Forbes has unveiled its list of the highest paid DJs for 2015 and the numbers for the top earners keep on rising. While they don't come close to what the biggest names in hip-hop are worth, Calvin Harris, David Guetta and Tiësto's yearly earnings from endorsements, record sales and bookings are quite the handsome sum.
Topping the list is Calvin Harris at $66 million. The Scotsman landed his revealing seven-figure endorsement deal with Giorgio Armani and is rare that he writes, produced and performs his own records, usually without help, so there aren't splits between large teams. A residency at Hakkasan bringing in reportedly $400,000 a night and big ticket festival gigs also adds to his considerable income.
David Guetta comes in at number two, earning cool 37 million with residencies in Las Vegas and Ibiza, while still maintaining mainstream success. Tiësto slots in just behind Guetta with $36 million on the back of endorsements with 7UP and Guess, as well as, a constant touring schedule around the world, charging a hefty sum along the way.
One thing that all of these guys, except deadmau5, have in common are the very lucrative Las Vegas residencies where clubs are shelling out six figures a night to book the biggest DJs in the world and getting big returns on those investments.
It must be said that while these guys earn a ton of money, most of them invest a considerable amount of it back into record labels and live production, which needs to top notch or else they won't remain among the elite DJs.
Near misses to the list include Hardwell, Axwell / Ingrosso, Steve Angello, Armin van Buuren and DJ Snake, who has sold a lot of records recently.
See the full list below.
#9 Deadmau5 ($15 million) / Diplo ($15 million)
#8 Afrojack ($16 million)
#7 Martin Garrix ($17 million) / Zedd ($17 million)
#6 Kaskade ($18 million)
#5 Avicii ($19 million)
#4 Skrillex ($24 million) / Steve Aoki ($24 million)
#3 Tiësto ($36 million)
#2 David Guetta ($37 million)
#1 Calvin Harris ($66 million)
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