It might be fun to be a DJ (short for disc jockey) because you get to listen and play with the music most of the time.
But just like every other job in the world, there are pros and cons when it comes to making a living being a DJ.
The hardest part is getting your first few paying gigs.
Fortunately, you’re not alone. Even some of today’s top earning DJs struggled to get their initial gigs when they were initially starting out.
And for many, the best part is that fame and the money that comes with being a world class DJ.
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Table of Contents
Wanna make $46 million a year?
If you’re just starting out, you probably aren’t making much money being a DJ, yet.
That is okay! It’s the norm.
Now, most wanna-be DJs give up at this stage, but the few who are passionate enough to keep going will eventually succeed and go on to make a lot of money.
Most aspiring DJs know the story of Adam Wiles.
This Scottish guy was working in a grocery store. No degree. Living in his parents’ house.
But he knew what he wanted.
He worked hard and took any opportunity he came across.
Fast forward a few years later and Adam, who has re-branded himself now as Calvin Harris, earned a whopping $46 million in 2012, becoming the world’s highest earning DJ.
But you’re not Calvin Harris!
You’re not big enough yet to make that kind of money as a DJ.
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So are you doomed?
No, you’re not!
In fact, there are a few ways you can earn extra money DJing. You wont make millions of dollars, heck you may not even be able to make a full-time living, but you will make some money.
1. Teach people how to become a DJ
There are a lot of people who’d love to be a DJ. And they’re willing to pay to learn the skill.
And who better to teach them how to DJ than a DJ?
You can make money teaching people the ins and outs of being a DJ.
Use your social media accounts to promote yourself. Tell your friends and family to get the word out. Put a few free ads on Craigslist. Do what you have to do to let people know you are available.
2. Find work as a Radio Mix Show DJ
These days, most radio stations have their own mix shows, so they’re always looking for new mixers.
Starting out you may not be able to get your own show, but your talent will eventually land you your own radio mix show where you can make much more money.
You can use this platform to get your work out there. The experience alone will help you land bigger and higher-paying gigs.
3. Get a sponsor
Is there a local DJ store or a club-wear shop nearby?
See if you can get them to sponsor you.
You won’t directly make money, but you’ll get publicity and perhaps some free gears.
You could also try to get them to sponsor you financially. Return the favor by displaying their company or brand on your banners and flyers and even on your merchandise.
4. Monetize your blog
If you know a lot about DJing, you can build a website or blog and share your experience and knowledge with other interested people.
You can make money by advertising on your website or blog.
You can either display affiliate ads for gears and products aspiring DJs need to purchase, or you can sign up for Google Adsense and display ads on your site.
5. Be a mobile DJ
Most bar DJs don’t like the idea of becoming mobile DJ. But it can actually be a fun and lucrative way to make money as a DJ.
A mobile DJ (a DJ who goes to wherever the event is held) works at weddings, graduation parties, birthday parties, fundraising events, school dances, and more.
6. Sell branded merchandise
Do you have a DJ logo?
How about T-shirts that have customized printing on them?
If you have been at it for a while and have already developed a following, you may be able to make money by selling branded merchandise -t-shirts, hats, sunglasses, headphones, etc.
You can sell your stuff at bars, clubs, and where you are performing.
A great way is to wear the T-shirt yourself while you work.
You can strike up a deal with the owner of the venue and share the profits from the sales of your merchandise.
If it costs you a little extra for these efforts, it would be worth it because you will be getting your brand and name out to the public while making money on the side.
Are you a DJ?
Have you ever made money as DJ?
Are you currently making a living as a DJ?
If so, share your experience in the comment section and let us know how you manage to succeed.
I wanna be a famous DJ but I’m still at year 9 and my grandma said that DJ schools accept highschool students with good marks. Is that true?
But on the other hand, I thought that studying to be DJ can be all ages.
I am not sure, Elainne. I’d think every company has its own rules and regulations.
You don’t need a DJ school.you need one keep practicing and watch videos on YouTube ..then you must practiced or many many many many many hours and keep evolving and mastering techniques. There’s a lot of work involved but if u bin now u could be the best to have ever done it.
Agreed 100%.
No man I’m a Dj n I’m 11. Its all abt passion
I am a Dj and i have tryied for so long to make my life wall off through deejaying bh i have naver find a way out or some one who will lead me to a way out. can some one show me a way out please
It is indeed hard to get noticed. I guess that’s why the big guys make a ton of money.
I have the same problem and have only seen one, maybe two djs in my circle that have made serious money. Practice, passion, and more practice are most important to be successful. Producing your own tracks can also help you get noticed and gain gigs.
Hustle is important as well. Get to know the music community near you and meet as many people as you can. Amass a list of these people that you can promote to and keep good notes. When it comes time to get gigs, you will know all the players locally. This is also applicable to national and world stages.
I am also a dj black coffee’s videos makes me de best no one teach me a deck I watched coffee’s videos nd knw wen am done playing my 1hour ppl want me again
waanting to be a professional DJ bt I even lack money to buy some used equipment bt per now I use PC only and software but I feel I need to move to the next level that’s using turn tables to do real stuff like marshups and atleasr I can plan any genre
so how can I get a sponsor or promoter
I’m in Africa 21
Social Media is a very lucative place. I’m a DJ, I begun DJ’ing the end of May, I continuously Practice but I was Going live on facebook while Practicing, I built an audience and before I knew it, folks were Dm’ing me to DJ their Events, Just off Practice. Long story short, it’s about the will And Hungry to Be the Best DJ you can Be, in the process, You’ll gain folks whom see your passion and want to share within in it. I love my DJ life. I am DJ Drizzy 216Djs btw