Karaoke Forums

How much do you pay on average a dj with experience to work for you (where you supply all the equipement and its your gig - Reg or private party)?

Do they have to load out?

and how much experience do they have, how much of a show does that dj or kj bring to the venue to make it unique... or are they just spinning discs or tracks?

WAYYYYyyyy too vague a situation for a blanket poll in my opinion!

Ok. on average then. I assume most have a set fee they pay dj's to fill in. myself its $50 to $75.00 to start, and with experience $100.00 plus gas if out of the area. Lets say for this example the individual has experience, all equipment provided. must pickup and return equipment, and its a 4 hour gig. Normal gig.

if they have to pickup and return equipment?

$75-100 depending on how far a trip.

And if they're a local celebrity or have a known reputation, what I would pay would go up, as opposed to some shmoe that knew how to do the same job.

Private parties are another matter... that entirely depends on how much work I'd have to go to, leasing or purchasing specific equipment, music, clothes...

I would not hire an inexperienced DJ for my events. So I have no idea what to pay them.

If I'm hiring for private parties the rate of pay would be $100-$125 for 4 hours.

If I'm hiring for weddings the rate of pay would be $200-$225 for 4 hours.


My basic rule of thumb is 40-50% of the gig fee. I tend to pay higher because I demand quality people. They are doing all the work and paying the gas to and from the gig. If they do an exceptional job or get referrals that result in bookings then I offer a bonus on top of that.

I find that paying more actually pays off in the long run. After they have done several gigs I will kick up it up to 50% and keep it there. It's pure write off for me and allows me to make 50% and not even be there. They are happy and so am I.

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FlipSide Karaoke
Scott

Depends on whether they need to do set up/tear downs. Transfer the equipment from place to place. If they were just going into a full blown set up JUST to host (no moving, set or tear) then they could get anywhere from $75-100 depending on the show. If they are doing more than that it would be more up to 75% of the nights take.

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For professional serviceswe are availablle. The minumum we charge is $300. For a quote please go here I charge 100-700/hr. I have been the master of ceremonies and supply singes for over crowds of over 5000.

We supply pro services at a reasonable price..

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I don't typically have anyone do my karaoke gigs, but I do have DJs that do other shows for me when I'm booked. I typically keep the deposit and they get the rest. I'm not a believer in a DJ taking his own gear out to a show for a company and not getting the bulk of the pay. If they take my gear, they get 50%.

I've done gigs for another company and his pay is 25% of the full amount, and an extra 10% if you use your own gear. That means for a wedding he would book for $750, I would get $262.50, which is completely unacceptable to me. He can't understand why I don't want to do shows for him anymore. He wants to make nearly $500 for taking a phone call, when I did all the work, including meeting with the bride and groom. No thanks. If he were paying 75%, I'd do it, but it's not worth my time to block off a date for him when the pay is so low.

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hi-voxentertainment

Bar's I hire guys with their own eqipment. I play them $150 a night to run karaoke or DJ. It's much less than I make but it is what they are used to making.

I the event I need someone for a bar and they don't have equipment. I probally would still pay them around $125 to $150.

Weddings I take $200 off the total price so they can make anywhere from $500 to $1200 depending on the wedding. Again this is a sub contract.

When the wife an I can't do a gig, our fill ins get 50% of the gig if it is within 30 miles. If over 30 miles I will give them an extra $25 for gas and drive time

it seems like im in line with most here. lately I have been letting him take 2/3 on nights where I am doing another show. 1/2 on nights where i am at my normal job. I try to keep him making $75 - $100. He is well known in the area, and does more and more of the booking. He is something like a partner in many ways, but has no investment other than the time he has spent helping me build what i have. Ive let a couple others run shows for me in the past, but Im really picky about who runs my stuff. I have a lot of money invested, and a reputation to maintain.

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the voices arent real, but they have some good ideas

Geez, I guess I'm too nice. You guys sound like you are so overbooked!! haha,,just kiddin'. If I ever have anyone fill in for me on my shows, which is rare, I call another "not-so-busy" kj to fill in. They get all the money, since they did all the work, and they use their own stuff. I choose someone who i feel, is not as good as a host as I am, makes the bar owners appreciate me more, making myself more indespensible. (haha again).

However, I did once let someone use my stuff,,,,will never go there again. Lesson learned. Trust nobody who doesn't have a big interest in your business.

Scott