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What do you typically get paid per gig?

#21
We played originals.

About ~$100 total for an opener slot.

When we headlined, we would take a good percentage of the door / cover charge and depending on the venue a small percentage of the bar. At our best markets, on a good night we would make around $2k.
 
#27
My compensation has ranged from free to 3 drinks and a meal to 3 drinks and a meal + $50. Admittedly this was in Latvia so that was the going rate for a bar band.

No gigs for me yet this year so my overall compensation for the year has been $0. Looks like that will change soon though. Good local options are opening up.
 
#28
We're a new band just getting out there. We played short 2 non-profit gigs early this year pro bono. Backline and PA/sound were included so the effort was minimal. That opened the doors for some bar gigs.

Small, rural bars are paying $200 - $320 per 4-hour gig. We're a 4-piece so that's $50 to $80 each. Once you include set up and tear down because you have to provide your own PA & lights, it's minimum wage. These bars are small with a capacity of less than 100 guests. They simply can't pay more, but I appreciate that they still promote live music. Doing these gigs has opened the next door.

We've recently managed to secure the opening slot on an outside festival this summer which is paying $400 for a 1.5-hour gig. That's $100 per person and PA/sound is included.

Building blocks.

Oh, and we are not in it for the money or fame. We're a dad band. We just need our guy-time and to live out a bit of rock-n-roll fantasy.
 
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#29
I work steadily with two bands. The main one has full production & a small crew. Individually we get a minimum of $250-300 for clubs, anywhere from $500 & up for privates. I think the most I’ve cleared for a private is $1200.

The other band is a “live small, travel light” situation. Three piece with acoustic guitar. rhythm section & speakers on sticks. We work 3-5 nights early to mid-week and while the guarantees are only $60-120 per man we almost always receive another $40 each in tips.
 
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#31
In the past, compensation was all over the map (from nothing to something). These days I want a $100 minimum for gigs up to an hour away. More for longer travel. That rate will depend on how much I enjoy playing with the participants. There's usually a couple of drinks thrown in, and that's all I require.
 
#32
Cash. I typically get cash but on occasion I take a check but will add the cost of cashing and end of year tax into that. Most places pay cash. And be sure to get paid before you set up all the gear. That's the rules.
 
#34
Last year I received between $140 to $250 per gig, unless it was a blues jam, in which case it was between $80 and $100. For the $100 blues jam gig a backline is provided and it's a jam I regularly attend even if I'm not in the host band, so that one's a winner.
 
#35
$0 to $100 per person playing a single set of originals in small clubs. I think we're getting what we're worth under the circumstances. Usually we pass a hat or are in control of the door. If we're playing with an out-of-town band we'll take less than our share unless they're jerks because punk rock.

My 18 year old daughter also plays short original sets in clubs and can make up to four times what I do, but she's got a better band that brings in more people and charges a higher cover. And she plays jazzy pop with a group of youthful girl-savants while I play sloppy, geriatric punk.
 
#36
Anywhere from 40 to 80 per player for a multiple band showcase to a top end of about 250 per player for a small festival gig. Average is right around 80 to 150 per person for the typical 3 set bar gig. This is all in CAD not USD and as mentioned a few times they are sadly about the same rates as the 80s when I started out...
 
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