Who are the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world? The electronic dance music (EDM) industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with numerous DJs becoming global sensations and amassing a significant fan following.
These talented DJs have earned massive amounts of wealth through music sales, concerts, brand endorsements, and other sources. In this article, we will be focusing on the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world, providing you with insights into their earnings, style, and music.
The list of top DJs is constantly changing, with new talent emerging every year. However, the top spots are generally reserved for industry veterans who have built a loyal fan base through their music and performances. The earning potential for DJs has increased dramatically in recent years, with some of the biggest names in the industry commanding multi-million-dollar paychecks for their gigs.
These DJs have not only brought the EDM industry into the mainstream but also have become household names in the process. Their music has inspired millions of fans worldwide, and their performances have drawn massive crowds to concerts and festivals. As the EDM industry continues to grow, we can expect these DJs to continue to dominate the charts and rake in millions of dollars in earnings.
They have become household names, with their music influencing popular culture and attracting legions of fans from all over the world. In the following sections, we will explore the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world and their estimated earnings.
Top 10 Highest-Paid DJs In The World
The table below provides an overview of the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world, along with their estimated earnings:
| Rank | Name | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calvin Harris | $66 million |
| 2 | Tiesto | $38 million |
| 3 | The Chainsmokers | $46 million |
| 4 | Marshmello | $40 million |
| 5 | David Guetta | $35 million |
| 6 | Martin Garrix | $33 million |
| 7 | Zedd | $32 million |
| 8 | Armin van Buuren | $28 million |
| 9 | Kaskade | $23.5 million |
| 10 | Steve Aoki | $23.5 million |
1. Calvin Harris
Top 10 Highest-Paid DJs In The World
Calvin Harris is a Scottish DJ, singer, songwriter, and producer who has been dominating the electronic dance music scene for over a decade. He has consistently ranked as one of the top-paid DJs in the world, earning millions of dollars each year through his music, performances, and endorsements.
In addition to producing hit songs such as “Summer” and “Blame,” Harris has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Sam Smith. He has won multiple Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Brit Awards for his contributions to the music industry.
Harris has also made significant investments in his career, such as creating his record label, Fly Eye Records, and signing emerging artists such as Burns and Disciples. He has also collaborated with major brands such as Pepsi, Giorgio Armani, and Sol Republic.
Harris’s net worth is estimated at over $300 million, making him one of the wealthiest DJs in the world. His success and influence in the music industry have helped to popularize electronic dance music and inspire the next generation of DJs and producers.
2. Tiesto
Tiesto is a Dutch DJ, record producer, and musician who has become one of the most recognizable figures in the electronic dance music (EDM) industry. Born Tijs Michiel Verwest, he started his career in 1994 and has since been named the “Greatest DJ of All Time” by Mixmag magazine. He has released numerous albums, singles, and remixes, with many of his tracks becoming global hits.
Some of his most popular songs include “Adagio for Strings,” “Red Lights,” and “Jackie Chan,” among others. Tiesto is also known for his dynamic live performances and has headlined some of the world’s largest music festivals, including Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival. With his talent and hard work, he has accumulated a significant net worth and has become one of the highest-paid DJs in the world.
In terms of earnings, Tiesto consistently ranks among the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world. He has earned millions of dollars from his music, live performances, and endorsement deals. Tiesto has collaborated with many high-profile artists such as Calvin Harris, Post Malone, and Dzeko, to name a few.
He has also been the face of several brands, including Guess and 7UP, and has launched his fashion line, CLVB LIFE. Tiesto’s success in the industry has not only allowed him to accumulate wealth but has also given him a platform to use his influence for charitable causes. Overall, Tiesto’s contributions to the EDM industry and his impact on the global music scene have solidified his place among the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world.
3. The Chainsmokers
The Chainsmokers is an American electronic dance music duo consisting of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall. They gained fame in 2014 with their hit song “Selfie” which peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Since then, the duo has released several chart-topping hits, including “Closer” featuring Halsey, which spent 12 weeks at number one on the Hot 100 chart.
In addition to their success as musicians, The Chainsmokers have also made a name for themselves as top earners in the industry. They have consistently been ranked among the highest-paid DJs in the world, with Forbes estimating their earnings at $46 million in 2019. The duo has also received several awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2017 for “Don’t Let Me Down.”
4. Marshmello
Marshmello is an American electronic dance music producer and DJ who has gained worldwide fame for his unique style of music and identity. He is known for performing in his signature marshmallow-shaped helmet and is considered one of the highest-paid DJs in the world. Marshmello’s real name is Christopher Comstock, and he started his career in 2015 by releasing remixes of popular songs.
In 2016, Marshmello gained significant recognition with the release of his single “Alone,” which has over 1 billion views on YouTube. He has collaborated with numerous popular artists such as Selena Gomez, Halsey, and Anne-Marie.
Marshmello has also headlined music festivals such as Coachella and Ultra Music Festival and has won several awards, including the Electronic Music Awards’ New Artist of the Year award in 2017. With an estimated net worth of $40 million, Marshmello is among the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world.
5. David Guetta
David Guetta is a French DJ and producer who has been making music since the 1990s. He has sold over 50 million records worldwide and is considered one of the most successful DJs in the industry.
Guetta has won numerous awards for his work, including two Grammy Awards, and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Sia.
Guetta has consistently ranked on the Forbes list of the highest-paid DJs in the world, and in 2021, he came in at number three with estimated earnings of $18 million.
He has had several successful albums, including “One Love” and “Listen,” which have produced hit songs such as “When Love Takes Over,” “Sexy Bitch,” and “Titanium.” Guetta is known for his high-energy performances and has headlined many of the biggest music festivals in the world, including Tomorrowland and Coachella.
6. Martin Garrix
Martin Garrix is a Dutch DJ, record producer, and musician who started his career at the age of 16. He gained international recognition with his hit single “Animals” which was released in 2013 and topped the charts in several countries. Since then, he has become one of the most popular and successful DJs in the world, known for his energetic live performances and catchy dance tracks.
In addition to his music career, Garrix has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including raising funds for clean water projects in developing countries through his charity, the Martin Garrix Foundation.
He has won numerous awards for his music, including the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs award in 2016, 2017, and 2018, and has performed at major festivals around the world such as Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Coachella.
According to Forbes, Garrix was the sixth highest-paid DJ in the world in 2021, earning an estimated $17 million from his music, merchandise sales, and other business ventures.
7. Zedd
Zedd, whose real name is Anton Zaslavski, is a Russian-German DJ, record producer, and songwriter. He was born in Russia but grew up in Germany, where he started playing music at a young age. Zedd’s career took off in 2012 with the release of his single “Clarity,” which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. Since then, he has become one of the most successful DJs in the world, known for his high-energy performances and catchy electronic dance music.
Zedd’s success has been driven by his ability to blend different genres of music, including house, electro-house, and progressive house. He has collaborated with many top artists, including Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, and Alessia Cara, to create chart-topping hits such as “Stay,” “The Middle,” and “Break Free.” Zedd has also headlined many music festivals around the world, including Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Ultra Music Festival.
With his unique sound and energetic performances, Zedd has become one of the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world, earning millions of dollars each year from his music and live performances.
8. Armin van Buuren
Armin van Buuren is a Dutch DJ and music producer who has been a major force in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene for over two decades. He is known for his uplifting trance music and has won numerous awards for his work, including being named the world’s number-one DJ five times by DJ Magazine.
Van Buuren has released seven studio albums and has collaborated with many artists in the industry. Aside from his successful music career, van Buuren is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He founded the “Worldwide Trance Energy” initiative, which supports music education programs for children around the world, and he is an ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund.
He has also been involved in various charity events, including the Dance4Life program, which focuses on HIV/AIDS education and prevention. His impact on the EDM scene has been significant, and he continues to be a leading figure in the industry.
9. Kaskade
Kaskade is an American DJ and music producer who is known for his contributions to the electronic dance music (EDM) genre. Born as Ryan Gary Raddon on February 25, 1971, in Chicago, Illinois, Kaskade began his music career in the 1990s, producing deep house music.
He gained wider recognition in the early 2000s, with his remixes for famous artists like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and Nelly Furtado. Since then, Kaskade has released several successful albums and singles, and he has performed at major music festivals and events all over the world.
Kaskade’s success as a DJ and music producer has earned him a place among the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world. As of 2021, he has an estimated net worth of $50 million. Kaskade’s annual income is reported to be around $17 million, which mainly comes from his music sales, touring, and brand endorsements.
He has also been involved in various philanthropic activities, including his support for the American Red Cross and his efforts to raise funds for clean drinking water in developing countries.
10. Steve Aoki
Top 10 Highest-Paid DJs In The World
Steve Aoki is a well-known American DJ, record producer, and music executive. He was born on November 30, 1977, in Miami, Florida. Aoki is known for his energetic and interactive live performances, which often involve cake-throwing and crowd-surfing. He has collaborated with numerous famous artists such as BTS, Linkin Park, and Louis Tomlinson, and has released several albums and hit singles.
In addition to his successful music career, Aoki is also the founder of the record label Dim Mak Records, which has helped to launch the careers of many up-and-coming artists.
As one of the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world, Aoki’s success has led to a net worth of approximately $120 million. He has consistently ranked in the top 10 of Forbes’ highest-paid DJs list, earning an estimated $29.5 million in 2020.
Aoki’s success can be attributed to his extensive touring schedule, lucrative brand partnerships, and successful music releases. He has also expanded his brand to include a popular pizza chain called Pizzaoki, as well as various clothing and merchandise lines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of DJing is a highly competitive and lucrative industry, with the top DJs earning millions of dollars annually through their music productions, live performances, and various endorsement deals.
The above list of the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world provides a glimpse into the impressive earnings of these talented artists, who have gained international recognition and acclaim for their music.
Calvin Harris has maintained his position as the highest-paid DJ in the world for several years, while other DJs such as Tiesto, The Chainsmokers, and Marshmello have also earned impressive sums of money from their successful careers in the music industry.
As the demand for electronic dance music continues to grow, these DJs and others will likely continue to enjoy substantial financial success in the years to come.
READ ALSO:
- Top 10 Richest Musicians in the World and Their Net Worth (2023)
- Top 10 Richest Rappers In The World And Their Net Worth (2023)
- Most Expensive Countries to Live in the World
- Top 10 Most Successful Female CEOs And Their Net Worth
SOURCES: Celebrity Net Worth,
ncG1vNJzZmiqnqN7r7OOoaCgoJWowW68wKKbZpyaqHqquoytn55lp6S%2FrbCO