How much does a DJ cost?

What can a DJ offer me?

Whether it’s a birthday, hen-do, anniversary, or corporate event, a DJ is always a good idea. Yes, you can blast your playlist from a speakerphone, but how are you going to know that your music choice will satisfy the whole crowd? A DJ has the expertise and experience to curate a playlist to entertain everyone. They’ll read the crowd to make sure that every song is a hit. 

A DJ will have the best technical equipment for creating high-quality sounds. A muffled or quiet speaker is the ultimate mood killer - don't let it spoil your party. With a DJ on hand to make sure your guests are having the time of their lives, you can stop worrying about them and focus on enjoying yourself. 

How much does a DJ cost? 

There are lots of different factors affecting the price of a DJ, but a rough breakdown of how much you can expect to pay is given below: 

What changes the cost of a professional DJ? 

The cost of a professional DJ can vary depending on several factors. These include: 

• Event type 

• DJ’s experience 

• Additional equipment

• Timeframe

• Location

Event type 

The price of a DJ will vary depending on the event. Hiring a DJ for a large-scale event with 200 guests or more, like a wedding, is going to cost more than hiring a DJ for a children’s birthday party of about fifteen people. 

That’s because a wedding DJ is going to need far more preparation time - crafting the perfect playlist for milestone moments like the dinner, speeches, and first dance, as well as ensuring all of the equipment is suitable for the venue well in advance. This requires months of planning, which will inevitably bump up the price. 

To put things into perspective, the same DJ could charge $125+ per hour for a wedding and only $60 - $100 per hour for a birthday party.  

DJ’s experience 

When it comes to hiring the right DJ, a little bit of experience goes a long way. If they’re new to the world of music, their knowledge of different genres and what works for certain crowds won’t be as impressive as someone with years of industry experience. 

An experienced DJ will have performed at countless venues and parties, so they’ll know exactly how to get your guests moving, as well as how to deal with any issues that may unexpectedly arise. 

With an experienced DJ, you can rest assured that they’ll deliver a successful event - but expect to pay more for the higher-quality service you’re receiving. Here’s a rough breakdown of average DJ hire costs based on experience: 

Remember, an experienced DJ could easily charge up to $3,000 or more for one event, depending on their reputation. 

Equipment 

Most DJs can provide additional equipment to accompany their music set, like lighting or sound systems. This either comes as part of a package deal or as an additional cost. 

Expect to pay up to $300 for additional sound or lighting equipment. 

Timeframe 

It should come as no surprise that the cost of a DJ will change depending on how long they are required. Although most people hire their DJ for around 5 hours, some DJs are needed for the entire day, such as at a wedding. 

Location 

If you hire a DJ from further afield then you may end up paying more to cover the cost of travel fees, including toll bridges and parking fees. 

How to keep DJ hire cost to a minimum 

Hiring a DJ doesn’t have to break the bank! Read on for some handy tips and tricks for keeping costs down. 

• Be flexible with your date - If you hire your DJ during off-seasons and on weekdays, prices will be considerably lower as demand will decrease. 

• Keep hours to a minimum - a simple way to cut costs is by reducing the number of hours. Your DJ doesn’t have to be there for the whole evening, especially as guests tail off. 

• Don’t be afraid to haggle! - Some DJs may be willing to negotiate when it comes to pricing. If their asking price is higher than your budget, don’t be afraid to try and negotiate to come up with something more manageable. 

Find the perfect entertainment for any event with a local and trusted DJ on Bark.