How Much Does a Magician Cost?

I’ve seen this topic discussed online. Even seen third party entertainment websites weigh in on this topic…VERY incorrectly, I might add. When people ask, “How much do you charge for a show?” that’s about as broad of a question as walking into a dealership and asking, “How much do you charge for a car?” The cost of magician services depend on a wide variety of factors. After more than 20 years and thousands of events, my question to you would be…What’s more important to you: quality or budget?

I’ve also heard many potential clients over the years refer to the “going rate” of magicians. You have to remember that the “going rate” doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting something of quality. I think it simply refers to the average price for people or services in a particular industry. The going rate for magicians is extremely low, which is really unfortunate. It’s not necessarily the proverbial, “you get what you pay for,” but in most cases, the worst magicians I’ve seen tend to have much lower prices than the pros.

Types of Shows

There’s everything ranging from children’s birthday party, theater shows, corporate events and everything in between. Obviously, corporate shows and children’s birthday parties are going to be priced very differently. And often times, these shows aren’t just “pulled off the rack.” You also have to think of customization. Shows that are customized to deliver your company’s message are going to have a different price tag. And for children’s parties, magicians will sometimes offer gift bags to the kids, or they’ll have a special gift for the birthday child. This is usually an optional add on…very similar to how magicians can help with giveaways for trade shows or large corporate events to make more of an impact.

Factors of Price

Like any business, magicians will have rates based on numerous scenarios.

Date/Time

Certain dates and times are much more in demand than others. September through December is my busiest time of year, weekends are my busiest time of the week, and evenings are my busiest time of day. A company Christmas party on a Saturday night in December is going to be way more in demand than a Wednesday morning in July.

Location

Local events will obviously cost less than ones that require flight, hotel room, and rental car. I recently spoke with a performer who performed in Australia. His flight alone was over $12,000. Some performers, like myself, will consider almost anything three hours away, or less, local. For example, anytime a client contacts us looking for a magician in Raleigh, NC, 90% of the time, all of my travel can be done same day in a car. Flying there would take just as long, dealing with airports.

Length of Performance

This one is more of a ‘per magician’ or case by case basis. Sometimes, there won’t be a price difference for different length performances of the same type. For example, on my most in-demand nights of the year, it’s the same price to book me for one hour as it is for three.

Who Are You Getting?

Some people think that the term “professional” simply refers to someone who makes money at what they’re doing. That’s only one part of it. The other part is going to be how the person conducts themselves, not just at your event, but also during the booking process and the rest of the time leading up to the event. Do they stay in contact with you? Do they give you suggestions on how to setup the venue? You personally need to feel that your job has been made so much easier by hiring them. BUT!! When they’re at your event, you need to have instant confirmation that they were the right choice. I spoke to a couple who saw a magician at their friend’s wedding and he literally embarrassed the maid of honor so much that it made her cry. Imagine attending that wedding and feeling that level awkward hit all the guests at once.

So how can you know who the professionals are? You can ask for references or, a much easier way. Read reviews! But don’t go to the magician’s own website, because they have control over what you see there. Instead, type their name and the word “magician” on Google. Local magicians will likely have Google reviews or they’ll be on other third party entertainment websites and may have reviews there. I call these “reviews the performer has no control over.” What’s the consensus? And specifically, what’s the consensus for that performer doing events exactly like yours? That’s your cheat sheet.

So How Much Does a Magician Cost?

Here’s what you came here for. Before I get into it, it’s important for you to know that, while all of these prices are going to vary based on city and state, these are middle of the road fees for a quality magician in local market. I’m a Charlotte, NC magician and have found these prices to be almost middle of the road for entire US, in many cases. But again…quality magician. I do not take that term lightly and you shouldn’t either. You literally can make or break and entire event from level of entertainment you hire. I’m sharing information I’ve learned after many years of experience. This is information is here to help you!

And whether these prices make sense to you or you’re completely shocked by them, just know that after 20 years of meeting hundreds of magicians of the widest range of quality you could possibly imagine, there’s not one I recommend in any of these categories, that’s not either in the budget range listed or significantly higher.

Children’s Parties

For a quality magician at a children’s party, you should expect to pay no less than $500-$750. And, depending on what the magician provides (gift bags, special gift for the birthday child, etc.), it can be more. Remember that what a magician says and does in front of children is just as important than at adult events, if not more so.

Private House Parties (Adult)

This is specifically for adults, possibly even family events. For a quality magician, your budget should be minimally $1000+ and I would be more inclined to recommend at least $1500.

Corporate Events

Small, company parties of less than 30 people typically start at $1500+. These are usually done in a house, an office, or private event room at a restaurant. However, with a much larger group that involves a stage, sound system, lighting, etc., you should expect to pay $2500-$5000+. (As a side note, if you’re planning to book a corporate magician that isn’t local and has to travel to your event, you can expect to pay upwards of $7500 for a good one.)

Strolling Magician

For a close-up, strolling magician, some performers will charge an hourly rate, while others do an all inclusive fee per event. These rates vary to the point that it’s difficult to even give an educated guess. For 2 hours, think in terms of at least $1500, which can easily go up to multiple thousands depending on the quality of the performer.

Side, note, if you’re booking a wedding magician, you might want to read specifics on what I recommend. I wrote a whole article on having a magician at a wedding that might really help you.

Remember…

What you’re seeing here is what I consider middle of the road cost for local, quality magicians. It’s very easy to find ones with much lower fees. In fact, it’s significantly harder to find one with fees at the level I just gave you.

If a magician has a much lower fee, there’s a reason. And it’s usually not a reason you want to discover after you’ve hired them. In the same way, if you find someone that’s significantly higher in price, there’s a reason for that too. It usually means they are top notch in every category. I’ve learned that if people want quality, and budget is not a factor, they’ll pay top dollar. People don’t fly first class because it’s the lowest price ticket. First class is an experience they want…in other words, flying coach is an experience they don’t want.

Are they just a magician?

I only briefly include this because I had a client look for a magician in Myrtle Beach, SC. After several discussions, she not only booked me to perform my one hour show, she also booked me to emcee their corporate event. The performer really may bring big value to the table in other ways. This likely will always affect price!

Bottom Line

The bottom line is, stay away from the bottom line. If your budget is not going accommodate a professional, then don’t book an amateur. There’s nothing worse than having a tight budget and spending it all on disappointment. If your primary focus is budget, then you likely won’t see quality.