That’s just about the hardest question to answer ever. It varies not only per country or even city, but sometimes even certain area’s of the city. It varies per type of venue and gig. I know good mobile DJs doing weddings can get 1.000 a night. Depending on how many gigs you (can) take on, that adds up quickly. I also know DJ’s that have residency in very small places making MAYBE 100 a night and get that 50 times a year.
Corporate gigs are different all together. Usually hourly rate or all-in fee. Depending on if you bring your own gear (and have them pay rent for it) or the installation is there or you have to rent it for them (be sure to take a cut) this could add some money to your take.
Obviously the really big boys rake in 10s of thousands for a 1 or 2 hour set. But the percentage of DJs/Producers that will ever reach that level is kinda small.
The last thing I can say is that as a DJ your life is better physically and financially than that of a band. That market is totally shot to pieces with a 4-man band coming out for a couple of hundred a night, INLCLUDING gear and playing all night.
As a DJ you don’t have to split your take and you can usually get at least the same as the band with the gear being seperate.
Hope that helps some.
Greetinx.
p.s. In 1985-86 I worked for a DJ agency around the world. All expenses paid (lived in the 5-star hotels where I worked and ate there too), working 6-7 hours a night for 6 days a week. Took in 450 GBP a month. Since I was travelling and out of my home country for more than 6 months a year I didn’t have to pay taxes here, nor in the country I was working in (because I was never there for longer than 6 months).
At the age of 21/22 that’s a very nice salary. It’s also hard work :-).
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