The Chainsmokers, Marshmello, Top Forbes’ Highest-Paid DJ List

It’s no surprise that the top DJs in the game make a LOT of money (as they should). While life may seem easy for the those at the top, the stresses of traveling and touring, meeting label deadlines, keeping a brand, and maintaining mental clarity for creativity (all while living an otherwise normal life) is not always easy to do.

Forbes just released their new list of highest-paid entertainers, and for the first time since 2012, Calvin Harris is not at the top. Instead, The Chainsmokers and Marshmello have dethroned the king, and sit on top raking in $46 Million and $40 Million respectively. A surprising addition to the list is DJ Pauly D, who admittedly has been playing out quite a bit lately. 

Check out the full list of electronic cash kings below.

1. The Chainsmokers ($46 million)
   2. Marshmello ($40 million)
   3. Calvin Harris ($38.5 million)
   4. Steve Aoki ($30 million)
   5. Diplo ($25 million)
   6. Tiësto ($24 million)
   7. Martin Garrix ($19 million)
   8. David Guetta ($18 million)
   9. Zedd ($17 million)
   10. Armin van Buuren ($15 million)
   11. Kaskade ($14 million)
   12. Skrillex ($13 million)
   13. Alesso ($12.5 million)
   14. Afrojack ($12 million)
   15. DJ Snake ($11.5 million, tie)
   15. DJ Pauly D ($11.5 million, tie)
   15. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike ($11.5 million, tie)

Via Forbes, “Our list of the world’s highest-paid DJs ranks electronic acts around the globe using pretax earnings from June 1, 2018 through June 1, 2019; we do not deduct fees for lawyers, agents and managers. Estimates are based on numbers from Nielsen, Pollstar, Bandsintown and Songkick, as well as interviews with industry experts and many of the stars themselves.”

The Chainsmokers, Marshmello, Top Forbes’ Highest-Paid DJ List