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How much does a DJ cost?

Average Price
$1,700

What can I expect to pay for a DJ?

Want to liven up your party with a professional DJ but not sure of the cost? We’ve created a handy price guide so that you can stay informed on what you will have to pay to hire a DJ.

What can a DJ offer me? 

Whether it’s a birthday, bachelorette party, 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 please the whole crowd?

A DJ has the expertise and experience to curate a playlist to entertain everyone. They know how to bring the party atmosphere to any event and keep the crowd happy.

Not only can DJs bring the party spirit, but they also have all the best equipment at hand. 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: 

Average cost $1,700
Minimum cost $400
Maximum cost$3,000

What changes the cost of a professional DJ? 

The price of a professional DJ is going to increase or decrease based on several factors. These include: 

  • Event type 

  • DJ’s experience 

  • Additional equipment

  • Timeframe

  • Location

Event type 

The event is going to dictate the price of a DJ. 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 takes a lot of work and months of preparation. Indeed, this increases the price at the same time.

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 

A DJ with experience will know how to impress at different events and create the right energy. 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 with different venues and parties under their belt will know exactly how to get your guests moving. They will also be prepared for any problems that suddenly occur and know how to fix them.

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. Let’s break it down and see what the average DJ will cost:

DJ’s experience Average cost (in total)
Junior level$400
Experienced$1,200
Highly experienced$2,700

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. 

For additional sound or lighting equipment, you may be charged more. This can be up to $300 more.

Timeframe 

It should come as no surprise that the cost of a DJ will change depending on how long they are required. The average timeframe for a DJ is five hours. But if you have an event such as a wedding, you can hire a DJ for the whole day.

Location 

If you hire a DJ from far away, 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 

Know that you do not have to blow your whole budget on a DJ. Read on for some handy tips and tricks for keeping costs down. 

  • Be picky with your date – Be aware that DJs will be cheaper during the off-seasons and weekends. So, arrange your event accordingly.

  • Keep hours to a minimum – only hire your DJ for a few hours and not longer than is necessary. Your DJ doesn’t have to be there for the whole evening, especially as guests tail off. 

  • Don’t be afraid to haggle! – If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Haggle with your DJ for a better price. If their asking price is higher than your budget, don’t be afraid to try and negotiate to come up with something more manageable. 

Get the perfect entertainment for any event - find a local DJ on Bark. 

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