DJ (Disc Jockey) Invoice Template
The disc jockey (DJ) invoice is for any event where an individual is paid to perform or play music for a specific date and time. Payment is made either on a per hour or per gig basis with the DJ providing the required equipment and items to properly stage and play their music. Depending on the agreement between the parties, payment may be made prior to, at the time of, or after the DJ has performed. In most cases, the DJ is paid within thirty (30) days of the event.
What Does a DJ Do?
A typical DJ takes music that already exists to manipulate the sound to create a beat, rhythm, or song. DJ’ing is the combination of producing music and playing it at a gig. There is often a lot of technical equipment involved such as mixers, turntables, speakers, a computer and computer software to make it all work. When an artist wants to represent that they are a DJ, they will often add the DJ lettering before their stage name, just as a doctor does to represent their work in the medical profession. For example, the famous disk jockey Khaled Mohamed Khaled goes simply by the name of DJ Khaled to represent that he is a DJ artist.
Cost
The cost to become a DJ will require some money upfront to buy a computer and software to start producing music. DJs at a minimum need a computer and a DAW (digital audio workstation) to manipulate, edit and record sounds. The most popular DAW being Pro Tools, which works with both MacOS and Microsoft Windows, is the industry leading standard. It shouldn’t cost anymore than $1,000 to buy a decent computer and a subscription ($24.99 per month) to Pro Tools.
Wedding DJ
Playing at a wedding is a popular gig for DJs just starting out. Unless someone is hiring a famous DJ to play a their wedding, the cost for a DJ shouldn’t break the bank when putting on a wedding. When hired for a wedding, a DJ needs to plan 3 sets; a set for the reception, ceremony and cocktail hour (post-wedding). When purchasing the services of a DJ, the customer is typically buying a package deal. Each cost should be listed in detail on the DJ invoice.
- Average Cost: $1,000
- Included: Initial consultation, Microphones, Lighting, PA System, MC, Projectors, Equipment (including speakers), Photo-booth, Screens
- Genres: Club/Electronic, Hip Hop, International, Jazz, Oldies, Pop, Top 100
- Find: Hire a Wedding DJ
DJ Salary
Salary: $44,832 (source: Payscale) Hourly Rate: $21.82 (source: BLS)