How Much Does a DJ Cost?

Hiring a DJ for your event doesn't have to break the bank.

Brittany Anderson

Editor

So you’re planning an event and are looking for someone to be playing music throughout the night. Naturally, you’re interested in hiring a DJ and the first question that comes to mind is—how much does a DJ cost?

At The Bash, we’re happy to help answer that question! With over 4,000 DJ companies listing their services throughout the United States and Canada, we have information on the cost of a DJ for a party or event readily available.

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, corporate function, wedding event, or just a private party at home, there are a few different things to consider with costs for a DJ. Here is some helpful pricing information regarding the cost of a DJ for a party or event.

How much does a DJ cost? FAQs Answered

How much does a DJ cost per hour?

So far this year, the average DJ cost per hour is $115 on The Bash. The average duration for hiring a DJ is about 4.5 hours but will vary by event type. Costs will vary depending on the event duration, location, and other additional expenses that may factor in.

What things are considered in the cost of a DJ?

You may be expected to pay for travel costs, the set up of a dance floor, or even any necessary equipment that goes with the sound system. You may want to add in extras like lighting, a photobooth, a fog machine or emcee services.

If you’re looking to save money or are working with a limited budget, you may want to eliminate incorporating some of these additional services.

What is the cost of a DJ for a party or event?

When determining the cost of a DJ for a party or event, you’ll want to consider the cost per hour while factoring in any of the other extra services the DJs offer. The average cost for a DJ for an event booked on The Bash is $520 when booked for approximately 4.5 hours.

Here is a breakdown of how much a DJ costs per event type:

Photo: DisobeyArt/shutterstock.com

Cost of a DJ for a Private Party

For a private party (a standard event on The Bash), the average cost of a DJ starts at $365 for 3.5 hours of services. These types of events can be backyard barbeques, family reunions, or any seasonal event.

Pro Tip: Not sure what kind of DJ you’d want to hire for a private event? Read these tips for choosing a DJ.

Photo: Comaniciu Dan/shutterstock.com

Cost of a DJ for a Birthday Party

For an adult birthday party, the average cost of a DJ is approximately $415 for 4 hours of services. Whereas for a kids birthday party, with a shorter party time, the average cost of a DJ starts at $250 for 3 hours of services.

Photo: Madeline Tolle/shutterstock.com

Cost of a DJ for a Wedding

The big question for brides and grooms while planning for their wedding reception—how much does a wedding DJ cost? On The Bash, the average cost of a wedding DJ is approximately $635. A DJ for a wedding is typically booked for 4 to 5 hours and the wedding DJ’s prices will vary based on this time frame.

In the process of wedding planning? You can find a local wedding DJ right here on The Bash.

Find a Wedding DJ

Cost of a DJ for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah

For a bar/bat mitzvah, booking a DJ is an essential part of the big day. The cost of a DJ for a bar or bat mitzvah can range from $300 to $1,500 depending on the length of service as well as any additional services required. The average cost of a bar/bat mitzvah DJ is $420.

Find a Bar/Bat Miztvah DJ

Photo: Parinya Maneenate/shutterstock.com

Cost of a DJ for a Corporate Event

Whether it’s a happy hour, holiday party, networking event or a tradeshow, hiring a DJ can be cost effective entertainment for a corporate event. The average cost of a DJ for a corporate event is around $645 when hired for 3.75 hours. For a smaller corporate event, the cost of a DJ can start at $175 for 2 hours.

Pro Tip: For a corporate event, you may need emcee services as well. Be sure to discuss this with your DJ as it may be an additional cost.

Photo: Blue Planet Studio/shutterstock.com

Cost of a DJ for Prom

What would a prom be without a DJ! The prom committee is working on a budget and the cost of a DJ for prom is an average of $400. Based on how many hours they will be playing at prom, the prices can range from $250 to $500.

Cost of a DJ for a Quinceañera

A quinceañera DJ cost is an expense to consider when planning this special day. For a quinceañera, the average cost of a DJ is $500 for 5 hours. These prices will vary and can range from $350 to $800.

Cost of a DJ for a Sweet 16 Party

When planning a sweet 16 party, it’s probably best to leave the music choices to a DJ who knows what the popular songs are for the teens in attendance. When booking a DJ for a sweet sixteen, the prices will vary based on event duration and can range from $250 to $700. The average cost of a DJ for a sweet 16 party is $400.

Cost of a DJ for an Anniversary Party

For this special milestone celebration, a DJ is typically booked for 3.75 hours for an average cost of $350. Prices for a DJ for an anniversary party can range from $200 to $500 as they’re typically required to just play background music at this type of event.

Now that you know how much to anticipate for the cost of a DJ for a party or event, you can check out these tips on how to book a DJ.

Find a DJ