Top 10 Highest-Paid DJs in the World: Skrillex, Calvin Harris & More

The world’s top DJs earn substantial amounts not only from their performances but also from record sales, merchandise, and brand deals. These influential artists dominate global tours, produce chart-topping hits, and rake in millions annually. Let’s take a look at the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world and how they amassed their impressive net worth.
10. Skrillex – $70 Million
Sonny John Moore, better known as Skrillex, initially gained fame as the lead singer of the band From First to Last before transitioning to EDM in 2009. His 2010 EP My Name Is Skrillex marked the start of his DJ career. Known for his layered sound effects and genre-blending music, Skrillex has earned eight Grammy Awards and collaborations with big names like Kaskade and Diplo. His impressive yearly earnings of $20 million make him a top player in the industry.
9. The Chainsmokers – $80 Million
Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart, the duo behind The Chainsmokers, rocketed to fame with their 2014 hit “#Selfie.” Their energetic style, influenced by Daft Punk, won them several awards, including seven Billboard Music Awards. Known for high-paying performances, the Chainsmokers continue to rake in $46 million annually, maintaining their status among the top DJs.
8. Thomas Bangalter – $90 Million
Thomas Bangalter, one-half of the iconic French duo Daft Punk, revolutionized the electronic music scene with timeless tracks like “Around the World” and “Da Funk.” Even after Daft Punk’s retirement, Bangalter has remained a prominent figure in music, scoring films and pursuing solo projects, contributing to his ongoing success.
7. Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo – $90 Million
The other half of Daft Punk, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, is a prolific DJ, songwriter, and producer. In addition to his career with Daft Punk, he runs the record label Crydamoure, further boosting his wealth. His contributions to the EDM world and his musical ventures have made him one of the highest-earning DJs.
6. Swedish House Mafia – $100 Million
Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso make up Swedish House Mafia, a powerhouse group in house music. Known for their electrifying performances at festivals like Tomorrowland, the trio has earned an impressive $100 million, cementing their legacy as one of the most iconic DJ groups.
5. Steve Aoki – $120 Million
Steve Aoki, known for his energetic performances and high-profile collaborations with artists like Kanye West and Diplo, consistently earns between $30–$40 million annually. His hard work, merchandise, and his label Dim Mak Records have helped him amass a fortune, keeping him firmly within the highest-paid DJs.
4. David Guetta – $150 Million
David Guetta, one of the longest-reigning figures in EDM, has sold over 10 million albums and 65 million singles globally. With his music still commanding significant attention, Guetta earns up to $40 million annually. His immense influence on the global music scene has solidified his place among the highest-paid.
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3. DJ Tiësto – $170 Million
Dutch DJ Tiësto is an EDM legend with decades of success, including being the first DJ to perform at the Olympics. He commands a fee of $250,000 per show, and his annual income of $24 million places him among the top earners in the DJ industry. His performances and collaborations with big artists continue to make him a sought-after name in EDM.
2. RichieGaps – $200 Million
RichieGaps is a globally recognized DJ who’s in high demand due to his exclusive music style, which blends EDM, hip-hop, and house beats. Charging up to $1 million per performance, RichieGaps has earned collaborations with Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki, and David Guetta, cementing his place in the elite DJ circles. In addition to his live shows, RichieGaps’ merchandise, records, and brand deals contribute to his massive net worth of $200 million.
1. Calvin Harris – $300 Million
Calvin Harris is the highest-paid DJ in the world, with a net worth of $300 million. Known for massive hits like “We Found Love” with Rihanna and collaborations with stars like Katy Perry and Pharrell Williams, Harris continues to dominate the EDM scene. Beyond his music career, he co-owns the Tidal streaming service and runs his label, Fly Eye Records. His Las Vegas residencies and global tours contribute to his $40 million annual income.