For the first time in six years, The Chainsmokers made of Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, leads Forbes Highest Paid DJs/Electronic Cash list.
The group axed their way to the top with a cash estimate of $46 million total, calculated from their annual earnings from Wynn Nightlife residency, six-figure festival, private appearances, endorsements and income from streaming and recorded music sales.
Marshmello comes second with $40 million, followed by Calvin Harris, who has witnessed a huge step down from his 6-years-in-a-row No. 1 spot to No. 3 this year. Steve Aoki is No. 4 with $30 million. Diplo returns to the top 5 after being cut out by Zedd last year. Six years down the line now, Skrillex makes his way back on the list at No. 12, whiles the accommodates a new member Alesso, who occupies No. 13 with $12.5 million.
Steve Aoki bagged another recognition on the compiled list by becoming the hardest-working DJ for the year under review by playing 200 shows along with streaming, endorsement deals with brands from Diesel to Samsung and outside business ventures including his Dim Mak record label and clothing brand.
Forbes explains that the list ranked all top 15 using pretax earnings from June 1, 2018 through June 1, 2019. The million-dollar figures looked at 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.
Check below for the full list:
- The Chainsmokers ($46 million)
- Marshmello ($40 million)
- Calvin Harris ($38.5 million)
- Steve Aoki ($30 million)
- Diplo ($25 million)
- Tiësto ($24 million)
- Martin Garrix ($19 million)
- David Guetta ($18 million)
- Zedd ($17 million)
- Armin van Buuren ($15 million)
- Kaskade ($14 million)
- Skrillex ($13 million)
- Alesso ($12.5 million)
- Afrojack ($12 million)
- DJ Snake ($11.5 million, tie)
- DJ Pauly D ($11.5 million, tie)
- Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike ($11.5 million, tie)
