UK DJ Prices 2025
We get emails every day asking how much it costs to hire a DJ. We've put together a helpful guide to help work out UK DJ pricing in 2025. DJ rates vary based on many factors, so let's get started with everything you need to know.
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- How much does a DJ cost per set?
- How much does a DJ cost per hour?
- 8 factors to help you work out DJ prices
How much does a DJ cost per set?
Answer: Between £50 and £15000 per set, depending on the DJ type and experience level.
Club DJ Prices
- Local DJs: £100 to 300 per set.
- Experienced DJs: £200 to £500 per set.
- Headline DJs: £500 to £5000+ per set.
Wedding & Party DJ Prices
- Local DJs: £200 to 500 per set.
- Experienced DJs: £400 to £800+ per set.
- Headline DJs: £600 to £1200+ per set.
Mobile & Corporate DJ Prices
- Standard Mobile DJs: £150 to 400 per set.
- Corporate Event DJs: £300 to £800 per set.
Celebrity DJ Producers
- Standard Mobile DJs: £1000 to £15000+ per set.
How much does a DJ cost per hour?
Answer: Between £50 and £5000 per hour, depending on the type of DJ and event.
- Wedding DJs: £100-300 per hour.
- Club DJs: £25-500 per hour.
- Corporate event DJs: £150-400 per hour.
- Mobile party DJs: £60-200 per hour.
- Celebrity/Producer DJs: £1000-5000+ per hour.
Most DJs charge a fixed rate for the first 1-2 hours. They charge hourly for any extra time. Always check if prices include VAT. If not, you'll pay an extra 20% on top of the quoted fee.
7 Factors to consider for working out DJ prices
These 7 factors will impact how much you pay for a DJ.
1) How long will the DJ set be?
The hours you want the DJ playing will impact the overall cost. Most DJ sets last one to two hours. Bar and corporate events often need sets up to 6 hours. DJs usually charge a fixed rate for the agreed time. Some DJs charge per hour instead. If you agree a flat price like £400, confirm exactly how long their set will be. Otherwise you may pay extra hire costs. Get all the facts before you sign a contract.
2) How far does the DJ have to travel?
Most local DJs won't charge travel costs for nearby gigs. For example, a London DJ will usually travel anywhere inside the M25 without extra charges. A DJ from your area will typically cost less.
Our agency handles national and international bookings. You'll need to pay expenses for these gigs. The DJ shouldn't lose money to play at your event. Ask for the full price before booking a national gig. This should include all expenses.
You'll usually pay for a hotel night for long-distance travel. This helps if they have far to travel home.
For overseas gigs you'll need to pay:
- DJ's airfare.
- Hotel accommodation
- Airport pickups
- Sometimes VISAs
3) What is the venue capacity and door price?
Your venue size and door price will affect the DJ cost. Most DJs consider these factors:
- Venue Capacity
- Door price
- DJ time slot
A 100-capacity nightclub with £5 entry will pay less for a DJ. A 2000-capacity venue with £15 entry should expect higher fees. Peak time slots cost more.
The DJ's status also impacts their fee. Warm-up DJs start around £50. Headline DJs can cost up to £15,000.
4) Is it a one off gig or a DJ residency?
Most DJs charge less money if they become your resident DJ. They get regular gigs and steady income this way. Being a resident helps DJs build their name and CV. This leads to better-known status and higher-paying sets later.
For one-off gigs, check the other sections of our guide.
5) How well known is the DJ?
The DJ's popularity directly affects the hire cost. Celebrity DJs like Calvin Harris cost £200k plus. That's the price for global names and major music producers. Most of us can't afford such fees!
Back to reality - there are 3 tiers of DJs:
- Local DJs
- Experienced/Well known DJs
- Celebrity DJs/Producers
6) DJ Hire fees
People often forget about agent fees when they hire a DJ and these fees can really increase the total price. If you pay £1000 for a DJ using an agent, expect at least £150 extra on top.
DJs usually pay 10-15% commission to their agents. They often increase their price to cover this loss. This mainly affects well-known DJs. Local DJs don't usually do this. Neither do wedding or party DJs.
We don't charge commission when hiring. You only pay the DJ's cost and nothing more.
Always ask for the "all-in price" when hiring bigger names.
7) Equipment and technical requirements
Does the DJ provide their own sound system and equipment? Some DJs only bring their decks and mixer. You may need to hire speakers, microphones, and lighting separately. Basic sound hire costs £200-500. Professional lighting adds another £300-800. Always confirm what's included in the DJ's price.
8) The DJs rider
A DJ rider? What's that? We get asked this all the time. Bigger name DJs usually give their agent two riders. These are lists of requirements for them to perform at your event. You may receive a tech rider and a personal rider.
Tech rider: Equipment the DJ wants you to have ready at the gig. DJs commonly ask for specific decks and mixers. Most request Pioneer Nexus CDJs and mixers. Techno DJs often want Allen & Heath Xone mixers. DJs also need at least two monitor speakers. Some insist on specific sound systems.
Personal rider: Items the DJ wants you to supply at the gig. This includes food and drinks. Well-known and celebrity DJs have massive personal rider lists. Calvin Harris's rider might ask for:
- Hand sanitiser
- Gluten free snacks
- Fruit
- Starbucks coffee
- Drinks
- Bath towels
- Flights
- Hotel
- Driver
This was an actual Calvin Harris rider (credit - Mixmag).
Riders can really drive up the overall DJ cost. If your venue doesn't have the equipment they want, you'll need to hire it separately.
Ready to find a DJ?
If you’re planning a national or international event and need a DJ, start your search with our DJ Agency. We have supplied DJs worldwide since 2014 and would love to help you.
If you are looking for a local DJ instead, take a look at our Book DJs site. It's a dedicated platform for private parties, corporate events and bars.
We do not charge any fees for using our service. So start your search for a DJ today.
Thanks for reading.
Glenda - The DJ Agency Team