Just Starting Out

You're newer to booking paid gigs. Use this range as a starting point, not a ceiling — if people are responding to your talent, don't be afraid to charge more.

A Few Years In

You've been booking paid gigs for a couple of years and have started building repeat relationships with venues and clients. You have some momentum and maybe a bit of a following, but you're still growing your name in the scene.

Established Locally

You're a known name in your local market with a consistent following and repeat bookings. Venues and clients regularly reach out to you for paid opportunities.

Regional Artist

You're performing beyond your local market — other cities, other states, building a following outside of your local scene. Your name carries weight in more than one market, and your rate should reflect that reach.

Bar / Restaurant

Many bars and restaurants prefer solo artists, duos, or trios. Artists who sing and play their own instrument are especially popular with venues because they require minimal setup and overhead. Restaurants can vary -- some want the same intimate setup as a bar, while others lean more toward a full band or club-style experience depending on the venue's atmosphere. These gigs typically pay a flat rate, so the real value is in consistency — a weekly residency at $150 adds up to $600–$750 a month, so depending on where you are in your career, it may still be worth considering. Make sure you bring a tip jar if the venue allows.

Club / Lounge

Club and lounge bookings typically call for a band — a three piece or more. You don't necessarily need to sing and play your own instrument. You can be a lead artist with a full band behind you. This includes restaurant lounges -- if the venue has a lounge atmosphere, think of it as a club situation regardless of whether food is served. Some clubs offer a flat guarantee, while others work on a door deal or ticket split — always ask upfront which structure they're offering so you know what you're walking into. Some clubs don't provide sound, so always confirm what the venue is supplying before you book. If you're bringing your own PA or hiring a sound person, make sure that cost is factored into your rate.

Concert / Ticketed Event

This applies when someone else is promoting or hosting a ticketed event and booking you as a featured act. The fact that people are buying tickets specifically to see you gives you more negotiating power than a typical club booking. You may be offered a flat guarantee or a percentage of ticket sales — always get clarity on the structure before agreeing. The more your name drives ticket sales, the stronger your position to negotiate your rate.

Private / Corporate Event

Private and corporate bookings come with a different set of expectations than a bar or club gig. You were specifically hired for someone's occasion -- a wedding, an anniversary, a company event -- and that comes with a different kind of responsibility. These gigs often require earlier setup and longer days. They may also involve larger rooms that require more sound equipment or a more involved load in. Unlike bars and clubs where building your audience is part of the experience, private and corporate events are centered around the client's occasion. You're there to serve their moment. The time commitment, preparation, and tailored experience all justify a higher rate.

Festival

Festival bookings can vary significantly depending on the size and backing of the event. A well-established festival with sponsors and funding behind it has more budget than a newer or smaller community event. Before negotiating your rate, it helps to understand what kind of festival you're dealing with. If you're not sure what their budget looks like, it's okay to ask -- "Do you have a budget in mind?" is a reasonable question that can save both sides time. Your position on the bill also matters -- the higher you are, the more leverage you have. If you're bringing musicians and covering production costs, make sure your ask reflects that. Don't sell yourself short -- the infrastructure behind an established festival is bigger than a typical club booking.

Intimate / House Show

Intimate and house show bookings depend heavily on the setup. A private house show -- where someone invites guests into their home specifically to see you -- should be treated more like a private event in terms of your rate. A public intimate venue like a small listening room, wine bar, or boutique space is closer to a club situation. Know which one you're walking into before you negotiate your rate.