DJing has become a lucrative profession, with many DJs earning big bucks from album sales, tours, and merchandise. The top 10 richest DJs have amassed a combined net worth of over $1.4 billion. With the rise of music streaming and the ability to perform live, DJs have become some of the highest-paid musicians in the world. These DJs have not only made their fortunes through music but also through investments in various industries.
1. Calvin Harris – $300 Million
Calvin Harris boasts a fortune of $300 million, making him the wealthiest DJ in the world. The Scottish DJ earns a staggering $30-$40 million per year and sold his 150-song publishing catalog, including collaborations with Ariana Grande and Travis Scott, for a whopping $100 million to Vine Alternative Investments in October 2020.
2. Gianluca Vacchi – $200 Million
Gianluca Vacchi is an Italian social media personality, entrepreneur and DJ who has a net worth of $200 million. Vacchi earned his fortune from an Italian manufacturing business called IMA. As one of the company’s largest individual shareholders, Vacchi earns tens of million in dividends every year.
Gianluca became famous thanks to his Instagram account which has over 20 million followers. He is sometimes referred to as “the real life most interesting man in the world” thanks to his luxurious lifestyle.
3. DJ Tiesto – $170 Million
DJ Tiësto, also known as the “Godfather of EDM,” has a net worth of $170 million. The Dutchman is a renowned producer, musician, and DJ who performs for massive crowds worldwide. Tiësto earns $40 million per year from album sales, merchandise, licensing, and touring.
His albums “Just Be” and “Elements of Life” both topped the charts in the Netherlands. Tiësto was voted World No.1 DJ by readers of “DJ Magazine” multiple times and was honored as the “best DJ of the last 20 years” in 2013.
4. David Guetta – $150 Million
Known as “the Grandfather of EDM,” French DJ and house producer, David Guetta, has sold 50 million albums worldwide. According to CelebrityNetWorth.com, Guetta earns $20-40 million annually from album sales and tours. In 2021, Guetta sold his back catalog to Warner Music for a staggering $100 million. Apart from his DJ career, Guetta is a producer and songwriter for top artists like Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and Rihanna, which undoubtedly adds to his already impressive fortune.
5. Steve Aoki – $120 Million
The American DJ and producer is famous for his energetic live performances. Steve Aoki has an impressive resume, having collaborated with a range of artists from Linkin Park and Blink-182 to BTS and the Backstreet Boys. In addition to his music career, Aoki runs his own record label, Dim Mak Records, and fashion line, The Dim Mak Collection. Aoki made waves in the world of NFTs in 2021, earning more from one NFT drop than from his music royalties over a decade.
6. Swedish House Mafia – $100 million
The electronic dance trio comprised of Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso, are no strangers to the high life, boasting a combined net worth of $100 million. Despite disbanding in 2013, the group has continued to rake in millions through live performances and their own record labels.
But these DJ titans aren’t content with just music: Ingrosso launched N1CE Frozen Cocktails in 2016, while Axwell invests in water treatment technology and Angello funds a blockchain-based marketplace for music rights. With such diverse investments, it’s clear that these Swedes are building an empire that will last.
7. Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo – $90 million
As the second half of Daft Punk, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo has earned just as much success as his partner in their iconic musical career. Alongside his partner, Homem-Christo founded Crydamoure, a record label and music group that has played an important role in shaping the French house sound.
He has also lent his production skills to other famous French artists including SebastiAn, Charlotte Gainsbourg and The Weeknd. With a net worth of $90 million, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo continues to be a major force in the music industry.
8. Thomas Bangalter – $90 million
Thomas Bangalter is a versatile musician, songwriter, and film director with a net worth of $90 million. Daft Punk’s chart-topping hits such as “One More Time” and “Get Lucky,” have left a lasting impact on the electronic music scene. But Bangalter’s influence extends beyond Daft Punk’s music, having produced music for the film Irréversible, co-written songs for The Weeknd, and composed music for Irma Vep. Despite retiring from Daft Punk in 2021, Bangalter has left behind a legacy that will live on.
9. Alex Pall – $80 Million
Alex Pall is one half on The Chainsmokers alongside Andrew Taggart. The Chainsmokers become one of the highest-earning DJs in recent years, raking in a reported $200 million between 2017 and 2020. The duo also formed the venture capital firm Mantis. Mantis, raised $75 million in its second funding round and invests in early-stage tech companies, including real estate and dental infrastructure. The firm is also involved in the spirits industry and a blockchain-based ticketing platform.
10. Andrew Taggart – $80 Million
Andrew Taggart’s $80 million net worth comes as no surprise given the immense success of The Chainsmokers. Since starting in 2012, The Chainsmokers have racked up a string of hits, including “#Selfie”, “Closer”, and “Something Just Like This”. They have released four studio albums, with their most recent effort, “So Far So Good,” dropping in 2022. With no signs of slowing down, it’s clear that Taggart and Pall will continue to dominate the charts for years to come.
