How much do VJs make?

[vjbeach]

Hello, I am new to this forum. I may be offered a job as a VJ soon so I came to this forum to start my learning process. My background is in video production and I have never VJ'd before. I'm optimistic and hopeful I can pick it up because its something I've always thought about doing.

I'm sure I will have many newbie questions and will of course only ask them after first doing a search.

My first question is: How much money (per hour) does a typical VJ on staff at a bar or nightclub make?

I am working with a new nightclub owner who may offer me a VJ position and I have no idea what to ask for as an hourly rate. And if he makes me an offer I'd like to know if its higher or lower than industry standards. I'm guessing it would be in the $15 to $20 range but wanted to ask other VJs for some feedback.

Thanks!

[madsmeskalin]

That is a very difficult question to answer. Try to ask how much does a teacher make? That depends on the country he is teaching in, amount of experience, what kind of class and school he teaches in etc.

I usually earn between 250 and 1000 euros a night, but I often supply projectors and do rigups as well. I know other VJ's who take less, and a few who takes more. Try to read the book "design is a job", they have a whole chapter about it. Summarized, take as much as you can. If you help the promoter to earn money, you sahould have a fair cut. And never work without a contract!

[stickygreen]

if it's a regular night in a club, your job security will depend on how complicated the video system is.

If you're working a place that has 2 screens flanking the DJ booth, you have to work for cheaper than a DVD... so aim low... or be prepared to wash empty's in your spare time.

Now if the club has a video system that is a bit more complex, like multiple screens spanned, or a partial mapped surface, then your set! charge as much as you can get away with, and don't let anyone know the secrets to the system