJs
House party DJs must manage their expectations because they are probably not going to make much money.
A house party DJ will make an average of $50-$100 per hour in large cities like Miami, NYC, or Los Angeles.
A DJ playing up to 4 hours could easily make $200-$400 in large cities. House party DJ in small towns would make less money (on average $30-$60 per hour)
Again like wedding DJs, you might be required to get your own working equipment, including speakers, controller, and more.
Mobile DJs
Mobile DJs are usually outgoing, personable individuals with creative and public-speaking skills.
They either work independently or become employees of entertainment companies.
Working hours for mobile DJs are typically flexible but mostly fall between nights and weekends because parties or weddings are often fixed during these times.
Most mobile DJs work part-time and only use the job to generate extra income.
According to PayScale, the average hourly rate for the mobile DJ is $38.59; however, this figure may vary depending on the personal charges of a DJ. Tips and bonuses may also increase the rate.
According to the bureau of labor statistics, the average salary of all types of announcers, including a mobile DJ is $32,000.
The top 10% earned up to $83,000 annually, while the annual salary of the lowest 10% is up to $18,000.
The BLS further stated the possibility of a 5% decrease in employment for all types of announcers.
But these statistics may be more geared towards radio DJs and TV announcers than mobile DJs.
The rush for the service of mobile DJs at birthday parties, weddings, and other occasions would stay the same.
How much do DJ make- By location
The average wage of a DJ in the United States is $13.07 per hour, which is 57% less than the national average.
Their salaries range from between $8.60 per hour to $19.85 per hour.
According to career explorer, here is a detailed average earnings of DJs in different states.
How much do DJs in Ibiza make?
In Ibiza, the average hourly wage of a DJ is $35 per hour. But an experienced professional with a solid reputation could earn as high as $55.
I know that seems low but remember these are the averages! The big names such as Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and others earn much more more than the average.
Las Vegas
How much do DJs make in Las Vegas?
The average hourly wage of DJs in Las Vegas is $24.68. However, professional and experienced DJs in Las Vegas earn as high as $49.36 per hour.
New York
How much do DJs make in New York?
The average hourly wage of DJs in New York is $17.17. However, depending on experience and reputation, New York DJs earn as high as $50.92 per hour.
Pennsylvania
How much do DJs make in Pennsylvania?
On average, DJs in Pennsylvania earn an hourly wage of $19.94. However, salaries start at $9.44 per hour and go as high as $42.15 per hour.
Hawaii
How much do DJs in Hawaii make?
The average hourly wage of DJs in Hawaii is $22.61. However, salaries can go as high as $35.28 per hour, depending on the DJs reputation.
Massachusetts
How much do DJs in Massachusetts make?
The average hourly wage of DJs in Massachusetts is $17.65. However, salaries generally start from $9.44 per hour and go as high as $51.61 per hour (for experienced professionals)
New Jersey
How much do DJs make in New Jersey?
The average hourly wage of DJs in New Jersey is $23.17. However, salaries start from $11.15 per hour and go as high as $50.92 per hour.
Wisconsin
How much do DJs make in Wisconsin?
The average hourly wage of DJs in Wisconsin is $18.35. Salaries typically begin from $8.53 per hour. DJs with a solid reputation earn as high as $45.32 per hour.
Washington
How much do DJs make in Washington?
The average hourly wage of DJs in Washington is $21.38. Salaries generally range from $11.93 per hour to $28.64 per hour.
Ohio
How much do DJs make in Ohio?
DJs in Ohio earn an average of $15.72 per hour, while those with a solid reputation make up to $24.38 per hour.
Idaho
How much do DJs in Idaho make?
The average hourly wage of DJs in Idaho is $17.49, with the highest DJs earning up to $36.94 per hour.
California
How much do DJs in California make?
The average hourly wage of DJs in California is $14.35. Salaries generally range from $10.73 per hour to $34.46 per hour.
North Dakota
How much do DJs make in North Dakota?
The average hourly rate of DJs in North Dakota is $15.09. Salaries start from $9.54 per hour to $36.09 per hour.
West Virginia
How much do DJs make in West Virginia?
The average hourly rate of DJs in West Virginia is $13.20. They earn as low as $10.10 per hour and as high as $31.23 per hour.
Arizona
How much do DJs in Arizona make?
The average hourly wage of DJs in Arizona is $17.92. Salaries start from $14.87 per hour and go as high as $21.59 per hour.
Florida
How much do DJs make in Florida?
Florida DJs make an average of $11.60 per hour. Their estimated salary starts from $8.70 per hour and goes as high as $24.25 per hour.
Minnesota
How much do DJs make in Minnesota?
The average hourly wage of DJs in Minnesota is $16.13. They typically earn a minimum of $9.88 per hour and up to a maximum of $26.60 per hour.
Nevada
How much do DJs make in Nevada?
The average hourly wage of DJs in Nevada is $15.17, with top DJs earning up to $25.16 per hour.
North Carolina
How much do DJs make in North Carolina?
DJs in North Carolina make an average of $11.65 per hour. Their estimated wage starts at $7.99 per hour and goes as high as $26.73 per hour.
Colorado
How much do DJs make in Colorado?
The average hourly wage of DJs in Colorado is $13.29. Salaries generally range from $10.62 per hour to $24.26 per hour.
Oregon
How much do DJs make in Oregon?
The average hourly earnings of DJs in Oregon is $11.36. Salaries generally range from $10.33 per hour to $20.79 per hour.
Which state has the highest-paid DJs?
Las Vegas is the state with the highest-paid DJs in the United States, with an average salary of $24 per hour and go as high as $50/hour for an experienced professional. States like Oregon have the lowest with an average $11 per hour rate.
