Written by

Kristen Cramer

December 12, 2023

Edited by

Tamatha Hazen

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

Average DJ prices

DJ prices are $300 to $800 on average for birthday parties, corporate events, and other private parties. Wedding DJ prices range from $500 to $4,500. The cost to hire a DJ depends on the event type, length, and location, the DJ's experience, and the package and add-on services you choose.

DJs charge $75 to $200 per hour for parties and corporate events. Average rates for weddings are higher at $150 to $300+ per hour for each person on the DJ's crew, not including extra fees for popular add-ons and lighting upgrades

Wedding DJ

A wedding DJ costs $500 to $4,500, depending on the package and add-ons selected, event length, location, and DJ's experience. Premium packages often include dance floor lighting, ceremony audio, complete emcee services, and other extras.

Average DJ cost for birthdays & other parties

DJ prices for birthday parties and other events range from $250 to $2,000+, depending on the event type and length, services included, and the age of the guests.

• Birthday or anniversary party ­– DJ prices range from $250 to $1,000 for birthday and anniversary parties, with the party size and length having the biggest impact on the cost. Prices are typically on the low end of the range for kids' birthday parties because they tend to be shorter than parties for adults.

• Bar/Bat mitzvah or quinceañera – DJ prices for bar mitzvahs and quinceañeras can often be as high as their wedding prices, with most DJs charging $1,000 to $2,000+. DJ services for these parties often include giveaways, MC services, a photo booth, and more.

• Corporate event – DJs charge $300 to $1,000 on average for corporate events, depending on the length. Costs typically fall on the higher end of the range for events requiring extensive emcee services, timing and schedule management, and hyping the crowd.

• Prom / school dance – A DJ for a prom costs $500 to $2,000. While using a laptop and speakers to play music is a low-budget alternative, hiring a DJ with professional sound and lighting equipment and a music catalog packed with the latest popular songs provides a more memorable experience for students.

Factors that affect the cost of a DJ

The following factors impact DJ prices:

• Type of event – Weddings typically demand more time and customization than birthday parties and other events, leading to higher prices.

• Size of event – Larger events may require more sophisticated sound systems and lighting equipment and may require a more experienced DJ to correctly work the crowd, increasing costs.

• Event length – The duration of the DJ's involvement, from setup to breakdown, influences pricing, with longer events incurring higher expenses.

• DJ experience & reputation – Experienced DJs with extensive music collections and the ability to engage larger crowds tend to charge more due to their established reputation and skill set.

• Location – DJs often charge more in major metropolitan cities or areas with high competition compared to rural areas.

• Equipment quality – DJs using high-end sound and lighting equipment typically charge higher rates. However, high-end equipment often provides superior sound quality and a better experience for your guests.

• Special music requests – Customized playlists or unique requests might incur extra charges, especially if they require additional preparation or licensing new music.

• Event date, time, & season – DJ prices are typically higher during peak seasons like the Christmas and New Year holidays or the May through October wedding season. Prices are often lower for events held on days other than Saturday.

• Travel fees – DJs may charge extra to travel to venues farther from their usual service area.

MC / emcee services

Some DJs act as the master of ceremonies, or "MC", as part of their standard package while others charge extra for this service. Common emcee duties include making announcements, introducing key speakers or toasts, hyping up the crowd, and keeping the event running on schedule.

DJ prices by experience

A professional DJ with years of experience costs more than a beginner DJ but typically spends more time preparing for your event, is more skilled at reading and working the crowd, and has a larger music collection with more variety to choose from.

DJ prices for extra services

Some DJs offer additional services for an extra fee, such as lighting and special effects, video projections, or additional microphones and sound equipment. The table below shows the prices for common add-on services.

DJ FAQs

Is it worth hiring a DJ?

Hiring a DJ can be worth it for your event, especially if you want a professional to manage the atmosphere, handle the announcements, and ensure a seamless flow of music. A skilled DJ can elevate the energy and keep the party alive.

How much should you tip a DJ?

The standard tip for a DJ is 15% to 20% of their total fee, depending on the event type, length, complexity, and your level of satisfaction with their service. If you were happy with the DJ's performance, consider posting positive reviews online and recommending them to friends and family.

What is included in the DJ's price?

The specific services included in a DJ's price can vary depending on the contract, the package you select, and the individual DJ. However, most DJ prices typically include sound equipment, a library of music in a variety of genres, setup and teardown of their equipment, and limited MC services.

Many DJs offer additional services for an extra fee, such as lighting, fog machines and other special effects, and photo booths.

Do DJs also provide lighting?

Many DJs offer simple lighting packages that include a few basic lights, while others offer more elaborate packages with a wider variety of lights and effects. The cost of lighting varies depending on the type and complexity of the package you choose.

Finding the best DJ near you

The right DJ can make or break an event, setting the tone and mood, keeping guests entertained and engaged, and ensuring the event runs smoothly and on schedule. Follow these guidelines when evaluating DJs near you:

• Look for DJs with experience handling events similar to yours.

• Ask for referrals from family, friends, and your event planner.

• Read DJ reviews on Fash and Google.

• Get quotes from at least two DJs offering similar packages.

• Arrange an in-person meeting to discuss your event details and musical preferences.

• Select a DJ whose style and personality is a good fit for your event.

• Get a detailed written contract that breaks down the services, equipment, and time included in your package, the payment schedule, and the DJ's refund and cancellation policy.

Questions to ask DJs

Ask DJs these questions to help you choose the best one for your event:

• How long have you been a DJ?

• How would you characterize your performance style?

• What services and items does the package include?

• What additional services do you offer?

• Do you provide emcee services?

• Is the setup and takedown time included in the package hours or billed separately?

• Can you provide videos from past events and references from past clients?

• Can you describe your pre-event and event-day process?

• How will you dress for the event?

• Which music genre do you have the most experience with?

• Can I preview some of your most popular playlists?

• Can I create a custom playlist or request specific songs?

• Will you accept song requests from the guests?

• Do you take breaks during the event?

• Do you bring all the necessary equipment, or will I need to provide anything?

• Do you bring backup equipment in case anything malfunctions?

• What is your payment schedule and cancellation policy?