World’s Highest Paid DJs According to Forbes

Forbes has taken it upon themselves to list the highest paid DJs. We all know that DJs make a lot of money, but how much, exactly, do these superstars pull in over a 12 month period? Well, a lot. Here’s what the biggest names in electronic music reeled in over the past year:

1. Calvin Harris – $46 million
2. Tiësto – $32 million
3. David Guetta – $30 million
4. Swedish House Mafia – $25 million
5. Deadmau5 – $21 million
6. Avicii – $20 million
7. Afrojack – $18 million
8. Armin van Buuren – $17 million
9. Skrillex – $16 million (tie)
9. Kaskade – $16 million (tie)
11. Steve Aoki – $14 million
12. DJ Pauly D – $13 million (tie)
12. Diplo – $13 million (tie)

Forbes also explained their methodology:

Our estimates include earnings from live shows, endorsements, merchandise sales, recorded music sales, external business ventures and, in the case of DJ Pauly D, television (we included him on this list because, like his fellow Electronic Cash Kings, he makes at least half his cash from DJ gigs). Sources include Songkick, Pollstar, RIAA, promoters, managers, lawyers and some of the artists themselves.

via Forbes