Artists & BandsDJ
The 30 Richest DJs in the World (2023)
In the DJ world, there are a select few who manage to make serious money from their shows. These DJs have turned what was once a niche hobby of theirs into big business, and they have become rich from it.
If you're curious about who's making the most money in the DJ world, look no further than this list of the 30 richest DJs in the world. From veteran stars to newcomers, these are the DJs who are raking in the big bucks.
1. Calvin Harris – $300 Million
2. Gianluca Vacchi – $200 Million
3. Tiesto – $170 Million
4. Steve Aoki – $120 Million
5. David Guetta – $150 Million
6. Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo – $90 Million
7. Thomas Bangalter – $90 Million
8. Alex Pall – $80 Million
9. Andrew Taggart – $80 Million
10. Afrojack – $60 Million
11. Skrillex – $70 Million
12. Paul Oakenfold – $50 Million
13. Armin van Buuren – $55 Million
14. Paul van Dyk – $60 Million
15. Swedish House Mafia – $100 Million
16. Deadmau5 – $50 Million
17. Diplo – $50 Million
18. Marshmello – $50 Million
19. Kaskade – $50 Million
20. Zedd – $50 Million
21. Judge Jules – $42 Million
22. John Digweed – $48 Million
23. Axwell – $40 Million
24. Alesso – $40 Million
25. Tom Joyner – $40 Million
26. Steve Angello – $40 Million
27. Sasha – $40 Million
28. Sebastian Ingrosso – $40 Million
29. Pete Tong – $33 Million
30. Martin Garrix – $30 Million
Calvin Harris is currently the richest DJ in the world. The Scottish DJ/producer has had an incredible career and is now worth an estimated $300 million. Harris first burst onto the scene with his 2007 debut album "I Created Disco". Since then, he's gone on to release more albums and collaborate with some of the biggest names in music, including Rihanna and Katy Perry.
He's also had several successful singles, such as "This Is What You Came For" and "Feels." Harris's work has earned him numerous awards, including a Brit Award for Best Producer.
In addition to his musical success, Harris has also ventured into the world of modeling. We can't forget that he was once in a relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift!
Italian DJ Gianluca Vacchi is next on this list with a net worth of $200 million. While he may not be as well-known as some of the other DJs on this list, Vacchi has still managed to amass a sizable fortune. The secret to his success? He's not just a DJ – he's also a businessman and an Instagram sensation.
Vacchi first made a name for himself in the business world as the founder of a few companies. He later decided to pursue his passion for music, and he's now one of the most in-demand DJs around. His social media presence also helps him bring in big bucks – he has over 22 million followers on Instagram!
Tiësto is a Dutch DJ and producer who is widely considered to be one of the best in the business. It's no surprise that he comes in at number three with a net worth of $170 million. Tiësto first rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with his trance music. He's since evolved his sound and is now known for his progressive house and electro house tracks.
In addition to his work as a DJ, Tiësto has also found success as a producer. He's worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Calvin Harris, Katy Perry, and Justin Timberlake. Tiësto has also won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Remixed Recording.
This list won't be complete without the American-born Japanese, Steve Aoki. He is not only a trap and electro house DJ but also a music producer and record label owner. In 2014, Forbes magazine named him one of the world's highest-paid DJs.
Aoki has had various properties and assets over the years. A fun fact is that he's an early investor in SpaceX and Uber, ultimately earning him millions. Despite his lavish lifestyle, he is known to be a generous philanthropist, donating large sums of money to various charities.
David Guetta is a French DJ, music producer, and songwriter. He has released seven studio albums and numerous singles over the course of his career. He is widely known as the " grandfather of EDM" and has been credited with helping bring the genre to mainstream audiences.
Guetta closed a deal of $100 million for his music catalog in 2020. This catalog includes some of his most popular songs such as "Titanium" and "When Love Takes Over." He also has a residency at the Hï Ibiza nightclub, which pays him a reported $1 million per year. No wonder he is one of the richest DJs in the world!
Half of the Daft Punk duo, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo is a French DJ and record producer. He is known for wearing a robotic mask while performing together with Thomas Bangalter.
The two have been recognized as the most successful electronic music artists of all time. They have sold over 9 million records and their album "Discovery" is considered one of the best albums of the 21st century.
He's a co-founder of the record label Crydamoure and has also released solo tracks under the name 'Le Knight Club'. Although the Daft Punk duo have parted ways, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo's net worth is estimated to be $90 million.
The other half of Daft Punk, Thomas Bangalter is a French musician, record producer, and DJ. He is known for his work with his partner as well as his own solo projects. He has also produced tracks for other artists such as Air, The Strokes, and Phoenix.
Bangalter is one of the richest DJs in the world with a net worth of $90 million. He and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo shared the same net worth as they were both equal partners in the highly successful Daft Punk duo.
Alex Pall (Right)
Do you remember dancing along with The Chainsmokers' song "Closer"? Well, Alex Pall is one half of the American DJ duo responsible for that earworm. He's also responsible for producing other hits such as "Roses," "Don't Let Me Down," and "Something Just Like This."
The Chainsmokers have had great success since they debuted in 2012. They've won multiple Grammy Awards and their songs have been streamed billions of times. It's no wonder that Alex Pall has a net worth of $80 million.
Andrew Taggart (Left)
The other half of the very popular American DJ duo, The Chainsmokers, is Andrew Taggart. He grew up in Maine and started DJing in his early twenties. He met Alex Pall in 2012 and the two have been making music together ever since.
The Chainsmokers have had massive success with their catchy songs and creative music videos. They have been invited to perform at some of the biggest music festivals in the world and their net worth is estimated to be $80 million.
Grabbing the number 10 spot on this list is Afrojack, a Dutch DJ, record producer, and remixer. He's one of the pioneers of the EDM scene and has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, including David Guetta, Skrillex, and Steve Aoki. Afrojack's net worth is an impressive $60 million.
Maker of such hits as "Take Over Control" and "No Beef," Afrojack has been a dominant force in the EDM world for over a decade now. He got his start spinning at local clubs in his home country of the Netherlands before eventually making his way to the United States.
Sonny Moore or Skrillex is an American DJ and producer who first found fame as the lead singer of the post-hardcore band From First to Last. He began his solo career in 2004 and released his debut EP, My Name is Skrillex, in 2010.
He has since gone on to release hit singles like "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" and "Bangarang", as well as working on a number of high-profile collaborations, including Justin Bieber, Diplo, and Marshmello. His mansion in Los Angeles was reportedly bought for $17.5 million in 2021.
Another British DJ, Paul Oakenfold got his start working as a club promoter in the 1980s. He then became a resident DJ at several clubs in Ibiza and London, which helped to launch his career.
Over the years, he has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Madonna, U2, and Michael Jackson. He has also been nominated for a Grammy Award and has won numerous other awards.
In recent years, his wealth has been estimated at $50 million. DJ Magazine ranked him as the number one DJ in the world twice and he is considered one of the most influential DJs of all time. He may not be as active as he once was, but his legacy continues to live on.
Armin van Buuren is a Dutch DJ, record producer, and remixer. He founded his own record label, Armind, in 1999 and his successes have since earned him a place among the richest DJs in the world. He was a law student before pursuing a career in music and became one of the first DJs to bring trance music to the mainstream.
He was able to bag a prestigious Dutch award, Buma Cultuur Pop Award. This is the Netherlands' highest honor that can be bestowed on a musician. This only proves that he is truly a renowned and respected DJ not just in his home country but internationally as well.
Known for his work in the trance genre, Paul van Dyk is a German DJ and producer. He got his start in the early 1990s and released his debut album, "45 RPM" in 1994. His net worth is $60 million, and he has been ranked as one of the top DJs in the world.
Despite his success, van Dyk has been through some tough times. In 2010, he was seriously injured in an onstage accident and spent months in the hospital recovering. But he's bounced back and is still one of the richest DJs in the world.
Swedish House Mafia is a supergroup made up of three of the world's most successful DJs: Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso. The group was formed in 2008 and went on to release two albums and tour the world before disbanding in 2013. However, they reunited in 2018 and are still active.
Their combined worth is $100 million, and they are still some of the richest DJs in the world individually. With their notable success, they left a lasting impression on the electronic dance music scene despite their short-lived time together.
Raised in Canada, Deadmau5 (real name Joel Zimmerman) is a progressive house DJ and producer. His debut album, "Get Scraped", was released in 2005 to critical acclaim. He has released more albums since then and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry.
Deadmau5's net worth is $50 million, and he is well-known for his unique stage persona. Fun fact about his stage name: it was inspired by a dead mouse he found in his computer!
Thomas Wesley Pentz, better known as Diplo, is an American DJ and producer. He is also the founder of Major Lazer, a dancehall/reggae/hip hop group. His net worth is $50 million.
After getting his start in the early 2000s, Diplo has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Beyonce, Madonna, Justin Bieber, and Usher. He has also released several solo albums and mixtapes.
He was able to build his own record label, Mad Decent, which has helped him gain even more popularity. Another proof that he is a legend in the EDM industry is his tour with the one and only Steve Aoki. The fame and money he has been able to accumulate throughout his career have put him among the richest DJs in the world.
Marshmello, whose real name is Christopher Comstock, is an American electronic dance music producer and DJ. He first gained popularity in 2015 with his song "Waiting," and has since released a number of hit songs, including "Alone," "Friends," and "Happier." Marshmello's net worth is $50 million, and he is one of the highest-paid DJs in the world.
In 2019, Marshmello collaborated with Selena Gomez on the song "Wolves," which was a huge success. He has also worked with other big names in the music industry, such as Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, and Khalid. Marshmello's trademark is his signature marshmallow helmet, which he wears during all of his performances.
Another million-dollar DJ on this list is Kaskade, whose real name is Ryan Raddon. He is an American electronic dance music producer and DJ. Kaskade's net worth is $50 million and was recognized as "America's Top DJ" in 2011.
Kaskade started his career in the early 2000s and has released several successful albums and singles. He has also performed at some of the biggest music festivals in the world, including Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Electric Daisy Carnival. Kaskade is one of the most popular DJs in the world, and his net worth reflects that.
A Grammy-winning DJ and producer, Zedd is another one of the richest DJs in the world. His real name is Anton Zaslavski, and he was born in Russia. Zedd's net worth is $50 million, his mansion in Beverly Hills was worth $16 million, and he has listed it for sale in 2021 for $26.5 million.
He got into music production at a young age and released his first album in 2012. Despite the controversy about being banned from playing in China, Zedd continues his global tours and is one of the most popular DJs in the world to date.
British DJ Judge Jules (Julius O'Riordan) has been in the music industry for over two decades. He's best known for his work on BBC Radio 1 and as a radio host. Judge Jules' net worth is $42 million, and in addition to his radio work, he's also had a successful career as a club DJ.
He's played at some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Ibiza and London. Judge Jules is also a cancer advocate and played at the Breakthrough Running Club event to support the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity. He's an epitome of a well-rounded DJ.
John Digweed is a British DJ, record producer, and actor. He's best known for his work in the progressive house genre of electronic dance music. Digweed has residencies in a lot of clubs including Ibiza's Space nightclub.
He's also had a lot of success with his record label, Bedrock Records. John Digweed has released numerous compilations and albums, both solo and collaborative. Being one of the richest DJs in the world, his net worth is $48 million.
Axwell is a Swedish DJ, record producer, and remixer. He's one-third of the Swedish House Mafia along with Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso. The group was formed in 2008 and has been on hiatus since 2013. The group reunited in 2018 for a tour and are still active.
As a solo artist, Axwell has released two albums and numerous singles. He's also had success with his record label, Axtone Records. Axwell's net worth is $40 million, and there's no doubt that he has earned his spot as one of the richest DJs in the world.
With a whopping $40 million in earnings, Alesso comes in at number 24 on this list of the richest DJs in the world. The Swedish DJ and producer has released hits like "Heroes (We Could Be)," "Cool," and "Tear the Roof Up." He's also done official remixes for Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and David Guetta.
Alesso has performed at some of the biggest music festivals in the world, including Tomorrowland, Coachella, and Ultra Music Festival. Though he's private about his personal life, it is reported that he now owns a Lamborghini.
Another living proof that a hobby can turn into a profession, Tom Joyner is a radio personality who has made waves in the industry since the 70s. The host of the "Tom Joyner Morning Show" has an estimated net worth of $40 million.
In addition to his successful radio career, Joyner is also a philanthropist and has been awarded for his work. He established a production company called Reach Media, Inc. With his many businesses and ventures, it's no surprise that Joyner earned a spot on our list of the richest DJs in the world.
With an impressive $40 million net worth, Steve Angello comes in at number 26 on this list. The Swedish DJ and producer was a member of the electronic dance music trio Swedish House Mafia. Some of his most popular songs include "Show Me Love," "Save the World," and "Knas."
He's also the founder of the record label Size Records. Angello has solo albums and has performed at some of the biggest music festivals in the world. In his pursuit as a solo artist, he explored different genres like indie rock. Whatever he's doing, it's clearly working because Angello sure knows how to make heaps of money!
This British DJ has an estimated net worth of $40 million, which is enough to land him at number 27 on this list. Sasha began his career in the 80s and rose to prominence in the late 90s with his progressive house sound. He was able to establish himself as one of the world's top DJs and has headlined some of the biggest clubs and festivals.
Sasha founded his own record label in 2007 called 'emFire' and has released several mix albums. In recent years, Sasha has been focusing on his live shows and has been touring extensively. Despite being in his 50s, Sasha shows no signs of slowing down and is still considered to be one most-sought after DJs in the world.
Sebastian Ingrosso is a Swedish DJ and producer who has an estimated net worth of $40 million. He is best known for being a member of the electronic music group Swedish House Mafia. Ingrosso got his start in the music industry as a remixer and producer before joining Swedish House Mafia in 2006.
The group quickly rose to fame and became one of the most successful electronic music groups in history. They produced hit singles such as "Don't You Worry Child" and "Save the World."
Next on the list is Pete Tong with a net worth of $33 million. Tong is a British DJ who has been a major force in the dance music scene for over two decades. He is best known for being the host of BBC Radio 1's The Pete Tong's Show, which is one of the most popular dance music shows in the world.
Tong has also released several mix albums and has toured extensively. In addition to his work as a DJ, Tong is also a successful record producer and has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Finishing this list strong is Martin Garrix who has an estimated net worth of $30 million. Garrix is a Dutch DJ and producer who shot to fame in 2013 with his single "Animals." He quickly became one of the most popular DJs in the world and has headlined some of the biggest festivals.
Garrix has also released several mix albums and has his own record label called STMPD RCRDS. Garrix has been focusing on his live performances and traveling widely in recent years. At the age of 26, Garrix is one of the youngest DJs on this list but he has already accomplished a lot in his career.
As the world of electronic music continues to grow, so does the earning potential for its biggest stars. The fact that there are now multiple DJs who have amassed fortunes is a sign of just how far the industry has come. Whether they're spinning at exclusive clubs or headlining music festivals, these DJs continue to rake in the big bucks!
Calvin Harris Featured Image (Top-Left) by: Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tiësto Featured Image (Top-Right) by: Julia Keiser, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Steve Aoki Featured Image (Bottom-Right) by: Sean Kim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
David Guetta Featured Image (Bottom-Left) by: MTV International, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo Featured Image by: spike from settimo torinese, Italy, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Thomas Bangalter Featured Image by: Andrew Solio at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Alex Pall Featured Image by: Julio Enriquez from Denver,CO, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Andrew Taggart Featured Image by: Julio Enriquez from Denver,CO, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Afrojack Featured Image by: DJ Meekz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Skrillex Featured Image by: Amnesia Ibiza, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Paul Oakenfold Featured Image by: Oliverrowles, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Armin van Buuren Featured Image by: Vitaliy – https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrvital/, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Paul van Dyk Featured Image by: Christoph Köstlin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Swedish House Mafia Featured Image by: Kevindougans, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Deadmau5 Featured Image by: Deadmau5 😀, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Diplo Featured Image by: mtheory LLC, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Marshmello Featured Image by: Ted Eytan from Washington, DC, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kaskade Featured Image by: Collision Conf, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Zedd Featured Image by: Mingle Media TV, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Judge Jules Featured Image by: Mr Jolly, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Digweed Featured Image by: Peter Chiapperino a concert photographer known as Photocyclone in Honolulu, Hawaii., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Axwell Featured Image by: Jazmin Million, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Alesso Featured Image by: David Bell Def Jam, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Steve Angello Featured Image by: Web Summit, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sebastian Ingrosso Featured Image by: Fiesta Hotels & Resorts S.L..The original uploader was Alice Rising at English Wikipedia.., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pete Tong Featured Image by: Aflickion, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Martin Garrix Featured Image by: Web Summit, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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