Resident DJ for bars and clubs

Bar, pub and club owners or promoters who book you for each night or on a regular residency.

A fee per night or set, sometimes with a bar tab. Rates rise as you bring in a crowd and become known locally.

• Mixing smoothly for a live crowd
• Knowing a genre or scene well
• Self-promotion on social media

• Check who holds the music licence: the venue normally does, but confirm this
• Pay can be low at first, so agree the fee and finish time in writing
• Late nights and irregular income, so keep another source of income at the start
• Insurance for your own equipment if you bring it

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on what you need to bring yourself. Many venues have their own equipment, so you may only need controllers or headphones, but check what each venue provides.

Monthly revenue is typically around £150 to £1,200, depending on how many nights you secure, the venues and the fee you agree. Pay can be low at first, so it helps to keep another source of income while you build up.

Check who holds the music licence, as the venue normally does, but confirm this. Agree your fee and finish time in writing, and check insurance for your own equipment if you bring it. Late nights and irregular income are also worth planning for.