The World's Highest-Paid DJs

Spinning tunes is a good money minter. The world 10 highest-paid DJs earned at least $125 million more than the LA Lakers payroll. The money, the girls and the glory come to disc jockeys just as they would to athletes or other celebrities. They earn hundreds of thousands of dollars in a few hours nights work and just to help people have fun. Most of the electronic disc jockeys may sell their own albums, but mostly produce tunes for mainstream artists and private shows. Concerts can net millions for a top disc jockey.

Changes in Tastes

The mainstream musical preferences shift every so often. The British Invasion was witnessed in the 1960s, the ‘70s saw the disco, ‘80s glam metal, ‘90s the grunge and boy bands, 2000s hip-hop and the tables are still turning. Now it is EDM - electronic dance music. Not that its new, it has been around, but is only just rising from the underground to noticeable awareness and recognition. Some of the practitioners say that maybe people just wanted to hear something new. The Beatles, Nirvana, the Bee Gees, Aerosmith and the like, profited from international recognition. Those who are electronic dance music practitioners are also rising in recognition.

Because of this recognition and the big bucks it is raking in for disc jockeys, FORBES released its first Electronic Cash Kings list.

The Top Three

DJ Tiesto is at the top of this list with $22 million. The Dutch born Tiesto grossed $250,000 a night, on average, according to data from Pollstar, a concert data provider. Coming in second is Skrillex from California at $15 million and third the Swedish House Mafia the Scandinavian trio at $14 million (now disbanded). Other disc jockeys making the top ten include David Guetta, Steve Aoki, Avicii, Afrojak, Kaskade, DJ Pauly D and Deadmau5.

These disc jockeys originate from all parts of the globe, but make the most of the money through touring. Production costs for them are very little and may just need a pair of Pioneer CDJs and a USB stick. Sources for the information came from artists themselves, lawyers, managers, promoters, RIAA and Pollstar. The estimates included live show earnings, endorsements, recorded music sales, television or merchandise sales. So, here is the list of the top 10 cash kings.

The Top 10

1.  DJ Tiesto - $22 million
2. Skrillex - $15 milllion
3. Swedish House Mafia - $14 million
4. David Guetta - $13.5 million
5. Steve Aoki - $12 million
6. Deadmau5 - $11.5 million
7. DJ Pauly D - $11 million
8. Kaskade - $10 million
9. Afrojack - $9 million
10. Avicii - $7 million

 

The DJs are truly cash kings with their electronic dance music shows priced at hundreds of dollars for ticket costs.