Cost of Living
The Consumer Price Index is an economic indicator, published by the US Government, consisting of the average costs of a variety of goods and services. In 1984 the index was adjusted to 100. Today's index is 174.7. This is an increase in the cost of living of 74.4 percent since 1984. In 1984, the average rate for a professional Mobile DJ was about $400.00 for a four-hour party or around $100.00 per hour.

In today's economy, a professional Mobile DJ charging $400.00 is making a gross income that is 74.4 percent less than it was sixteen years ago, which equates to $102.40 per hour for a four-hour party in today's dollar.

Hourly Rate
The fee you pay for a DJ service includes the hours spent on event planning, meetings, prep-time, transportation, setup and tear-down, music research and acquisition, knowledge, accounting, marketing, props, equipment rental, music inventory, etc.

Job Description
As professional mobile DJs we are: Announces, Masters of Ceremonies, Music Programmers, Entertainers, Audio Technicians, Lighting Technicians, Event Planners, Coordinators and much more! How much would these individual professionals charge for each service? An MC (Master of Ceremony) alone commands between $300.00 and $1200.00 per event.

Price Comparisons
When compared to other party-related expenses, a Mobile DJ is a bargain - Based on a wedding reception with 200 guests, held at a hotel, a reception coordinator goes for as much as $800 or more. Microphone rental is $150.00. A cake ranges between $300.00 and $1500.00.

At $400.00, a professional Mobile DJ is a steal!

Talent
Not everyone can successfully DJ a party. Most people do not have the music knowledge, technical skill, sensitivity, showmanship, motivational skill, music programming skill, announcing skill, etc. to do a professional job. Most people do not have the experience necessary to read an audience and respond or to move them emotionally. In other industries, talent and knowledge warrant a premium fee.