Calculate fair rates based on your experience, location, and event type. Prices shown in EUR — use the switcher above to change currency.
Pricing your DJ services is one of the most challenging aspects of building a sustainable career. Charge too little and you undervalue your skills, struggle to cover costs, and risk being seen as unprofessional. Charge too much without the experience to back it up, and you'll lose gigs to competitors. Our earnings calculator helps you find the sweet spot based on real market data.
Weddings command the highest rates (€1,000-3,000+) due to their high-stakes nature and extensive preparation. Corporate events follow closely. Club nights and bar gigs typically pay less but offer exposure and networking opportunities.
A beginner DJ (under 1 year) reasonably charges 50% of market rate while building skills. Professional DJs (3-5 years, regular bookings) charge standard rates. Expert DJs with strong reputations command premium pricing of 150% or more.
Major cities (Berlin, London, Amsterdam) support rates 40%+ higher than rural areas. Urban markets have more competition but also higher client budgets. Adjust rates based on local cost of living and market expectations.
If you provide full sound and lighting, add €100-300 to cover equipment costs and wear. For travel beyond 30km, charge €0.40/km plus time compensation. These costs are often overlooked but essential for profitability.
| Event Type | Beginner | Professional | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wedding (5-6 hours) | €600-900 | €1,200-1,800 | €2,000-3,500+ |
| Corporate Event | €400-700 | €900-1,400 | €1,600-2,500+ |
| Club Night (4 hours) | €100-200 | €250-500 | €600-1,500+ |
| Private Party | €200-350 | €400-700 | €800-1,200+ |
| Mobile/Birthday | €150-250 | €300-500 | €550-800+ |
When calculating your rate, remember to account for expenses that eat into your profits:
Music curation, playlist building, and client meetings typically add 2-4 hours per gig.
Cables, headphones, and controllers need regular replacement. Budget €500-1,000/year.
Record pools, streaming services, and DJ software run €50-150/month for professionals.
Public liability insurance is essential for events. Typically €200-400/year in Europe.
Website hosting, promo photos, and social media ads add up to €50-200/month.
Depending on your country, set aside 20-40% of gross income for taxes and VAT.
Focus on value, not cost. Explain what's included: preparation time, equipment quality, experience level, and the peace of mind that comes with a professional. Share testimonials and portfolio pieces that demonstrate your worth.
Be strategic with discounts. Off-peak dates (weekday events, January), referral bookings, and multi-event packages are reasonable discount opportunities. Avoid discounting just because a client pushes back — it devalues your service.
If you're booking 80%+ of inquiries, you're probably underpriced. Raise rates by 10-15% annually as you gain experience. Major milestones (new equipment, certifications, notable gigs) also justify rate increases.
Generally, no — your time and skills are valuable regardless of genre. However, specialist genres (rare vinyl sets, specific cultural music) can command premiums if you have unique expertise that competitors lack.